Tryouts

Join the Minnesota Vixen, the nation’s longest-running women’s tackle football team and 2026 WFA Pro National Champions.

Since 1999, the Vixen have been leading the growth of women’s tackle football right here in Minnesota. Today, we compete in the WFA Pro Division, carrying more than 25 years of Vixen football into the next generation of the game.

We’re looking for women of all body types, athletic backgrounds and experience levels to compete for a spot on our 2027 roster. No football experience is required. Whether you’re a former athlete, currently competing in another sport, or have simply always wanted the opportunity to play football, our coaches will teach you the game and help you find where you fit.

If you’re ready to challenge yourself, learn the game and become part of a program with more than 25 years of history — your opportunity starts at tryouts.

WHAT TO BRING TO TRYOUTS

• Athletic clothes you’re comfortable running and working out in
• Athletic shoes or cleats — no football equipment is required
• Water bottle
• A positive attitude and willingness to compete and learn

You do NOT need football experience or football equipment to try out.

BEFORE YOU ARRIVE

Plan to arrive by 1:15 PM to receive your tryout number, complete athlete check-in, and begin warm-ups for the session. Tryouts begin promptly at 1:30 PM.

Tryouts last approximately 2–3 hours. Eat beforehand, hydrate, and come ready for a combine-style workout. You’ll be evaluated on athleticism, effort, coachability and potential — not prior football knowledge.

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FAQs

Q: How long do tryouts last?

A: Tryouts lasts approximately 2-3 hours depending on the number of participants.

Q: I have never played football before, does that matter?

A: Due to the lack of a girl’s football program, almost 90% of our players have never played football before becoming a Vixen. Our coaches will train you on everything you need to know from what a first down is to tackling to learning your playbook. What we really need is dedicated women who are eager to learn!

Q: What do you do at tryout?

A: Tryouts are much like the NFL combine. In the past, we have a series of drills including:

• 40 yard dash
• Shuttle Run
• Box drill
• Bench press
• Leg press
• other position specific drills such as quarterback and wide receiver drills.

Not every player will do great on every drill especially if you have not played football before, but it gives the coaches a look at your base athleticism and evaluate your potential for different positions. 

Q: Do I need to attend more than one tryout?

A: The quick answer is no, coming to more than one tryout is not required. However, after you complete a tryout, you are welcome to come to the following tryouts to work on your skills and conditioning, and to meet your potential teammates.

Q: How many people make the team?

A: The tryouts have become more competitive in the recent years. We are estimating adding approximately 15-20 rookies to this year’s class.

Q: What are you looking for in a player?

A: We’re looking for dedicated, coachable athletes who are ready to learn and compete. Experience in sports like rugby, basketball, soccer, hockey, softball, track or strength training can translate well to football, but a sports background isn’t required. We’re looking for potential—not polished football players. And remember: football needs women of all shapes and sizes.

Q: How old do I need to be?

A: You need to be at least 18 years old to participate in the camp and 18 years old by January 1, 2027 to be on the Vixen team.

Q: I’m not really in shape, does it matter?

A: Of course being in-shape would be better, but we will get you in shape!  If you’re going to start on your own however, there is no such thing as too much cardio! In addition, we would advise working on core and leg strength. Remember football needs women of all shapes and sizes.  An o-line player and a wide receiver do not need to have the same amount of cardio or the same strength!

Q: When do you practice?

A: Practice begins in January inside in a dome.  Currently, we practice every Tuesday evening and on Saturdays generally in the morning. Plus, there is a online team chalk talk every Thursday.  Once we start playing games on Saturdays, then we practice in-person every Tuesday and Thursday evening.

Q: Where do you practice?

A: Our main home base of operations is at Northwestern Health Sciences University in Bloomington. For dome practices, we practice at the Savage Sports Complex in Savage, MN. Outdoor practices are currently in Minneapolis.

Q: I cannot attend all practice, can I still be on the team?

A: There is a definite correlation between teams that have good attendance and teams that win. We highly encourage attendance but we understand that players have jobs and families outside of the team. We do expect players to have at least a 66% attendance.

Q: Are there many injuries?

A: Football is a contact sport, so injuries can occur. We take player safety seriously and emphasize proper technique, conditioning and preparation throughout the season.

Q: Why do you charge money for tryouts?

A: The $35-$40 fee for tryouts covers the cost of the field plus time and effort by our coaches to evaluate you. .

Q: Are transgender athletes and non-binary persons allowed to play?

A: YES! The Minnesota Vixen welcomes transgender and non-binary athletes and encourage you to tryout! Our league currently follows NCAA rules regarding trans-athletes. In Minnesota, your ability to play is protected by the state. Your ability to participate is dependent on the state-by-state for MTF athletes. Testosterone use within the last calendar year is considered a banned substance by the league and current use does disqualify you from playing.