Seattle Sounders Academy Tryouts 2024: location, cost &schedule

What is Sounders Academy? The Seattle Sounders Academy or Pathway is the development wing of MLS outfit Seattle Sounders, saddled with the responsibility of developing young players for the senior team.

The Seattle Sounders Academy is among the best soccer academies in the United States.

This could result from successes recorded over the years, including top players who have gone on to represent the senior team.

The Academy aims to produce Homegrown Players comparable with the world’s elite. Players who can adjust and adapt to the ever-changing demands of Professional Soccer.

How to join Seattle Sounders Academy/Tryouts 2024

There are three ways to be a part of Seattle Sounders FC Academy, which includes Scout Identification, Personal Player Application and Youth Programs Identification.

For Personal Player Application, follow this step and apply for the Seattle Sounders FC Academy.

1. Prepare every personal details

2. Head over to the Sounders Personal Player Application page here.

3. Fill in the most correct details about you, e.g. name, citizenship, etc.

4. Click the submit button to submit

5. Be watchful and wait for an invitation (a call will be placed across to you by a representative)

6. Follow all instructions given to you by the representative.

7. Attend the tryouts the day you are told to do so.

Regarding soccer development in the United States, the Sounders have a great reputation for developing elite players.

Detailed overview on how to join Seattle Sounders FC Academy

Scout Identification

The Academy scouts hired by the club would observe weekly matches for the best-performing players. These reports are directed accordingly by the Head of Recruitment for the Seattle Sounders FC Academy.

The club uses a detailed, long-term talent identification model to discover the best-performing players.

Reports from the scouts are communicated to the Head of Recruitment, who will make all contacts when permitted, per league rules.

As per the club, individual players can initiate contact with the club at any time by filling out the application below, known as the Personal Player Application above.

Personal Player Application

The Personal Player Application enables players or guardians to apply for a trial at Seattle Sounders FC Academy.

Once your application is received, it will be submitted to the Head of Recruitment for consideration.

This could take some time before a response would be sent to you due to the high volume of interest. The club invites players allowed to participate in the tryouts for the exercise.

Youth Programs Identification

The Seattle Sounders FC Youth Program Identification includes Sounders FC Camps, Youth Dream Camps, Club Development Programs and Scholarships.

For more about Sounders Youth Camp, please check the official website.

What is the Discovery Program?

The Sounders Discovery Program (SDP) was created to discover young talents in the age-grade (U-14), (U-13), and (U-12). It aims to discover young players who would possibly join the club’s main Academy.

For the club, it is one of the best ways to identify players for Sounders Academy.

For the players, it is an avenue to discover and develop their talent through game exploration, high-level training, proven educational methods and top-level coaching.

Players selected during the Discovery Program will train twice weekly and in special event programming. The club will select a pool of 21 players for twice-weekly training. Training will take place at Starfire Sports Complex.

Seattle Sounders 2nd team (Tacoma Defiance)

The Seattle Sounders 2nd team (Tacoma Defiance) plays in the USL Championship. The team comprises Professional Soccer players ready to divide into the MLS team.

The Tacoma Defiance Soccer Club, owned by Seattle Sounders FC, plays its home games at the Cheney Stadium in Tacoma, Washington.

Location & training centre

The Sounders FC Academy is located in Seattle, WA, United States.

How much does it cost

The Sounders Academy is free of cost for all selected players and has many additional benefits, such as players earning a professional contract. Special Programs are expected to come with additional fees.

About Seattle Sounders Academy

The Seattle Sounders Soccer Development Academy is a pathway for young players aiming for the highest level.

Players begin as young as U-8 through the club’s Discovery Program held with various partner clubs across the Washington area.

Based on partnerships with other Washington clubs, players are provided for the Sounders Academy. The club’s policy for Full-time U.S. Soccer Development Academy teams begins at the U-15 age group.

Seattle Sounders aims to accelerate individual development for each player by exposing them to the global standard of soccer.

Final Thoughts

Seattle Sounders FC Academy is one of the best soccer development academies in the United States.

The club offers state-of-the-art facilities, an environment conducive enough to help accelerate your development.

The academy pathway is the most recommended for any serious individual. This is because you’ll learn every aspect of Soccer, including the tradition of the club you signed to play.

Another advantage is getting a professional contract at the end of your years with the club’s development academy.

Most clubs do offer professional contracts to their best-performing Academy graduates, and you could be the lucky one.

As a member of the Academy, you would be presented with the opportunity to play alongside other players who have the same goals as you. This will not only help develop but boost your level of confidence.

Another advantage is participating in regional, domestic and international soccer competitions, which are other ways to learn new ideas and concepts.