Tryouts begin this weekend at FC Dallas for Sueño MLS 2011

NEW YORK - The dream begins this weekend for more than 400 aspiring young soccer players as Sueño MLS 2011 – presented by Allstate, the nationally-televised player search, kicks-off with tryouts April 9-10 at Pizza Hut Park in Frisco, Texas, home of FC Dallas.

While pre-registration for the FC Dallas event is full, players are encouraged to sign up in person for the “walk-up” list, starting Saturday, April 9 at 8 a.m. local time. The Pizza Hut Park soccer complex is located at 9200 World Cup Way, Frisco, Texas 75034-4958. Leading the scouting efforts will be former MLS star and current FC Dallas Director of Player Development Oscar Pareja.

Friends and family of participating players, as well as the general public, are invited to watch the tryouts and enjoy the interactive fan zone presented by event partners. FC Dallas star and league MVP David Ferreira, as well as República Deportiva personalities are scheduled to make special appearances.

WHO:

• More than 400 aspiring young soccer players
• FC Dallas scouts, including Director of Player Development Oscar Pareja
• FC Dallas and MLS MVP David Ferreira (Sat. 1-2 p.m.)
• TV personalities from Univision’s República Deportiva

WHAT: FC Dallas tryouts for Sueno MLS 2011 – presented by Allstate

WHERE: Pizza Hut Park soccer complex - 9200 World Cup Way, Frisco , Texas 75034-4958.

WHEN:

• Saturday, April 9, from 9 a.m. to approximately 7 p.m. (special appearance by FC Dallas star David Ferreira 1 to 2 p.m.)
• Sunday, April 10, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

WHY: To find the best undiscovered young soccer player in the country

About Sueño:

Now celebrating its fifth year, Sueño MLS 2011 – presented by Allstate will be staged by three MLS clubs, including first-time host, Philadelphia Union, as well as returning hosts Chicago Fire and FC Dallas. Up to 400 tryout spots were made available at each city on a first come, first served basis.

In each city, players will be battling for one of five invitations to a week-long trial with their respective youth development host club and an invitation to the exciting four-day “Final Event” which will be staged for the first time in the greater Dallas area. The finals will include training sessions, scrimmages, guest celebrity scouts, and an opportunity to meet some of the League’s biggest stars. The ultimate champion will be crowned on Sunday, May 8, live on “República Deportiva” (see calendar below for more information).

Univision Network’s “República Deportiva,” the highest-rated weekly sports magazine program on Spanish-language television in the United States which airs nationally every Sunday, will follow the action weekly in a unique “reality show within a show” format.

New to Sueño MLS for 2011, is the Allstate “Good Hands®” top goalkeeper award - El Portero Allstate. One goalkeeper at each of the three local tryouts will be selected as the top goalkeeper, and at least two of the three will be chosen to join the other local finalists at the national final. “El Portero Allstate” will be selected in addition to the Sueño MLS 2011 - presented by Allstate champion.

MLS partners participating in Sueño MLS 2011 – presented by Allstate, also include adidas, Degree Men, Gatorade, Pepsi and Volkswagen.

2011 TIMELINE

April 9-10                            Local market tryouts (FC Dallas)

April 16-17                          Local market tryouts (Chicago Fire)                                    

April 23-24                          Local market tryouts (Philadelphia Union)              

May 5-8                              “Final Event” in Frisco, Texas

May 8                                 Announcement of winner on Univision Network’s "República Deportiva"

PARTICIPANT ELIGIBILITY:

Eligible players must be between the ages of 14 and 18 years old (with appropriate identification) and retain their amateur status. Current collegiate student athletes will not be permitted to attend the final event in Frisco, Texas. Sueño MLS participants will be responsible for all personal expenses associated with the local market tryout, including travel to local tryouts, lodging, food, and soccer equipment (shoes, training gear, etc.). Program sponsors will cover all expenses for up to eighteen (18) participants selected to attend the final event in Frisco, Texas. For more information, please visit www.SuenoMLS.com .  Participation in the event is free. Players may not register for more than one city.

PAST WINNERS

*Co-winners in 2008