News
January 25, 2018Albany Empire Player Tryouts This Saturday
The Albany Empire Arena Football Team will host their first ever open tryout this Saturday, January 27 at Sportsplex at Halfmoon located at 6 Corporate Drive, Clifton, NY 12065. Registration will begin at 8 a.m., stretching starting at 9 a.m. and the tryouts immediately thereafter.
In attendance will be; Albany Empire ownership including Ron Jaworski, head coach Rob Keefe, Director of Football Operations Chris Thompson and the entire Albany Empire coaching staff.
“Open tryouts have been a critical part of our success in Philadelphia,” said Empire and Soul owner Ron Jaworski. We had five players that were discovered at an open tryout on [The Soul] championship team roster last season and we expect that trend to continue in Albany. I also want to thank the Sportsplex of Halfmoon for hosting this event. It is a top-notch facility that is a perfect fit for arena football and large events like this one.”
“I am excited to see what kind of talent the Capital Region has,” said Head Coach Rob Keefe. We expect a large turnout and we will be properly staffed to evaluate everybody. We have yet to sign a single player for the 2018 season. The more local talent we can find that can perform at a championship level in this league, the better. It’s going to be a monumental day for this organization.”
A pre-registration fee of $65 can be applied using PayPal at www.TheAlbanyEmpire.com before Friday, January 26 at 3 p.m. Registration after that time and the day of will require an application fee of $80 (cash or cashier’s check only). A t-shirt will be included in the cost and all fees are non-refundable.
Players will be tested on their 40-yard dash time and short shuttle with other position-specific drills and one-on-ones to follow. Please bring appropriate workout gear and shoes/cleats. Testing will take place on field turf – no metal cleats are permitted. All positions will be evaluated in tryouts- QB, WR, FB, DB, LB, DL & OL and K. A trainer will be on hand for emergencies only – not for player taping.
Players coming from out of town can get a special hotel rate at the Courtyard Marriott Clifton Park located at 627 Plank Road, Clifton Park, NY. Special rates for tryout participants are available for the nights of January 26 and 27. Call 518-579-6100 and request “Albany Arena Football League Rate” for the available special rates. The Courtyard Marriott Clifton Park is the official hotel of The Albany Empire’s inaugural season player open tryouts.
