Pre-Discovery Q&A

Does Pre-Discovery or the Discovery Program replace a players club team?

No! Both programs are in place to provide identification and competitive training opportunities, different from the club team structure, for players who would like to compete in the Timbers Academy someday. Players are encouraged to make club a priority.

Why Regionalize the Pre-Discovery Program?

Creating the different training centers across the Portland area provides accessible competitive local trainings within the players. It creates excitement to play for and within your local pre-discovery training center. It limits traveling for parents and players. The pre-discovery program create an elite opportunity for the best of the best to play with and against each other within player local communities. It also creates development by playing with and against the best on a consistent basis. 

What are the benefits of participating in the PTFC Pre-Discovery Program?

The Pre-Discovery program is used as an early player identification tool for future Timbers U13/U14 Discovery Players. The training curriculum is designed by the Timbers Academy staff and players are evaluated and identified by the Timbers Academy staff for future Discovery Program opportunities. The Pre-Discovery program also allows the top players to compete for a spot in the U12 Pre-Discovery Pool where players will have the opportunity to train and play with and against the top players in their age groups.

Can players outside of Portland tryout for the Pre-Discovery program?

Yes! Our training centers will reside in Portland, but players from anywhere around the state can try-out and compete in the Pre-Discovery program. While we will no longer have training centers outside of the Portland metro area, we still encourage players from these areas to attend tryouts, or training.

How does ODP fit into the Timbers Player Pathway?