Former athletes from the Troy area will soon have the opportunity to compete for titles again.

The Troy Spartans will begin play in the Amateur to Professional Developmental Football League, a semi-pro organization, in 2015. In preparation for the first season, the Spartans are holding tryouts this weekend at the Troy Sportsplex.

“I wanted to start the team in Troy to get guys off the streets,” said team founder Eddie Batie. “There are a bunch of guys in Troy that are talented to play and this gives them an option.”

Tryouts will consist of timed 40-yard runs, football drills and 7-on-7 games. There is a $25 tryout fee and it can be paid prior to getting on the field Saturday. Tryouts will take place at the Sportsplex soccer field.

Any athlete over the age of 18 and out of high school is eligible to tryout.

“We are just trying to build a roster right now,” Batie said. “We want to get a jump on the season.”