Tryout forms for Union 2017 are now available! If you’re interested in helping us secure a bid for the World Club Championships in 2018, and take it to the best teams in North America in the USAU Fall Series, come along and show us what you’ve got!
Register here to participate in the following tryouts:
- Thursday April 20, Downsview Park, 2 hrs (7-9pm) (Open tryout)
- Tuesday April 25, Downsview Park, 2 hrs (7-9pm) (Open tryout)
- Sunday April 30, Downsview Park, 4 hrs (4-8pm) (Invite only tryout)
To be considered for Union 2017, you must attend a minimum of one open tryout, AND be available for the Sunday invite-only tryout. If you can’t make the minimum requirements, please get in touch with us (union.ultimate@gmail.com).
UNION 2017 WHAT TO EXPECT AT TRYOUTS
Tryouts are one of the most exciting and challenging experiences for all Ultimate players, from elite-level vets to “just interested in seeing what this touring business is all about” rookies. We can’t wait to see the talent out there! We’ll be working alongside Zen and MMV to provide opportunities for players of varying abilities to tryout for each tier of the Toronto Mixed system.
For Union, we’ll be looking for a variety of skills and attributes. In addition to speed, throwing ability, decision making, field awareness, agility, defensive pressure, and a team-first playing style, we’ll also consider your attitude towards the game, how you support your teammates, how you respond to mistakes (your own and others), and how you take on feedback and direction from leadership.
UNION 2017 MORE TRYOUT DETAILS
With the support of The Ultimate Experience, we’re hosting three tryouts. The first two are open (April 20 & 25) and can be attended by anyone. We’ll be working with Zen and MMV to be sure things run smoothly. The tryout squad will be split according to the nominated first-preference team of each athlete. The final tryout (April 30) will be by invite-only. Please register and pay to attend. You will not be able to participate if you do not register and pay before you arrive.
We’ll have a number of extra eyes on the field during tryouts. These people will provide input into the selection process, but the final team selection will be made by the Union leadership.
Thanks to Ontario Ultimate and UE, during the final tryout we’re going to have the support of Mike Haddock who will complete baseline fitness testing for each participant. (This is pretty awesome!) Each person will receive an individualized fitness report. For those who make the team, this report will help to inform your fitness goals for the season.
Offers for Union 2017 will be made the week of May 1 (some early offers may be made if players are considering offers from the Women’s and Open systems). The final roster announcement made on Friday May 5.
UNION 2017 SEASON OVERVIEW
SEASON GOAL
Qualify for World Club Championships in 2018 and compete in the USAU Fall Series, with a top 10 result.
LEADERSHIP
Captains: Eric Blanchard, Stephanie Malcher
Vice captains: Jenn Le Roux, Dave Kaufman
Team Manager (aka Team Mom): Krista Kotwa
More info here.
SCHEDULE
Practice
Union will generally practice twice per week**.
Tuesday’s
Location: Don Bosco field @ Islington and 427,
Time: 2hrs, sometime between 7pm and 9:30pm depending on daylight
Thursday’s
Location: Lamport Stadium
Time: 2hrs, 8pm – 10pm
** In weeks before and after tournaments, practice will be once per week (Tuesdays in weeks prior, Thursday in weeks after tournaments).
Tournaments
Union will be attending the following tournaments in 2017:
- Toronto Ultimate Festival, Toronto, May 6/7**
- One of: Mixed Easterns, Devens, June 3/4 OR Boston Invite, Devens, June 24/25
- Ontario Ultimate Championships, Waterloo, July 8/9
- Select Flight Invite, Columbus, Ohio, July 29/30
- Canadian Ultimate Championships, Saskatoon, Aug 24-27
- USAU Fall Series, Sectionals, Rochester, Sep 9 or 10 (one day)
- USAU Fall Series, Regionals, Devens, Sep 23/24 (if successful at USAU sectionals)
- USAU Fall Series, Nationals, Sarasota FL, Oct 19-22 (if successful at USAU regionals)
**TUF is the weekend after the final tryout. If you’re trying out, be sure you’re available for our first tournament the next weekend.