Austin FC Academy Tryouts 2027: How to Join, Get Scouted & Contact Coaches
Looking for Austin FC Academy tryouts in 2027, wondering how to join the academy, or trying to find Austin FC Academy coach emails?
Austin FC Academy is the official youth development academy of Austin FC, competing in MLS NEXT.
Based in Austin, Texas, the academy develops talented young soccer players with the goal of preparing them for college soccer, Austin FC II in MLS NEXT Pro, and potentially Austin FC's Major League Soccer first team.
Does Austin FC Academy have open tryouts?
Austin FC Academy currently uses an invitation-based recruitment process for its MLS NEXT teams. However, the club allows interested players to submit their information directly for consideration.
It has also organized open tryouts for younger players through its Center of Excellence (COE) and U13 identification programs.
That means there are two important pathways to understand: submitting a player profile for an academy trial and attending an officially announced youth identification event.
Looking for Austin FC Academy coaching contacts? Cancha Labs helps players and families search available academy coach emails, scouting contacts, and club staff information.
Search Austin FC Academy Coaches & Contacts
Does Austin FC Academy Have Open Tryouts in 2027?
As of October 29, 2026, Austin FC has not announced a general public open tryout for all its MLS NEXT Academy teams in 2027.
The club's official recruitment page states that academy trials are by invitation.
However, players can apply to be considered for a trial, even if they have not already been contacted by an Austin FC scout.
The club reviews player submissions and contacts selected candidates when an invitation is offered.
How to Apply for an Austin FC Academy Trial
Austin FC provides an official academy recruitment page where interested players can submit their information.
Apply for Austin FC Academy Recruitment
The club also accepts player information at:
Austin FC specifically requests:
InformationWhat to ProvidePlayer nameFull nameBirth yearPlayer's year of birthVideo linkRecent playing footageCurrent clubCurrent youth soccer team
After submitting, the academy's technical staff reviews the information.
Due to the volume of applications, only players selected for an invitation will be contacted.
Submitting a profile or emailing the academy does not guarantee a trial.
Austin FC Academy U13 and Center of Excellence Tryouts
Although general MLS NEXT Academy trials are invitation-only, Austin FC has held open identification events for younger players.
On October 9, 2026, the club scheduled open trials for its U13 and Center of Excellence pathways.
Previous Austin FC Academy Open Tryout Details
RequirementDetailsDateOctober 9, 2026ProgramU13 and Center of ExcellenceLocationSt. David's Performance Center, Austin, TexasEligible birth years2014, 2015 and 2016 for the COE eventU13 announcementPlayers born in 2015 or 2016Registration deadlineSeptember 30, 2026RegistrationParent or legal guardian required
This event has already passed. It is not an active 2027 registration opportunity.
The club has not yet published a new date that we could verify for a future 2027 open evaluation.
View Official Austin FC Center of Excellence Tryout Information
What Is Austin FC's Center of Excellence?
Austin FC's Center of Excellence, or COE, is a youth development and player identification program.
It primarily works with talented younger players around the U12 level who may eventually progress toward the academy's U13 team.
Players selected for COE are invited to participate in training sessions at St. David's Performance Center.
Importantly, players selected for COE can remain with their existing youth soccer club.
COE participation does not automatically mean a player has joined the full-time MLS NEXT Academy.
Does Making COE Guarantee an Academy Spot?
No.
The Center of Excellence is a development and identification pathway, not a guaranteed academy roster position.
Players who demonstrate sufficient potential may be considered for future academy opportunities.
The academy decides which players receive invitations to join its teams.
How to Get Scouted by Austin FC Academy
Austin FC Academy identifies young players through its scouting network, recruitment submissions, and youth development programs.
If you're trying to join Austin FC Academy:
Submit an official recruitment inquiry. Use the academy's recruitment page or email the information requested by the club.
Attend a COE evaluation if eligible. Monitor official announcements for future youth identification opportunities.
Play competitive youth soccer. Seek strong training and meaningful matches with a well-organized club.
Prepare recent match footage. Include highlights and full-match video demonstrating technical ability, tactical awareness, and decision-making.
Research your age-group coaches. Identify the staff responsible for developing players in your age category.
Follow up appropriately. Avoid sending repeated messages or assuming a lack of response means an evaluation has been scheduled.
Austin FC's official process makes clear that the club contacts players only when an invitation is offered.
Austin FC Academy Age Groups and Coaches
Austin FC's official staff directory lists coaches for its U13, U14, U15, U16, and U18 teams.
Age GroupHead CoachU13Roger BonillaU14Sean AfkhaminiaU15Trevor BanksU16Alex PozoU18Steve Clark
The club also lists Marco Gutiérrez as U18 Assistant Coach.
These are the club's published assignments as of October 2026. Coaching responsibilities and age groups may change for future seasons.
Who Is the Austin FC Academy U13 Coach?
Roger Bonilla is the U13 Head Coach.
The U13 age group is an important entry point into the academy pathway.
