Tryout Information

Before the 1st Tryout

  • Make sure your have reached out to the coach of the team so he/she knows that you will be attending.
  • Exchange contact information with the coach and team manager. If you have any last minute schedule changes, be courteous and notify them.
  • Make sure you know the dates, start times and locations (look up directions ahead of time) and put them into your calendars so that you can avoid conflicts.
  • See if there will be a date when you will find out if you made the team and how you will be notified.
  • Get information on the team such as:
  1. When and where they normally practice throughout the year
  2. Which league and division they play in
  3. If they play in tournaments and how many they play in each year
  4. If they play and practice in the winter
  5. What are the estimated costs and when are payments expected
  6. What is the teams history
  7. What is the philosophy of the coach
  8. What are the goals and objectives for the team and individual players
  9. What professional team does the coach support (this way you can try to wear that teams shirt and make a great 1st impression) – THIS IS NOT TO BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY 🙂
  • Try to get a good night’s sleep the day before.
  • Try to show up fresh. Don’t come from another tryout or after playing other sports that may be tiring.

Day of Tryout

  • Make sure all your soccer equipment is ready and packed in your bag (cleats, ball,shinguards, water bottle,shorts, shirt, socks, warmup).
  • Bring 2 colors of shirts (light/dark) in case the coach wants to separate the teams by color.
  • Try to arrive early so you dont feel rushed and unprepared.
  • Try to introduce yourself to the coach.
  • Collect any paperwork that may be available so you can get all the information you may need. If you are trying out for more than a few teams, you want to make sure you don’t get confused and get information mixed up.

What to Expect Once Tryout Starts

  • There could be many players, some who will know each other so they will most likely be feeling more calm inside. Try to buddy up quickly if you don’t know anyone. This will help relieve any tension.
  • Don’t be shy and quiet, you want to make an impression but you don’t want to be overly “pushy”.
  • Depending on the team/organization, you may be given a tryout number.
  • Try to play numerous positions and show your ability to adapt and be versatile, coaches like to see players who can be a team player.
  • Try to be a little selfish at times. The coach needs to see you on the ball so kicking the ball away as soon as it comes to you will not help. Try to dribble with the ball when in space and then show the coach you understand when to pass and when to keep the ball for yourself.
  • Step up to take throw ins, corner kicks, free kicks and penalties. Coaches like to see leaders and players who are not afraid to step up and take charge. At some point in the future of the team, captains will be selected so this gives the coach an idea if you have the right personality.
  • The actual tryout will probably consist of a warm up with each player dribbling, juggling and showing off what they know. Some dynamic stretching should be included at this time to get the muscles prepared properly. During the warmup the coach can quickly identify each players skill level before breaking players up into teams.
  • After the warmup and a water break, all the players will be broken into teams and allowed to scrimmage. Depending on the number of players in attendance, players may get to compete against more than one other team. For example, the red team may player against the blue team and green team.

At the End of the Tryout

  • Thank the coach and maybe offer to help with clearing up the equipment such as cones and goals.

Waiting for a Decision

  • If you haven’t heard from the coach within the supposed time frame and you would like to know if you made the team, a short courteous email should be sufficient.
  • Don’t email the coach asking if you can find out early. Coaches have many factors to balance out when finalizing their rosters, so trying to push for an answer may only harm your chances of making the team.

Looking for upcoming tryouts?

Go to Tryouts