Ottawa Sooners Football Club
Try Out for the Sooners
Think you have what it takes to wear the black and orange? Register now and earn your spot on one of Canada's most storied junior football programs.
Register for Tryouts →Your Path to the Ottawa Sooners
The Ottawa Sooners are one of the most successful franchises in the Canadian Junior Football League (CJFL), with multiple national championships and a legacy of developing elite talent. Every season we open our doors to athletes who are hungry, coachable, and ready to compete at the highest level of junior football in Canada.
Our tryout process is competitive and structured to identify athletes capable of contributing at the CJFL level. We evaluate players across multiple sessions — selection is based on sustained performance, not a single-day result.
Upcoming Dates
Sooners Summer
June 2
June 9
June 16
June 23
June 30
July 7
July 14
July 20
Final Summer Session · Main Camp begins
June 1 – July 20 · Mondays only
Main Camp
July 20 – August 6
Full Training Camp
Dates subject to change. Updates communicated to registered athletes.
Exhibition Game
Ottawa Sooners vs Sault College Cougars
August 8
Mike O'Shea Stadium, North Bay
What to Expect at Tryouts
Athletic Testing
Speed, strength, agility, and conditioning drills to measure your physical readiness for CJFL competition.
Position-Specific Drills
Technical evaluation of your skills and understanding of your position responsibilities on both sides of the ball.
Football IQ & Coachability
Coaches assess your ability to learn quickly, adapt to instruction, and execute under pressure.
Competitive Reps
Live game-speed reps and team drills where you compete directly against other prospects for a roster spot.
Tryout Process
NOTE: Exact dates, locations, and formats are subject to change. All updates will be communicated directly to registered athletes.
Phase 1 — Identification & Early Evaluation
Typically December – January
- •Initial identification sessions open to all eligible athletes
- •Position-specific evaluation by coaching staff
- •Open to graduating high school players, CEGEP athletes, university transfers, and unsigned CJFL-eligible players
Phase 2 — Open Tryouts & Combine-Style Evaluations
Typically February – March
- •Measurable testing: speed, strength, and movement
- •On-field positional work and group evaluations
- •Individual skill assessments by position coaches
Phase 3 — Invite-Only Camps & Final Evaluation
Typically April – May
- •Invite-only based on prior evaluation performance
- •Installation-based sessions and game-speed reps
- •Final competition for roster spots
Phase 4 — Training Camp
Typically late May – June
- •Final roster decisions made by coaching staff
- •Compete for roster and travel positions
Eligibility Requirements
Review the following criteria before registering for tryouts. Contact us if you have questions about your specific situation.
Age Requirements
Players must be at least 17 years of age. Maximum age eligibility is governed by CJFL rules — generally players must not have exhausted their junior eligibility. Contact the club if you are unsure.
Residency
Players must meet CJFL residency requirements. Ottawa Sooners primarily recruit from the Ottawa-Gatineau region, but interprovincial and out-of-province athletes may be eligible subject to CJFL transfer rules.
Amateur Status
All players must maintain amateur status as defined by the CJFL. Players who have signed professional contracts or participated in professional leagues may not be eligible.
Academic Standing
While not a formal requirement for tryouts, players are encouraged to be in good academic standing. The Ottawa Sooners value the student-athlete model and support players in balancing football and education.
Physical Fitness
All participants must be physically prepared to compete at the CJFL level. Players with existing injuries should disclose them during registration. Medical clearance may be required in some cases.
CJFL Eligibility
Players must not have exhausted their CJFL eligibility. University transfers, CEGEP players, and graduating high school athletes are all welcome. Contact the club to confirm your specific eligibility status.
Questions about eligibility? Contact the Ottawa Sooners directly through our Contact page or reach out via the registration portal. CJFL eligibility rules are subject to change — always verify with the club before attending.
Who Can Try Out
The Ottawa Sooners welcome all CJFL-eligible athletes, including:
- ✓Graduating high school players
- ✓CEGEP players
- ✓University transfers
- ✓Unsigned CJFL-eligible athletes
- ✓Interprovincial and international athletes (where eligible)
All participants must demonstrate readiness and commitment to compete at the CJFL level.
Tryout Checklist
Make sure you arrive prepared. Use this checklist before every tryout session.
Equipment
- ✓Helmet (certified)
- ✓Shoulder pads
- ✓Cleats (field-appropriate)
- ✓Mouthguard
- ✓Athletic cup (recommended)
- ✓Gloves (position-specific)
Documentation
- ✓Government-issued photo ID
- ✓Proof of age (birth certificate or passport)
- ✓Completed online registration confirmation
- ✓Medical clearance (if required)
Clothing & Gear
- ✓Practice jersey or numbered pinnie
- ✓Football pants with pads
- ✓Athletic shorts (backup)
- ✓Compression gear
- ✓Extra socks
- ✓Water bottle (labelled)
Preparation
- ✓Arrive 30 minutes before start time
- ✓Warm up independently before drills begin
- ✓Know your primary position and responsibilities
- ✓Be ready for multiple sessions in one day
How to Prepare
- →Arrive in playing condition: Be physically prepared for multiple high-intensity evaluation sessions
- →Bring appropriate footwear: Cleats suitable for field conditions
- →Bring government-issued ID: Required for registration verification
- →Be prepared for multiple sessions: The tryout process spans several weeks — consistency matters
- →Register in advance: Walk-ups may not be accepted — secure your spot online before attending
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about the tryout process? Find answers to the most common questions below.
Register Your Interest
Submit your details below and we'll keep you informed about upcoming tryout dates, locations, and important updates.
Ready to Become a Sooner?
Registration is required to attend tryouts. Secure your spot today — spots are limited and filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
Register for Tryouts Now →You will be redirected to our secure registration portal on TeamLinkt
Compete the Right Way
The Ottawa Sooners tryout process is built on preparation, accountability, and competition. We evaluate athletes who demonstrate the commitment and skills required to compete at the CJFL level. Come prepared to compete, be coachable, and represent yourself with professionalism.
Once a Sooner, Always a Sooner.