Younger players may be identified through the Center of Excellence or other scouting activities.
Who Is the Austin FC Academy U14 Coach?
Sean Afkhaminia is the U14 Head Coach.
He works with players progressing through the club's youth development structure.
Who Is the Austin FC Academy U15 Coach?
Trevor Banks is the U15 Head Coach.
Players researching Austin FC U15 tryouts should understand that this is an MLS NEXT youth academy team, not the professional Austin FC II roster.
Who Is the Austin FC Academy U16 Coach?
Alex Pozo is the U16 Head Coach.
The U16 team helps prepare players for older academy competition and potential professional development opportunities.
Who Is the Austin FC Academy U18 Coach?
Steve Clark is the U18 Head Coach and Pro Player Pathway Manager.
His responsibilities connect the older academy age group with the club's broader professional development pathway.
Marco Gutiérrez is listed as the U18 Assistant Coach.
View Official Austin FC Academy Staff Directory
Austin FC Academy Scouts, Goalkeeper Coaches and Support Staff
The academy's official directory includes staff responsible for talent identification, goalkeeper development, physical preparation, analysis, and operations.
Academy Scouting and Player Identification
NamePositionEddy GonzálezYouth Scout ManagerJoshua ReyesYouth Scout Coordinator
These roles are particularly relevant to the academy's player identification structure.
However, the club's official recruitment form and academy email remain the published channels for player inquiries.
Academy Goalkeeping and Performance
NamePositionAdam LewisAcademy Goalkeeper CoachJim MeyerAcademy Head Performance Coach & Sports ScientistMason PolayAcademy Performance CoachHannah CharpentierHead Academy Athletic Trainer
Academy Analysis and Operations
NamePositionJuan Carlos MoralesAcademy Video AnalystRyan WellsAcademy Operations ManagerRafael EsparzaAcademy Operations Coordinator
Not every staff member is responsible for scouting or evaluating external player submissions.
Explore Austin FC Academy's Complete Staff Directory
How to Find Austin FC Academy Coach Emails
Cancha Labs provides a searchable directory of soccer coaches, academy staff, and available professional contact information.
To find Austin FC Academy contacts:
Open the Cancha Labs soccer contact search engine.
Search for Austin FC Academy.
Review available coaching, scouting, and academy leadership listings.
Create an account and unlock available contact information with a Premium subscription.
Find Austin FC Academy Coach Emails
Not every coach or scout has a listed email or phone number. Contact availability varies, and Cancha Labs does not guarantee a response or recruitment opportunity.
Official Austin FC Academy Email
The club publishes a dedicated recruitment email:
Interested players can send their name, birth year, current club, and video link to this address.
Parents or guardians should handle recruitment inquiries involving minors.
How Much Does Austin FC Academy Cost?
Austin FC Academy is a fully funded youth development program.
The club announced at its founding that selected academy players would not be responsible for registration, uniform, or team travel fees.
This is different from assuming that every affiliated camp, training program, or outside youth soccer activity is free.
Families should confirm any program-specific costs directly with Austin FC before registering.
Where Does Austin FC Academy Train?
Austin FC Academy trains at St. David's Performance Center in Austin, Texas.
The facility supports the club's professional and academy development environments.
The Center of Excellence also conducts its invitation-only training cycles at the facility.
For trial dates, arrival instructions, or youth evaluations, families should rely on the details provided in official club communications.
Can Players From Outside Austin Join Austin FC Academy?
Yes. Austin FC operates an academy homestay program designed to help recruit talented young players from across the country.
The program connects selected players with host families in Austin.
According to the club, host families support the player's education, transportation, and day-to-day development.
This means living outside the Austin area does not automatically prevent a player from being considered.
However, selection for the academy and placement in a homestay arrangement are not guaranteed.
Read About Austin FC Academy's Homestay Program
Austin FC Academy vs. Austin FC II
Austin FC operates several levels of player development.
Austin FC Academy — MLS NEXT: Youth teams focused on identifying and developing talented young players.
Austin FC II — MLS NEXT Pro: The professional development team where emerging players gain experience in professional competition.
Austin FC — MLS: The organization's Major League Soccer first team.
Joining Austin FC Academy does not automatically guarantee a professional contract.
However, the club has established a pathway allowing academy players to progress to Austin FC II and eventually the first team.
Austin FC Academy Players Who Reached Austin FC II
Anthony De Anda became the first Austin FC Academy player to sign a professional contract with Austin FC II.
De Anda joined the academy in 2021 and impressed with its U17 team before signing with the MLS NEXT Pro side.
The club also provides opportunities for academy players to compete with Austin FC II on amateur agreements.
Ahead of the 2026 season, Austin FC II announced eight academy players joining its roster on amateur agreements:
PlayerPositionChuy MorenoDefenderCooper RoneyGoalkeeperLiam FlynnGoalkeeperVona DievbiereDefenderLandry MoncriefMidfielderRyan KlingerDefenderAiden HaleWingerSebastian SeiterleDefender
Amateur agreements allow eligible academy players to train and compete in MLS NEXT Pro while maintaining applicable academy and college eligibility.
