United Futbol Academy
2027 Tryouts
Our 2026 tryouts are complete, and the 2026–27 season is underway. Dates for 2027 tryouts will be announced this spring. Join our interest list and you’ll be the first to know.
- Coming Spring 2027
- U9 – U18
- Boys & Girls
Why UFA
UFA is built for players who are serious about development. Competitive teams train three times a week with professional UFA coaches, follow a structured curriculum, and compete in top regional leagues, with futsal every winter to sharpen technique and decision-making.
Our track record includes the 2025 National Presidents Cup title with our 2011 Girls and more than 24 players who have gone on to play in college. Juniors and seniors get dedicated guidance on the college pathway.
How Tryouts Work
- 1
Join the interest list
We’ll email you as soon as 2027 dates and registration are posted.
- 2
Register in PlayMetrics
Registration is required before your player attends a session.
- 3
Attend every session
Coaches evaluate across multiple sessions, so attending all of them gives your player the strongest evaluation.
- 4
Offers on Bid Day
Following Iowa Soccer rules, official offers are made only on Bid Day.
2027–28 Age Groups
| Age Group | Born | Session |
|---|---|---|
| U9 | Aug 2018 – Jul 2019 | Academy evaluation |
| U10 | Aug 2017 – Jul 2018 | Academy evaluation |
| U11 | Aug 2016 – Jul 2017 | Competitive tryout |
| U12 | Aug 2015 – Jul 2016 | Competitive tryout |
| U13 | Aug 2014 – Jul 2015 | Competitive tryout |
| U14 | Aug 2013 – Jul 2014 | Competitive tryout |
| U15 | Aug 2012 – Jul 2013 | Competitive tryout |
| U16 | Aug 2011 – Jul 2012 | Competitive tryout |
| U17 | Aug 2010 – Jul 2011 | Competitive tryout |
| U18 | Aug 2009 – Jul 2010 | Competitive tryout |
Age groups follow the August 1 – July 31 birth-date cycle. Players try out in their own age group; UFA coaches decide whether a player is considered to play up.
Questions
When will 2027 tryout dates be announced?
Dates will be posted this spring. Families on the interest list hear first, before dates are shared publicly.
Can my player join UFA before tryouts?
Right now we’re accepting new players for Kickers (U5–U6) and Junior UFA (U7–U8). Older players should join the interest list for 2027 tryouts.
What is the difference between U9–U10 and U11–U18 sessions?
Per Iowa Soccer rules, competitive tryouts are for U11–U18. U9 and U10 sessions are evaluations for our Academy program.
Is UFA the right fit for my player?
UFA is for players ready to commit to three practices a week and compete at a high level. For a lower-commitment option, see our recreational program, Des Moines Futbol Academy (DMFA).
Who can I talk to with questions?
Email ufa@ufaiowa.com. We reply in English or Spanish.
UFA Interest List · Lista de Interés
Be the First to Know
Tell us about your player and we’ll email you when 2027 tryout dates and registration open.
Takes about 2 minutes. Opens our secure sign-up form in a new tab.
¿Prefiere español? Escríbanos a ufa@ufaiowa.com y con gusto le respondemos.
Younger player? Join now.
We’re currently accepting new players for Winter Kickers (U5–U6) and Junior UFA (U7–U8). No tryouts needed.