Structure of tryouts

[Unregistered]

I am hoping to get some insight of how the clubs structure the tryouts for U11. My child went to a pre-tryout today and it didn't seem like anyone got a look at him or even knew his name. Also they just did drills.

[Unregistered]

I am hoping to get some insight of how the clubs structure the tryouts for U11. My child went to a pre-tryout today and it didn't seem like anyone got a look at him or even knew his name. Also they just did drills.

Typically they might do a little bit of drills but from what I've seen lots of small sided scrimmages and maybe 1-2 full field games.

[Unregistered]

I am hoping to get some insight of how the clubs structure the tryouts for U11. My child went to a pre-tryout today and it didn't seem like anyone got a look at him or even knew his name. Also they just did drills.

Each club/coach will likely run their tryouts slightly different, but there are some common things you should expect. First a major element for coaches is seeing how readily a player accepts coaching, a common way this is measured is drills. Another thing they will look for is level of confidence both on the field and off. Are there any synergies between multiple players.

Each coach will have his own approach over the mix of players desired, etc...

Finally there should be an element of scrimmaging that will conclude the tryout. Most of the time there will be multiple observers who are assigned to observe different players.

As a parent the best thing you can do is have calm nerves, because your son will likely be nervous enough for the two of you. Good Luck to him!

[Unregistered]

Each club/coach will likely run their tryouts slightly different, but there are some common things you should expect. First a major element for coaches is seeing how readily a player accepts coaching, a common way this is measured is drills. Another thing they will look for is level of confidence both on the field and off. Are there any synergies between multiple players.

Each coach will have his own approach over the mix of players desired, etc...

Finally there should be an element of scrimmaging that will conclude the tryout. Most of the time there will be multiple observers who are assigned to observe different players.

As a parent the best thing you can do is have calm nerves, because your son will likely be nervous enough for the two of you. Good Luck to him!

My DD went to the U14 Tualatin/Sherwood pre-tryout last night. they did some passing drill and some small sided games. but the coach really did a lot of coaching, stopping the girls often, etc.. it was good to see that he didn't just kick a ball out and let them play for an hour. they eventually played two larger games because there was more than 20 players out there. at that point he just let the girls play for about the last 20 mins. looks like a good age group for Tualatin.

[Unregistered]

thanks

Thanks for the insight! It's always nice to go in somewhat prepared. He is looking forward to giving it a try and playing soccer all year long! Oh boy! Here we go!

[Unregistered]

Thanks for the insight! It's always nice to go in somewhat prepared. He is looking forward to giving it a try and playing soccer all year long! Oh boy! Here we go!

At U11, that is when this competitive soccer becomes more real. I have an upcoming U14 player who has been through this 3 times already and I have a son that will tryout at U11 this go around. By U14, you pretty much know how things will shake out but likely there will be a few surprises. But still, likely less stress than at U11 where everything is really up in the air.

What I have generally seen at tryouts is a number of short sided drills. They want to put your son in 1 vs 1's so they can see if he can beat or stop people. They typically have anywhere from 4-10 coaches with clipboards grading on technical, athletic ability, speed/strength, attitude (or something similar). They will typical move into some 2 v 2, 2 v 3, maybe 3 v 3 and some scrimmage.

It's all a bit tense. I wil be tense for my son too. Typically, for our club, they call the Premier A team first and then move down the line. They do this in case a player does not want to play Premier A. Most of the Premier A players are called the first night after the first tryout, but not all. Then after the second tryout, they finish out the Premier A team, then B team, and then any other teams formed behind that. Very infrequently, will it go to a 3rd tryout day, unless they just cannot make up their mind. I haven't seen that yet. Good luck.

[Unregistered]

At U11, that is when this competitive soccer becomes more real. I have an upcoming U14 player who has been through this 3 times already and I have a son that will tryout at U11 this go around. By U14, you pretty much know how things will shake out but likely there will be a few surprises. But still, likely less stress than at U11 where everything is really up in the air.

What I have generally seen at tryouts is a number of short sided drills. They want to put your son in 1 vs 1's so they can see if he can beat or stop people. They typically have anywhere from 4-10 coaches with clipboards grading on technical, athletic ability, speed/strength, attitude (or something similar). They will typical move into some 2 v 2, 2 v 3, maybe 3 v 3 and some scrimmage.

It's all a bit tense. I wil be tense for my son too. Typically, for our club, they call the Premier A team first and then move down the line. They do this in case a player does not want to play Premier A. Most of the Premier A players are called the first night after the first tryout, but not all. Then after the second tryout, they finish out the Premier A team, then B team, and then any other teams formed behind that. Very infrequently, will it go to a 3rd tryout day, unless they just cannot make up their mind. I haven't seen that yet. Good luck.

Very helpful post! I am assuming that the main players from the U10 A team will make the bulk of the U11 A team and then they will fill in the roster from there. So I can only imagine it will be pretty competitive for those remaining spots which I have warned my kid about. Good luck!!