Read Austin FC II's Official 2026 Roster Announcement
Austin FC Academy Players Who Reached MLS
Ervin Torres is an example of a player who progressed through Austin FC's development pathway.
Torres joined Austin FC Academy at the U14 level in 2020.
He later made more than 50 appearances for Austin FC II and made his MLS debut with Austin FC in October 2024.
He subsequently signed a Homegrown contract with the first team through the 2028 season, with additional club options.
Torres became the first player to represent Austin FC at the academy, second-team, and MLS first-team levels.
His progression demonstrates how the club's academy pathway can lead to professional opportunities.
Read Ervin Torres' Official Homegrown Signing Announcement
How to Email Austin FC Academy About Recruitment
The club already provides an official recruitment email, making it easier for interested players and families to submit their information through a legitimate channel.
Official academy email: academy@austinfc.com
Subject: Austin FC Academy Player Inquiry — [Birth Year] — [Position]
Hello Austin FC Academy Staff,
My name is [Parent/Guardian Name], and I'm reaching out regarding my son, [Player Name].
He was born in [Birth Year] and currently plays for [Club and League] as a [Position].
We're interested in learning more about Austin FC Academy's player identification process.
His playing background includes [Brief Relevant Experience], and we've included recent match footage below.
Video: [Link]
We understand that academy trials are by invitation, and we would appreciate having his information considered by the technical staff.
Thank you for your time.
[Parent/Guardian Name]
The club requests a player's name, birth year, video link, and current club.
There is no need to send extensive personal information about a minor in an initial inquiry.
Austin FC Academy Tryouts: Frequently Asked Questions
Does Austin FC Academy have open tryouts in 2027?
As of October 29, 2026, Austin FC has not announced general public open tryouts for its MLS NEXT Academy teams in 2027. Players can submit their information for consideration for invitation-only trials.
How do I apply for Austin FC Academy?
Visit the club's official academy recruitment page or send the requested player information to academy@austinfc.com.
What information should I send to Austin FC Academy?
The club requests the player's name, birth year, video link, and current club.
Does Austin FC Academy have U13 tryouts?
Yes, the club held an official U13 open evaluation on October 9, 2026, for eligible younger players. That event has passed, and no new date was verified for 2027.
What is Austin FC's Center of Excellence?
The Center of Excellence is a youth development and identification program that works with talented younger players who may eventually progress toward the academy's U13 team.
Does joining COE guarantee an academy spot?
No. COE participation does not guarantee selection for the full-time MLS NEXT Academy.
Who is the Austin FC Academy U13 coach?
Roger Bonilla is listed as U13 Head Coach.
Who is the Austin FC Academy U14 coach?
Sean Afkhaminia is listed as U14 Head Coach.
Who is the Austin FC Academy U15 coach?
Trevor Banks is listed as U15 Head Coach.
Who is the Austin FC Academy U16 coach?
Alex Pozo is listed as U16 Head Coach.
Who is the Austin FC Academy U18 coach?
Steve Clark is listed as U18 Head Coach and Pro Player Pathway Manager.
Who are the Austin FC Academy scouts?
The club's staff directory lists Eddy González as Youth Scout Manager and Joshua Reyes as Youth Scout Coordinator.
How can I find Austin FC Academy coach emails?
Search Austin FC Academy on Cancha Labs to review available coaching and scouting staff contacts. The club also publishes academy@austinfc.com for recruitment submissions.
Is Austin FC Academy free?
Austin FC describes its academy as fully funded, with registration, uniform, and team travel fees covered for selected players.
Can players outside Texas join Austin FC Academy?
Yes. The club operates a homestay program designed to accommodate selected academy players from other areas.
Is Austin FC Academy the same as Austin FC II?
No. Austin FC Academy consists of youth development teams competing in MLS NEXT. Austin FC II is the professional development team competing in MLS NEXT Pro.
Can Austin FC Academy players become professionals?
Yes. Players such as Anthony De Anda and Ervin Torres have progressed from Austin FC Academy into the club's professional development pathway.
Find Austin FC Academy Coaches and Club Contacts
Whether you're researching Austin FC Academy tryouts, U15 or U16 coaches, academy scouting, or MLS NEXT recruitment, understanding the club's official player identification process is an important first step.
Austin FC allows interested players to submit their information for an invitation-only trial, and it has previously held open evaluations for younger players through its Center of Excellence.
Submit Your Official Austin FC Academy Recruitment Inquiry
Cancha Labs also helps players and families search academy coaches and available contact information.
Browse Austin FC Academy Coach Emails & Contacts
Last reviewed: October 29, 2026. Age-group assignments, recruitment procedures, and tryout availability can change. Cancha Labs is an independent contact research service and is not affiliated with Austin FC, Austin FC Academy, or MLS NEXT.