PITTSBURGH (April 30, 2018) – The Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC Development Academy has unveiled dates and times for all 2018-2019 teams playing out of its Pittsburgh location. Tryouts will kick off next Monday, May 7 at Highmark Stadium with multiple rounds set for all teams that will stretch through an entire month at both the Hounds’ home venue and Montour Junction Sports Complex.
An anticipated 27 RDA teams will be formed for teams ranging from Under-8/9 through Under-18/19 – growing from the 20 teams already in operation. While these particular youngest and oldest age groupings marry two years together, all other teams will be set for individual years/ages (i.e. Under-10, Under-11, etc.).
“This year has, again, been one of positive change and excitement,” Academy Director Scott Gibson said. “Playing in the ECNL, adding a fantastic training venue in Coraopolis, sending more and more players into college soccer, and revealing a new club branding has resulted in an outpouring of interest in our offerings which has been great to see.”
The month-plus long duration of the tryouts will allow staff to make informed decisions, while also providing families a healthy span of time to understand club culture and expectations. Additionally, the club has built in an optional video analysis platform, which will offer parents the ability to submit current video clips of their child in games or training sessions for initial review by the RDA.
Initial tryout rounds will conclude in early June, with additional dates added as necessary. Further information on the video analysis component can be found below.
With the competitive year soon to hit full swing, additional announcements coming from the RDA in the following week include staff assignments by team, annual competitive calendars, as well as an exciting announcement regarding league play for the Under-10-12 teams.
Registration for tryouts is now open. For a full list of dates and times, as well as to register, visit https://www.riverhounds.com/tryouts.
Optional Video Analysis Component Added
As part of the club’s attempt to assess as many players as possible, it has taken steps to build an optional video analysis platform which will offer parents the ability to submit current video clips of their child in games or training sessions for initial review by the RDA. While video clips are not required and will not serve as replacement for actual tryout participation, a panel of RDA staff will review submitted video in order to offer recommendations to families regarding RDA potential.
“Video is a common tool we and other clubs consistently use at the professional level when making initial determinations on players for upcoming tryouts,” Sporting Director Jason Kutney said. “Our staff is equipped to review video clips and, ultimately, to help the families understand if attending RDA tryouts will make sense for their son or daughter. It is an undertaking for us, but we want to help serve local soccer families and this is a step in that direction.”
Video submissions must be sent via YouTube links and should not exceed five minutes in duration, unless the RDA requests additional video. Video will not be assessed unless sent directly from the parent or guardian of the youth player with approval to view. All video-related emails must be sent to rdavideo@https://www.riverhounds.com.
