The Kansas Soccer Academy will be having tryouts Friday and Saturday at Free State High for its Fall 2007 league.

The KSA was founded four years ago by Free State soccer coach Jason Pendleton and Kansas University soccer coach Mark Francis. Since then the league has helped many youngsters improve their individual skills at playing soccer.

Pendleton said that more than 100 boys and girls are expected to tryout for the KSA this weekend, and the coaches will have a few things in mind when it comes to what they are looking for in selecting players.

“We are looking for kids with the potential to improve their overall soccer abilities,” he said. “Fitness, attitude, athleticism and ability all play a role.”

Pendleton said the tryouts will give him a chance to evaluate players’ skill level now and also look to see who can improve in the future.

“We will do multiple activities that measure specific soccer skills of the players but will also evaluate their playing ability and their potential to get better,” Pendleton said.

Ten-year-old Kyle Vogelsang and his brother, Luke, 12, will be trying to earn spots on the team this weekend. Their mother, Linda, said that her sons’ participation in the KSA has proved to be a rewarding experience.

“We have seen the kids grow from individuals to team players,” she said.

The boys have played soccer since kindergarten, and Kyle said he prepared for the tryouts by practicing juggling and dribbling. And Luke practiced soccer with his brother and has been swam for the Aquahawks. Luke was selected last year and hopes to have a repeat performance.

“I would enjoy playing with my teammates again for another season,” Luke said.

Kyle said if he was fortunate to make the cut, he could become very emotional.

“Really happy, excited; a dream come true,” he said.

Luke said he needed to improve on was his speed and footwork. And Kyle said he wanted to improve on his attacking. Pendleton added that what he enjoyed most about the Academy was seeing the progression of the players over a few seasons.

“From the coaching director spot it’s very satisfying to see our young players continue to get better from year-to-year,” he said. “We have some young boys and girls in our program who have made massive improvements in the last two years.”

Pendleton said players learned life lessons like dedication and dependability while competing in the league.

“I think the players who participate get great training and are better prepared for demands that the game of soccer places on players,” Pendleton said. “Additionally, they are learning life skills about commitment and responsibility.”