[Unregistered]

Very helpful post! I am assuming that the main players from the U10 A team will make the bulk of the U11 A team and then they will fill in the roster from there. So I can only imagine it will be pretty competitive for those remaining spots which I have warned my kid about. Good luck!!

Your thinking is likely a bit naive (I have no idea what club you're on). There are tons of kids playing Select or Rec until U10, and most people don't get serious with a competitive club until U11. Many parents will opt to play locally through U10, but then are often willing to drive extra distance to get their kid on a strong program beginning at U11. So, depending on the club, you may see enough kids for 3 squads show up for U11 tryouts. I've seen previous tryouts where 50%+ of the U10 team was not offered a spot on the U11 A squad...

In the big picture, don't sweat it. Attend pre-tryouts with multiple clubs, and then after weighing your kid's likes/dislikes, determine which coaches and/or clubs are the best fit. Tell your kid to have fun, play hard, and at the end of the day remind them that it's still youth soccer...

[Unregistered]

Your thinking is likely a bit naive (I have no idea what club you're on). There are tons of kids playing Select or Rec until U10, and most people don't get serious with a competitive club until U11. Many parents will opt to play locally through U10, but then are often willing to drive extra distance to get their kid on a strong program beginning at U11. So, depending on the club, you may see enough kids for 3 squads show up for U11 tryouts. I've seen previous tryouts where 50%+ of the U10 team was not offered a spot on the U11 A squad...

In the big picture, don't sweat it. Attend pre-tryouts with multiple clubs, and then after weighing your kid's likes/dislikes, determine which coaches and/or clubs are the best fit. Tell your kid to have fun, play hard, and at the end of the day remind them that it's still youth soccer...

Our A team has changed 5-6 players each year from U11-U13. Players that look great on a B team sometimes still can't cut it for a year on an A team and the coach has to readjust. Some players underperform unless they are the best on the team.

[Unregistered]

Your thinking is likely a bit naive (I have no idea what club you're on). There are tons of kids playing Select or Rec until U10, and most people don't get serious with a competitive club until U11. Many parents will opt to play locally through U10, but then are often willing to drive extra distance to get their kid on a strong program beginning at U11. So, depending on the club, you may see enough kids for 3 squads show up for U11 tryouts. I've seen previous tryouts where 50%+ of the U10 team was not offered a spot on the U11 A squad...

In the big picture, don't sweat it. Attend pre-tryouts with multiple clubs, and then after weighing your kid's likes/dislikes, determine which coaches and/or clubs are the best fit. Tell your kid to have fun, play hard, and at the end of the day remind them that it's still youth soccer...

Maybe a little naive. But if a team did well together a coach would take that into consideration IMO. It will only require the others...my kid included to do that much better at tryouts. But no sweating going on here. There are a lot of clubs so everything will work out. We're just getting started at soccer and my kid still loves the game. So until that changes we are all in!

[Unregistered]

Maybe a little naive. But if a team did well together a coach would take that into consideration IMO. It will only require the others...my kid included to do that much better at tryouts. But no sweating going on here. There are a lot of clubs so everything will work out. We're just getting started at soccer and my kid still loves the game. So until that changes we are all in!

If the coach is moving up to U11 with the same team he/she coached at U10, then the kids from that U10 team have a decided advantage. They have been "trying out" for the team for a whole year. If your the coach trying to decide between two players of nearly equal abilities, he/she usually chooses the one they know (unless, of course, they actually want to unload a "problem child" or their parent)

[Unregistered]

Most coaches are happy to see new players and will let you know if they are interested or may be able to tell you of another team that is looking. Usually you can still find teams looking after tryouts so don't stress - things change and it usually works out. Some really do care about the kids so talk to the coaches, parents and find what works for your kids. Just look for a coach and team that you like. Start with your friends or local club. (We have been to several tryouts at a few clubs with more than one kid.)

[Unregistered]

If the coach is moving up to U11 with the same team he/she coached at U10, then the kids from that U10 team have a decided advantage. They have been "trying out" for the team for a whole year. If your the coach trying to decide between two players of nearly equal abilities, he/she usually chooses the one they know (unless, of course, they actually want to unload a "problem child" or their parent)

I agree. The last sentence is important for parents reading this. Don't put your child's opportunities at risk with your behavior. Also coachability is important to coaches. Teach your child to listen and be respectful. I didn't realize this until my child's coaches in the past have complimented him for being "coachable".

[Unregistered]

I agree. The last sentence is important for parents reading this. Don't put your child's opportunities at risk with your behavior. Also coachability is important to coaches. Teach your child to listen and be respectful. I didn't realize this until my child's coaches in the past have complimented him for being "coachable".

I have been doing this for a very long time and I have only seen problem parents unloaded 2x and neither were on my DD team. If all else is equal I am sure the parent behavior may play into it, but most often I have found that clubs really are able to separate the child from the kid and kid gets benefit of doubt. It take alot for them to make the kid pay for the parent. NOt saying you should not behave...be an example, but kids don't always pay the pric. (which is good)

[Unregistered]

Rough 1st pre-tryout, the coach already chose 10-13 players. But my kid played his heart out, very proud!