2026-27 TEAM FORMATION PROCESS

Bend FC Announces 2026–2027 Competitive Tryouts (U11–U19)

May 11–14, 2026 | Pine Nursery Park – Bend FC Soccer Complex

Bend FC is excited to announce official tryouts for the 2026–2027 Competitive Season for boys and girls U11–U19, taking place May 11–14, 2026 at the Bend FC Soccer Complex at Pine Nursery Park.

These tryouts are the required and final evaluation phase for all players seeking placement within Bend FC’s competitive programming for the upcoming seasonal year.

Why Bend FC?

At Bend FC, we are committed to developing the complete player and person through a proven pathway focused on:

• Cognition – Decision-making, awareness, and game understanding
• Competence – Technical skill development and tactical growth
• Character – Leadership, resilience, and accountability

Our club provides a structured, supportive, and competitive environment where players of all levels can grow, compete, and thrive.

Competitive Pathways (U11–U19)

Girls U13–U19 – Team Placement & League Structure

For the 2026/2027 season, Bend FC girls teams will compete across multiple platforms based on level of play and team placement:

• Gold Teams (Premier Level): Compete in the Girls Academy Aspire (GA Aspire) league
• Black & White Teams (Select & Competitive Levels): Compete in OYSA leagues

Bend FC proudly competes in the Girls Academy Aspire League for its second year, a national platform designed to provide:

• High-level competition and exposure
• A clear pathway into top-tier Girls Academy opportunities
• A professional training and match environment

Boys U13–U19 – Team Placement & League Structure

For the 2026/2027 season, Bend FC teams will compete across multiple platforms based on level of play and team placement:

• Gold Teams (Premier Level): Compete in the MLS Elite Academy EA2 league
• Black & White Teams (Select & Competitive Levels): Compete in OYSA league play

Bend FC has been accepted into the EA2 platform for U13–U19, providing an exciting opportunity for our top-level teams.

Participation in EA2 offers:

• Elevated competition and visibility
• Enhanced development opportunities
• A structured pathway into higher-level regional and national play

U11–U12 Boys & Girls – Team Placement & League Structure

For the 2026/2027 season, U11–U12 teams will compete in development-focused leagues designed to prepare players for future platform-level play:

• Girls Gold, Black & White Teams: Compete in OYSA state-run leagues
• Boys Gold Teams: Compete in the Pre-MLS NEXT league
• Boys Black & White Teams: Compete in OYSA state-run leagues

At this stage, the focus is on building a strong foundation through:

• Strong technical development
• Introduction to tactical concepts
• Preparation for future platform-level play (EA2, GA Aspire, and beyond)

Final team placement and league assignment will be confirmed as part of the team formation process following tryouts.

Tryout Process & Expectations

• All players must register online to participate
• Attendance at May 11–14 tryouts is REQUIRED for team placement
• Players will be evaluated by Bend FC’s professional coaching staff across multiple sessions
• Final roster selections will be communicated following the conclusion of tryouts

Important Note on Pre-Tryout Participation

While Bend FC offered a Pre-Tryout Camp earlier in the year, attendance at those sessions does not replace or waive participation in the May 11–14 tryouts.

All players—regardless of prior participation—must attend the May tryouts to be considered for team placement.

Who Should Attend?

Bend FC tryouts are open to players who are:

• Motivated to develop and compete at a higher level
• Currently playing in recreational, academy, or competitive environments
• Looking for a structured pathway with experienced coaching and clear progression opportunities

Our Commitment to Players & Families

Bend FC is dedicated to creating a positive, transparent, and development-focused tryout experience. Our extended evaluation model ensures:

• Fair and accurate player placement
• Multiple opportunities for players to be seen and evaluated
• Clear communication throughout the process

We understand that choosing the right club is an important decision for families, and we are committed to supporting each player’s journey both on and off the field.

2016 Birth Year Players:
For players currently in Junior Development Academy or Recreational soccer who were born in 2016, placement will depend on their specific birthdate under the new age group matrix. Players born between August 1, 2015 – July 31, 2016  will move into U11 Competitive for the 2026/27 seasonal year. Players born between August 1, 2016 – July 31, 2017  will remain in Recreational soccer or Junior Development Academy for an additional year before moving into the U11 pathway. This adjustment aligns with U.S. Soccer’s updated age group structure and ensures players transition at the appropriate developmental stage. Please reach out to Cole McCool for any questions or if you would like to have your child try out for competitive.

PLAYER’S AGE GROUP-ROSTER FORMATION TOOL