TALENT SEARCH IN CHULA VISTA
Hundreds attend Club Tijuana Tryouts at Hilltop High
CHULA VISTA –Club Tijuana Xoloitzcuintles de Caliente’s Xolos USA Academy in Chula Vista held its first tryout of the week Monday night at Hilltop High School.
More than 100 young athletes took part in the Under-5 to Under-14 tryouts for boys and girls conducted by academy coaches at the high school’s football stadium. The athletes went through a handful of drills and activities under the watchful eye of certified coaches.
The tryouts continue Tuesday through Wednesday for the same categories at the same location. Chula Vista academy Director and Club Tijuana’s Under-17 coach Ignacio Ruvalcaba talked about the first day of tryouts and the type of player the academy is looking for.
“We expected a lot of kids on this first day and we got that,” Ruvalcaba said. “The kids came in with enthusiasm and a will to do well and so did the coaches. The kids really liked the drills we went through. We are looking for kids with talent in these tryouts but if they are not that talented, it doesn’t mean they can’t stay within the academy. We want to have a great academy for everyone where the kids can learn where we can teach them and help them develop as players so they can reach their dreams. We won't turn anyone away.”
Coach Rene Ortiz also spoke about what the coaches saw during the tryout Monday.
“We are looking for any player who wants to be part of our program and is excited to play soccer the Xolo way,” Ortiz said. “We want players that want and can take their skills and abilities to their next level. We want anyone who is excited to learn and be part of a serious club.”
The Xolos USA Academy is designed to teach children the same qualities thought to all of Club Tijuana’s teams competition in the LIGA Bancomer MX in the Mexican First Division.
The plan under these new coaches heading into this season has a few key points. We are incorporating the Club Tijuana “Fuerzas Basicas” (Reserves) program to the boys and girls academies in the United States. All of our players will have a curriculum that aligns with that of Club Tijuana Xoloitzcuintles de Caliente’s reserves. The program will be in detail for every position, line, tactical area and game scheme.
All of our teams will be coordinated from Mexico by Ruvalcaba. The high school age boys and girls teams will participate in two college showcases per year. Players will be evaluated during each training session and could have the opportunity to join the Reserves teams in Mexico.
The Chula Vista tryouts go on this week at Hilltop High School: 555 Claire Ave, Chula Vista, CA 91910
5 to 10 year old:
Boys and Girls
March 4th and 5th, 6:30 to 7:45 p.m.
11 to 14 years old
Boys and Girls
March 4th and March 5th
7:30 to 8:30 p.m.
