Soccer tryouts: what to expect
Soccer tryouts are the annual process US club teams use to select rosters, typically held in May and June for the seasonal year starting August 1, with coaches evaluating first touch, decision-making, defensive effort, and performance in small-sided games.
What coaches actually evaluate
- First touch: Does the ball stick under pressure?
- Decision-making: Does the player scan before receiving and pick the right pass?
- Defensive engagement: Do they sprint back and win 50/50 balls?
- Body language: Do they stay positive after a mistake?
- Coachability: Do they apply feedback within one rep?
- Small-sided game IQ: Do they create space and combine with teammates?
What to bring
- Plain solid color shirt (no club logos)
- Black shorts, matching socks
- Shin guards
- Molded (FG) cleats
- Size-4 (U9-U12) or size-5 (U13+) ball
- Full water bottle labeled with player's name
- Any pre-registration paperwork the club sent
Two-week tryout prep plan
- Daily: 15 minutes juggling and wall passes.
- 3x per week: 30 minutes of 1v1 or small-sided play.
- Every other day: 20 minutes of dribbling and turns with both feet.
- Rest the day before tryouts. Hydrate and sleep 10 hours the night before.
Red flags at a tryout
Skip a club that will not tell you the roster decision date, that requires a deposit before tryouts, or that guarantees a roster spot without seeing your child play. Reputable clubs communicate a clear timeline.
Frequently asked questions
When are youth soccer tryouts?+
Most US club tryouts happen in May and June for the following seasonal year that starts August 1. Some clubs hold a second tryout in July or August for late arrivals.
What do coaches look at in soccer tryouts?+
Coaches evaluate first touch, decision-making with the ball, defensive engagement, effort and body language, coachability, and how the player performs in small-sided games (3v3-5v5).
How long is a soccer tryout?+
Typical tryouts run 60-90 minutes per session across 2-3 sessions over one or two weeks. Elite clubs run 3-5 sessions.
What should my child wear to soccer tryouts?+
A plain solid-color shirt (no club logos), black shorts, shin guards, molded cleats, and matching socks. Bring a labeled water bottle and their own ball.
How do you stand out at soccer tryouts?+
Play the way you play at practice - don't hide, don't showboat. Communicate loudly on the field, sprint back on defense, be first to hustle for loose balls, and thank the coaches after every session.
What if my child doesn't make the team?+
Ask the coach for one specific area to work on and try again next year. Many current pros were cut multiple times before U14. In the meantime, keep playing at any level - touches beat prestige.