V.C. Fusion needs talented soccer players

Ventura County Fusion's Premier Development League men's team is seeking soccer players from the Ventura County area who believe they are good enough to play professionally.

Players are needed for Fusion's 2009 season roster and to play in winter exhibitions against visiting professional clubs.

Tryouts will be held at St. Bonaventure High in Ventura on Sat. and Sun., Dec. 13 and 14. Registration is open online at www.venturacountyfusion.com.

Head coach Graham Smith is looking for top college players and undiscovered talent playing in local men's leagues, in particular those who think they may have a shot at turning pro.

Smith, a former FIFAlicensed player agent and exprofessional player, maintains a network of contacts around the world and is looking for breakthrough players that can be placed with professional clubs here in the United States and overseas.

Fusion players have previously obtained trials with clubs in Sweden, France, Portugal, Germany and England. Former Fusion players are currently signed with professional clubs in Major League Soccer and United Soccer League Division One.

The mission of the USL Premier Development League, the thirdlevel tier of competition below the MLS in which the Fusion men's team plays, is to bring talent to the attention of professional clubs and to give players an experience similar to that of professionals by playing in a high-level competitive league in front of paid attendees.

Many of the league's teams feature players with experience of playing for USA national teams at junior level, for other nations or for overseas clubs. Successful teams can advance to national playoffs.

The league has an amateur status so that top college players are eligible to participate during summer break.

Fusion is also seeking nonNSCAA college players for a series of winter exhibitions against professional opposition.

The tryouts on December 13 and 14 will be used to select players suitable for the exhibition games as well as for the club's league roster.

In February, Fusion played Hammerby of Sweden, Real Salt Lake and Columbus Crew. Fusion beat Crew, then the reigning MLS champs, by a score of 1-0. A similar series is being planned for February 2009.