JBLE hosts Air Force men's soccer team tryouts

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Ashley Hawkins
  • 633rd Air Base Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSITS, Va. --  Langley Air Force Base, Va., hosted this year's Air Force men's soccer team tryouts from Oct. 1-17.

Airmen from across the Air Force met at this one location to become one of the best in the game to compete against the other services in the Armed Forces Championship game at Fort Eustis, Va., Oct. 19-24.

Maj. Derrick J. Weyand, 66th Security Forces Squadron commander at Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass., was a former player on the team, and is excited to be head coach for the first time.

The long days begin with the first practice at 5:45 a.m., and the last ending at 11:00 p.m. The tryouts are held on several fields around the base and local area; four times a day with rest periods in between only to eat, rest and hydrate.

"It's a long, hard process," said Weyand. "We bring in 31 [players], we brought in seven [locals] this year. Within those practices, there are three games. After each practice we cut people. The 17th is the last cut to get to the final team."

According to Weyand, to play soccer in the Air Force is a great opportunity for athletes to still live their dream. At the end of the day, they feel like professional athletes.

"I was born in Brazil so there's a big passion for soccer there," said Airman 1st Class Jeremy Reding, with Air Force Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Agency at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. "And then I had an older brother who also played soccer. So [there's] a big influence and a lot of passion in my family for the game."

With all of the long hours and hard practicing, everyone appreciates the hospitality of the base.

"Thank you to the support of Langley Air Force Base," Weyand said. "The dining facilities, the pool, the soccer fields, it makes it easy to overcome the obstacles."

Specific dates and times for the Armed Forces Soccer Championship game will be posted after tryouts are completed, and the team roster is set.