2026-27 TEAM FORMATION PROCESS

Bend, OR — Bend FC has announced it will host the Girls Academy Aspire Tryout (U13–U19), Round 1 of 2, March 16–19 at Pine Nursery Park (Bend FC Soccer Complex) in preparation for the 2026/27 competitive season. In addition, all Bend FC players, boys and girls U11–U19, will participate in a Pre-Tryout Camp during the same week, organized under the new 2026/27 seasonal age group structure. In response to new age groupings introduced by U.S. Soccer, Bend FC has developed this comprehensive evaluation program to help athletes transition into their new playing environments while reducing the stress often associated with traditional tryouts. The March 16–19 sessions include two 1.5-hour training sessions and serve as Round 1 of the two-part tryout process. All players are encouraged to attend Round 1 (March 16-19) and are required to attend Round 2 (May 11–14, 2026), and families only need to register once for the full process. No team invitations will be extended following Round 1 for non-Platform League players, as this phase is for evaluation and identification only; invitations for non-Platform teams will be sent during the week of May tryouts. However, Girls Academy Aspire (U13–U19), and potentially Boys ECNL RL teams if applicable, may provide early placement notifications in alignment with platform roster timelines, though final roster decisions are confirmed after Round 2. The May 11-14th tryouts are required for all registered players who sign up for the team selection process registration.

The Pre-Tryout Camp is open to players born between 2008 and 2016 who currently compete at the Premier, Select, or Competitive levels, as well as Junior Academy players aging out of JDA (August 1, 2015 – July 31, 2016). The program is designed to provide additional exposure to future decision-making coaches, introduce players to their new age-group environments, support emotional and mental readiness, and assist in early Platform team identification. Bend FC’s evaluation model combines previous season development feedback, structured on-field assessments, and real-game simulation windows to provide a comprehensive and holistic view of each player’s abilities. “By extending the evaluation period and creating multiple opportunities for players to be seen, we are ensuring a fair and accurate placement process,” said club leadership. “Our goal is to support development while removing unnecessary pressure from the tryout experience.” Following the Pre-Tryout Camp, players will continue through the formal final tryout round May 11–14, 2026, with final roster placements communicated afterward

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.

Additional Information:
Attendance at the Pre-Tryout Camp is recommended but not mandatory for U11–U19 non-Platform League players. Not attending the March Pre-Tryout Camp will not negatively impact a player’s ability to attend or be evaluated during the May 11–14 tryouts. The Pre-Tryout Camp is intended to provide additional exposure to coaches and allow players to train and compete within their new 2026/27 age group structure. Girls Academy Aspire league players (U13–U19) are highly recommended to attend Round 1, as formal invitations may begin during this phase as part of the two-round platform process. If the Boys U13–U19 11v11 teams are accepted into ECNL-RL, early invitations may also begin in Round 1 for that group; however, that status is currently pending. All boys teams U11–U19 are currently participating in the Pre-Tryout Camp evaluation period, with team invitations issued following May tryouts. Regardless of March attendance, all players must register for tryouts and attend the May 11–14 session. Players who attend in March are still required to attend in May, and players who do not attend in March must attend in May.

PLAYER’S AGE GROUP-ROSTER FORMATION TOOL