FORT BENNING, Ga., (April 22, 2015) -- The All Army Soccer Trial Camp returned to Fort Benning's Stewart-Watson Field and will have their annual trials through May 2.
This is the first year since 2011 Fort Benning has hosted the camp.
Following the camp, players will travel to Jacksonville, Florida, to practice and play semi-professional teams in preparation for the Armed Forces Championship May 12-21 at Marine Corps Air Station, Miramar, California.
From the applications submitted to attend the camp, only 30 players were selected for the trial camp, said Spencer Folds, trial camp coordinator.
Soldiers will travel from different states and from Army posts in Europe to attend the camp, he said. Cuts will be made during the camp down to 22 players who will make the final roster.
The players will be training three times a day, Folds said. There will be a training session at 7 a.m., a yoga session at 11 a.m. and another training session at 4 p.m.
It's open practice too, he said, so soccer enthusiasts are encouraged to come out and support the players.
"The last time we held this camp (in 2011) ... we had a walk on," Folds said. "(The coach) picked up somebody who didn't apply."
Folds said the trial camp gives the coach the opportunity to pick the best players.
"That's the goal," he said. "Pick from the best, make the best (and) go win."
Folds said traveling to Jacksonville allows the team to practice on a turf field, which Fort Benning doesn't have.
"The Armed Forces Championship will be played on turf," Folds said. "When it comes to soccer, turf and grass (differ)."
It differs in the sense of speed, bounce, the feel and so on, he said.
For more information, email spencer.j.folds.naf@mail.mil.
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