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PHCC to hold open tryouts for men's, women's soccer
2012-13 season will be both programs' first
Thursday, April 12, 2012
By BULLETIN STAFF REPORTS -
Patrick Henry Community College will hold open men’s and women’s soccer tryouts Aug. 1-2 at the Smith River Sports Complex, according to a news release from the school.
The 2012-13 school year will mark the inception of the Patriots’ men’s and women’s soccer programs, and PHCC’s coaches are searching for players.
“I’d like to say Lionel Messi, but I don’t think I can afford his 48.3 million dollar salary,” men’s soccer coach Scott Haywood jokingly said on who he hopes comes out. “We want good kids that are there to graduate, have a purpose and most importantly love the sport. More than anything right now, we’re looking for students of the game. I’ve got kids coming from Illinois and Wisconsin, Sao Paulo, Brazil, Bolivia and then right here in Martinsville. I hope to expand the base from where Patrick Henry touches.”
According to the release, any PHCC student that is enrolled in at least 12 credit hours of coursework is eligible to participate. Both teams will compete in the National Junior College Athletic Association, making them the only Virginia JUCO soccer teams.
Tryouts will take place from 9 to 10:30 a.m. and 3 to 4:30 p.m. each day, and players must attend at least one morning and afternoon session.
Women’s coach and current Bassett boys soccer coach Larry Wylie is also excited to give players a new avenue to compete at a smaller school in the state.
“With us being the only JUCO program in the state, hopefully we can give players that aren’t ready to play at some of the bigger schools a chance to prepare in a different way without being redshirted,” he said. “I encourage anyone who wants to continue playing at a competitive level to try out. This is very exciting to build a program from the ground up.
“I’m hoping we have a good turn out and I can find some players that want to continue to play soccer at a collegiate level. We want to give players an opportunity where they can continue their playing career and also start on their academic career.”
All players must arrive with necessary equipment, including cleats, shin guards, a ball and drinking water, the release said. The morning session will cover technical ball skills, speed, agility and conditioning. Afternoon sessions will feature small-sided and full-sided games.
Participants also must show proof of a completed Athletic Physical Examination form and Student Athlete Eligibility form. Forms are available at www.phccsports.com.
