Does Portland Timbers hold academy tryouts?
Timbers Training Facility · Portland, Oregon · Checked October 16, 2026
Yes, for the Discovery Juniors program, which feeds the Timbers Academy. The 2026-27 tryouts were held August 22 to 23, 2026, for players born 2015 to 2018, and registration is closed. Discovery Seniors (U13 and U14) is invite-only. Tryouts cost $40 and training costs $425 a year.
Got a tryout? How to prepare your child, including MLS NEXT → How MLS NEXT tryouts work, in one guide →How recruitment works
Two tryout sessions in August. Offers by email within 24 to 48 hours. Training on Sunday evenings in fall and spring blocks.
- 01Discovery Juniors tryouts
For players born 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018. Tryouts are held each August, in two sessions at a central field. Coaches pick up to 20 players per age group. Players must register in advance.
Official page ↗ - 02Discovery Seniors (U13 and U14)
Invite-only. The program manager scouts Discovery Juniors, state ODP events and local club games, and asks club directors for recommendations.
Official page ↗ - 03Timbers Academy teams
Discovery Seniors prepare players for the Timbers Academy teams (U15, U16 and U18).
Official page ↗
- Portland metro: northeast, south and west training centers
- Oregon ODP and local club games
- Players across the state may try out for Discovery Juniors
- Ask who is inviting you: the academy itself, or a camp or paid program run by the club's youth department.
- Ask whether the invitation is for one trial, a training pool or a team place. Pools can run for months.
- Ask in writing about cost, travel and school before you agree to anything.
- Tell your child's current club. MLS academies usually contact the current club first.
What to check before you agree
What parents ask about Portland Timbers
When are Portland Timbers Discovery Juniors tryouts?
The club holds them in August. The 2026-27 tryouts were August 22 to 23, 2026 and registration is closed. The club has not published the next dates.
How much do Discovery Juniors cost?
The club lists a $40 tryout fee for two sessions, a $425 training fee for 12 training sessions and 2 ID events, and a $130 training kit.
Practice reading the game while you wait
Soccer IQ is how a player decides what to do before the ball arrives. Our Soccer IQ game shows short match moments and asks your child to choose. It is a free early version. It is for practice and talking together. It does not predict whether a child will be picked.
League and college numbers: Youth soccer in the US: the numbers.
- Portland Timbers, Discovery programs ↗
- Portland Timbers, Discovery Juniors 2026-27 (PDF) ↗
- Portland Timbers, Discovery Juniors tryout protocol (PDF) ↗
Last verified October 16, 2026. Spotted a change? Tell us so we can check the page.
Compare every club: MLS academy tryouts 2026-27, club by club, or read how MLS NEXT tryouts work.
Looking for a local youth club? Find a youth soccer club in New York or New Jersey or see the tryouts calendar.