WEST DES MOINES, Iowa – Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2011 – Soccer players interested in trying out for the Des Moines Menace’s Premier Development League team are invited to a two-day combine in Omaha, set for March 24-25.

The Omaha Sports Complex is the site of the Menace’s 2011 PDL Combine, which will be led by Menace head coach Laurie Calloway, a former Major League Soccer head coach who has been part of more than 1,000 professional matches as a player or coach.

The registration includes hotel accommodations, six meals and transportation to and from two-a-day sessions and team meals. Players are asked to check in at the host hotel between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Wednesday, March 23, for a welcome dinner. There will be morning and afternoon tryout sessions on Thursday, March 24 and Friday, March 25.

In 17 seasons, the Menace has made the PDL playoffs 10 times and qualified for the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup on five occasions (most recently in 2010). More than 40 Menace alumni have gone on to play professionally, including 22 who have played for MLS teams. Recent tryout participants who have made the Menace’s roster include Luis Piffer (2010), Adam Hooi (2009) and Greg Lehman (2008).


2011 Menace PDL Combine
What: A two-day tryout for soccer players interested in playing for the Des Moines Menace’s Premier Development League team (season runs from early May to early August).

When and Where: Wednesday, March 23 through Friday, March 25. Combine begins at host hotel Wednesday night, with check-in set for 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. and a welcome dinner to follow. Tryout sessions at Omaha Sports Complex (14706 Giles Road - Omaha, NE 68138
(402) 933-6400 and www.OmahSportsComplex.com) will run from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Thursday and Friday (four sessions total).

Coaches: Menace head coach Laurie Calloway will be assisted by Menace assistant coach Neathan Gibson and goalkeeping coach Kevin Schalk. All three coaches are former professional players; Calloway is a former MLS head coach (1996-97 San Jose Clash).

Registration: $275 (reduced from $350) covers all training sessions and team meetings, two nights’ hotel accommodations, six meals and transportation to and from the sessions and meals. Any player who makes the PDL roster will be reimbursed in full. Participants are responsible for transportation to the host hotel on Wednesday and from the last tryout session on Friday. Register online by Feb. 23 to reserve your spot.

Please bring: Black socks, black shorts, white socks, white shorts and drinks. You will receive two numbered t-shirts (one black and one white).

Contact: Call or email Adam Small with any questions – (515) 457-6365 or ajs@MenaceSoccer.com

More info:  MenaceSoccer.com/team/tryouts/