KINGSTON, N.Y. -- First-year National Premier Soccer League ("NPSL") team Kingston Stockade FC had to close off registration for its open tryout within a matter of days after more than 60 players -- representing more than 20 nationalities -- reached out to the club for a chance at a roster slot.

The open tryouts, to be held at Dietz Stadium in Kingston on Saturday March 19 (12pm to 2pm) and Sunday March 20 (10am to 12p), will serve as more than just a chance for local players to strut their stuff, as local soccer fans are invited to come and watch the club's first official outdoor, open-to-the-public soccer event.

Club chairman Dennis Crowley saw this as a sign that the region is brimming with both talent and excitement as the club prepares for its inaugural season.

"I'm absolutely blown away by the response to our call for an open tryout," said Crowley. "Sixty players representing 20 nationalities is an amazing response from the local soccer community. We were hoping to find one, two or maybe three diamonds in the rough via the tryout. Given the response, I think we'll achieve that goal."

The tryouts, initially open to all via an open registration online, come on the heels of two invite-only tryouts held by the club. Head coach George Vizvary has whittled those tryouts down to a strong core of 15-20 players, meaning there are still a handful of roster slots open. The tryout was originally scheduled to be held as a one day event, but given the overwhelming response, it has been extended to cover two days.

The club is expecting many excited supporters and curious spectators at the tryouts and will have t-shirts, hats, and scarves for sale in support of the club. The team also plans to have its 2016 Season Tickets on sale for the very first time. All proceeds from merchandise go towards funding the club’s operations for the 2016 season.

Kingston Stockade Football Club is a men's semi-professional soccer team based in Kingston, NY. Kingston Stockade will play its first season at Dietz Stadium in Kingston, N.Y. starting in the spring of 2016. The club will be representing the Hudson Valley in the NPSL, which is the 4th division of the U.S. soccer pyramid.

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For more information on Kingston Stockade FC, visit http://stockadefc.com. You can also follow the club on both Twitter and Instagram at @StockadeFC and Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/stockadefc