If you’re new to the Indiana Soccer Scene, the Hoosier State has seen quite a bit of transition in the fall and winter of 2019. And as 2020 officially kicks off the next decade, growth at the lower tiers of the US Soccer “pyramid” has been relatively rampant. With three (3) leagues represented for new teams (announced as of January 5th), there are plenty of clubs / teams throwing their hat into the ring. One of the newcomers is Fort Wayne FC, set to kick off their inaugural season in the NPSL later this year. In an effort to build a competitive roster from scratch, Fort Wayne FC hosted its first ever open tryouts on January 2nd, 2020 at the Plex in Fort Wayne.

The tryouts were structured into two unique two-hour blocks for players aspiring to compete at an NPSL-level of play. With additional tryouts scheduled later in the winter and spring, as well as a new coaching staff that is still coming together in the off-season targeting their player pools and networks, Fort Wayne’s first event saw just over 100 players make an attempt to impress the staff.

Fort Wayne FC joins South Bend Lions, Indy Saints FC and FC Pride as new men’s side entries into the competitive landscape in 2020 out of the Hoosier State. Below is a run down of the tryouts for club from the eye of a former non-league club guy…

Around 55 players attended the 2:00 pm tryout session. Fort Wayne FC had “staff” members coordinating warm up and small-sided game sessions. It appears as though the club has done a tremendous job in developing relationships with the local youth clubs to get coaching staff volunteers to support their efforts. Nine goalkeepers were being put through their paces in the middle of the Plex’s pitch, while simultaneously four small-sided 4v4 to 5v5 matches were played.

Once warmed up and loose, the players moved into 9v9 side-by-side matches. Away from the pitch, in talking with Fort Wayne FC’s President (and Co-Owner) Erik Magner, there were several media engagements to perform throughout the day. In addition to interviews, Magner helped facilitate media coverage of the tryout itself. With a viewing platform above the field, along with field access, there were plenty of decent camera views to grab footage. A quick note about the Plex – great facility for this type of event, and training for a club at this level. Fort Wayne FC managed credentials and had several volunteer staff (and all front office) members ensuring the event was closed to the public. Through connections I’ve made with the club first with Old Bhoys Soccer Club, and now through Hoosier Soccer Corner, I was able to coordinate with the club to grab a credential and watch both sessions. Inside the Plex, the club has branded extremely well, and was prepared for the visibility this tryout offered. Look for more high-profile coverage and news in the coming month(s) from this side.

Back to the pitch…

As the 9v9 sessions wound down, there were only 2-3 players that showed sufficient potential in my opinion to be truly considered for an NPSL-quality side. These players that warranted further evaluation stuck around for the 4:00 pm session. The overall quality of the early 9v9 session was not of the highest quality, but the coaching staff were able to identify players that may help round out a roster or possibly look at a reserve-type of squad approach. With more Hoosier-state clubs, and entrants int eh OVPL, MWPL, etc., there may be opportunities for a deeper roster to stay match-fit should the reserves be needed down the stretch for NPSL. Additionally, the club hasn’t confirmed their cup competition intent yet – but look for that to potentially include Amateur Cup or Open Cup ambitions.

As the 4:00 session kicked off, there were far fewer goalkeepers (five?) and a total number of around 50. As mentioned above, a handful of players remained from the 2:00 session to compete. The quality of play in the second group was noticeably higher overall; however, still noticed some deficient play and inability to connect that won’t be tolerated at the NPSL level. This session started right into 9v9s, and eventually morphed into a full-sided 11v11 matchup, rotating players in considerably throughout the timeslot. The second group was more tightly coordinated; and the flow between sessions or groups of players was much smoother than the first session. Several players showed nerves throughout the session. After the 11v11, the coaching staff pulled the trialists together for a summary and breakdown of the day – much like after the 2:00pm session. Following film review and coaching meetings, Fort Wayne FC has decisions to make as well as a second round of tryouts in February to continue to unearth players to help field a competitive side this season.

Ultimately, these tryouts provide an ideal opportunity for the club to evaluate any talent they may want to invite back and build dialogue with over time. Roster size and overall goal / vision of competitions continues to evolve; the club has ambitious management. NPSL league play is the first priority here; but also building depth and consistency with a high level of training.

From an event point of view, Fort Wayne FC represented themselves well to the players – it felt more big time than Old Bhoys SC events I’ve run…

That said, there are plenty of opportunities for the club to improve upon. There is plenty of time ahead of the first friendly, which is still TBD. Should make for an exciting soccer season in the Fort. If you’re a fan of this level of soccer, get involved with the Three Rivers Regiment – the local supporter group. Should be a good time at FWFC home matches!

- Andy Hayes