FORT HOOD, Texas — Soldiers from across the Army gathered for the 2026 All-Army Men’s Soccer Trial Camp, competing to earn a spot on the team that will represent the Army in the upcoming Armed Forces Men’ s Soccer Championship and potential international military events.
The trial camp brings together some of the most talented Soldier-athletes in the force, offering them an opportunity to showcase their skills while representing their units and the Army on a larger stage.
For Chief Warrant Officer 4 Raul Almendarez, head coach of the All-Army men’s soccer team, coaching the team is both an honor and a personal milestone.
“This is definitely an honor. It’s been a dream of mine to coach at this level and mentor Soldier-athletes,” he said. “It gives them a chance to see that outside of their military jobs they can still pursue something they enjoy.”
Almendarez, who previously played for the All-Army team beginning in 2007, said the program receives significant interest from across the Army. Each year, more than 200 Soldiers apply for a chance to attend the trial camp. From those applicants, a select group of 30 is invited to compete for 18 spots.
“When they get here, they’ve already made it through the first step,” Almendarez said. “Now they have to show us they have the talent to be part of the final team and represent the Army.”
For many Soldiers, the opportunity to participate in the trial camp represents years of dedication to the sport while balancing the demands of military service.
First Lt. Sebastian Gray, executive officer with the Plano Recruiting Company in the Dallas-Fort Worth Recruiting Battalion, 5th Recruiting Brigade at Abilene, Texas, has played soccer since he was 5 years old and competed throughout school and college before joining the Army.
“I think it’s an absolute honor,” he said about being a part of the trial camp. “Only about 30 people get to come out here every year and give it their best to make the final cut.”
Players at the camp come from installations across the United States and overseas assignments, bringing a wide range of experiences and playing styles to the field.
Players at the camp come from installations across the United States and overseas assignments, bringing a wide range of experiences and playing styles to the field.
According to Gray, the level of competition is high.
“There are people here who have played for professional teams across the world,” Gray said. “The level is extremely high, and we have to build chemistry quickly in a short period of time.”
Pfc. Rohan Beadle, assigned to 1st Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, at Fort Riley, Kansas, said the opportunity to continue playing soccer while serving in the Army is something he never expected.
“Not many people get the opportunity to serve and play what they love,” Beadle said. “So it’s a great honor.” Beadle, who played soccer growing up in Jamaica, said the level of professionalism within the All-Army program surprised him.
“I used to play professionally, and when I came here I saw a lot of similarities,” Beadle said. “I was really shocked to see how professional everything is.”
While players compete against each other for a spot on the final roster, the shared experience of military service helps build cohesion within the group.
“We’re Soldiers before we’re soccer players,” Beadle expressed. “That discipline and resilience we learn in the Army helps us on the field.”
Almendarez said the soccer program offers Soldiers more than just an opportunity to compete at a high level. It also allows them to build connections and continue developing leadership skills in a unique environment.
“We have Soldiers ranging from privates to lieutenants here,” he said. “It gives them an opportunity to use leadership and teamwork in a different way while representing the Army.”
For those players selected, the opportunity to represent the Army on the field carries a significant amount of pride.
“This is a place where Soldiers can showcase their talents and represent not just their units, but ultimately the Army at a higher level,” Almendarez said.
The Armed Forces Men’s Soccer Championship is March 28-April 3 at Phantom Warrior Stadium, with the opening ceremony at 3:30 p.m. and the first game, Army vs. Marine Corps, at 5 p.m.
All games are open to anyone and free to attend. To view the full schedule, visit http://hood.armymwr.com/view-event/armed-forces-mens-soccer-championship/7210064/107979.