How to Join a Youth Soccer Club Mid-Season
Are you looking to move soccer clubs or want to join one but their season has already started? It may be a little challenging but not impossible.
Key Takeaways From This Article:
- The best way to join a club mid-season is to prove yourself at one of their trainings.
- A coach will sometimes place a player on the team over politics. This would be the best-case scenario if you are good enough.
- The best time to join a club team mid-season is winter break when teams are usually in between the fall and spring seasons.
- Once on the team, you’ll need to get acclimated to the coaching and team style of play. You’ll also want to try to try to bond with other kids as soon as possible.
Depending on your circumstances, you might be in one of these camps:
- You are already playing for a club but want out because of the coach or another reason.
- You don’t have a team at the moment so you’re looking to join one.
- You just wrapped up fall soccer for your town or school but are looking to continue playing competitively.
In this article, let’s take a look at how we can get you on a team that has already started!
Timing of the Season
If you are interested in joining a youth soccer club in the middle of the season, you might be wondering if it’s too late to join. Here is what you need to know:
Is it Too Late to Join in the Middle of the Season?
It depends on the club and the league. Some leagues have strict rules about when players can join a team, while others are more flexible.
Additionally, some clubs may have already filled their roster spots and may not be accepting new players. In this case, it may be close to impossible to join that particular team. Parents have already started paying for the child to play soccer so it would be difficult to make more room in a team that is already full.
Sometimes, players drop out or get injured, and the club may be looking for new players to fill those spots.
In any case, it can’t hurt to ask around to see if teams have openings. I would start with the club director and work your way down from there.
Finding Potential Clubs
If you’re looking to join a youth soccer club in the middle of the season, you may have to do some extra work to find potential clubs. Here are some tips to help you find clubs that may be a good fit for you:
1. Browse Our Directory or Ask Around
You may already know the youth soccer clubs in your area. If you don’t, our soccer directory has hundreds of local clubs to get you started.
Also, go around and ask your soccer community. Start by asking your friends, teammates, and coaches if they know of any clubs that are looking for players. They may have connections or know of teams that are in need of players.
2. Make Calls or Send Emails
If I were in your position, I would make calls to the club’s main number or the club director (if you can find it). You can also email but these organizations probably get hundreds of emails so yours may get lost in the mix.
Don’t give up on the first try. You may need to follow up two or three more times.
Once you get in contact with someone, let them know your playing experience and why you are looking to join now. It could be something like, “Hey [First Name], my name is Beau and I know some kids that play for your program and they love it. I just finished playing for my school and I’m looking to continue playing. I know I can make an impact on a team. I’ve played the last five years on [team or league]. I would love a shot! Do you know of any opportunities within your club?”
All you want is a yes, no, or maybe. An answer either way would help you out. If it’s a yes or maybe, try to get more info on the team, league, etc. If it’s a no, move on and try another organization.
3. Consider travel distance
When looking for potential clubs, consider how far you are willing to travel for practices and games. Joining a club that is too far away may not be feasible, especially if you have other commitments or limited transportation options. Make sure to check the club’s schedule and location before committing to joining.
4. Attend Practice Sessions
Since the season has already started, you’re more likely to jump into a practice session to showcase your skills.
You’ll meet the coach and players then jump into the ring. You’ll want to give yourself some grace during drills. You’ll mess up, you’ll be slower to catch on, and maybe be pulled aside. This is perfectly fine. The coach shouldn’t expect you to get it. They’ll want to see your potential and how you might fit on the team.
All you can do is your best.
- Show up early
- Listen intently
- Be coachable
- Have a high work rate
- Have a positive attitude & act like you’ve been there for months
You’ll be the only kid needing to prove themselves which can work to your advantage! As a potential player on the team, you need to go the extra mile. At the same time, if a coach thinks you’ll have great chemistry with the other players, you’re chances of being placed on a team is very good.
Handling Rejection
Getting rejected from a soccer team can be disappointing, especially if you were hoping to join mid-season. Here are a few tips to help you handle rejection and move forward:
1. Stay Positive
It’s easy to get down on yourself after being rejected, but it’s important to stay positive. Remember that rejection is a normal part of life and that it doesn’t define you as a player or a person. Focus on your strengths and keep working on improving your skills.
If it’s not this season, you may be asked to come try out for next year’s team. Remain positive and optimistic through it all!
2. Ask for Feedback
If possible, ask the coach for feedback on why you were not selected. This can help you identify areas for improvement and give you a better understanding of what the team is looking for. Be open to constructive criticism and use it as motivation to work harder.
It really might be as simple as not enough roster spots.
3. Keep Playing
Just because you weren’t able to join a team late. Look for other opportunities to play, whether it’s joining a different team or playing in a recreational league. The more you play, the more you’ll improve, and the more opportunities you’ll have in the future.
4. Be a Good Sport
If you do end up playing against the team that rejected you, be a good sport about it. Don’t let your emotions get the best of you and avoid trash-talking. Remember, you never know when your next opportunity may come.
Final Thoughts
I hope the tips above help! Honestly, you’re taking a chance by trying to join a team midseason so don’t be disappointed if there’s no room for you.
There are usually more players than teams can roster. Some of our club teams carry 20+ kids but can only roster 18 for games. In this case, you may be able to practice with the team but not play games. But, at least you have your foot in the door.
Keep in mind that club season is usually split into fall and spring. I think you’ll have a better shot at joining a team in January rather than October or April.
Good luck and if you have any questions, shoot me a message.
