Discovery Program
The Portland Timbers intend to lead the way with MLS Next soccer training in the region, providing an MLS youth training environment for local competitive players. The Portland Timbers Discovery has 2 youth training and player identification programs:
Discovery Juniors: Intended for players born in 2018, 2017, 2016 and 2015.
Target Athletes: Local soccer players – ideally should already be playing Club soccer and who aspire to continue to grow and develop within the game. Discovery Juniors is not a rec-based program.
Discovery Juniors has player placement opportunities across three training centers:
- North-East: North Portland, Gresham & Vancouver
- South: Lake Oswego & Tigard
- West: Beaverton & Hillsboro
Goals: Player Development: Explore player potential, competitive learning environment, identifying players for the Discovery Seniors program (U13 & U14).
Discovery Seniors: Intended for competitive players at the U13 & U14 age-groups.
Target Athletes: Competitive players in the U13 & U14 age groups. Discovery Seniors is an invite-only program. The Discovery Program Manager will scout youth events held within the state such as Discovery Juniors, ODP, as well as attend local club games and collaborate with local Club Directors and Coaches on player recommendations to invite players into the program.
Goals: Player Development: Maximize player potential, introduction to Timbers Academy principles of play: individual, unit, & team-based, identify & prepare players for the Timbers MLS Academy teams.
The Discovery Program is a development focused supplemental training program that serves as an introduction for players to the Portland Timbers Player Pathway and strives to give every young player the best holistic training experience.
Both the Junior & Senior Discovery Programs are used for the Timbers Academy staff to discover future professional players, but more importantly, for players to discover and develop their talent through game exploration, high level training, proven educational methods and top-level coaching.
Further program information for both the Discovery Juniors and Discovery Seniors can be found below:
DISCOVERY JUNIORS REGISTRATION | 2026-2027 Season
Tryouts for the 26-27 Discovery Juniors season will be held Aug. 22-23, 2026. Tryout registration is OPEN.
Players invited to join can expect competitive trainings to start up in early September.
"Keep creating the identity with our colors, our team, our club" | Timbers Academy U12 Discovery Fest
More Information
Questions? Please reach out to mjamieson@timbers.com for more information