How to Shine at Youth Soccer Club Tryouts

Youth soccer club tryouts give you a chance to show coaches what you can do on the field. Here’s what you need to know:

• Show your skills but also be a good teammate during tryouts
• Listen carefully to coaches and follow their instructions
• Stay positive even when things get tough
• Work rate can help you stand out (coaches love this)

Youth soccer club tryouts (also called ID sessions) are your chance to show coaches why they should pick you for their team.

But how do you stand out from the crowd of other hopeful players?

What Happens During Club Tryouts?

For younger players, clubs often hold formal tryouts to place kids on teams that match their skill level. Most clubs have several teams in each age group that play at different competitive levels.

Once players reach U14 and older, the process often changes. Instead of one big tryout day, coaches might invite players to join regular team practices in the spring. This gives coaches a better look at how you might fit with their existing players.

“During spring ID sessions, some players get invited just once while others get asked back again,” explains Coach Sarah Thompson. “This is normal and depends on what positions the team needs to fill.”

Standing Out From the Crowd

When dozens of players are trying to catch a coach’s eye, what makes the difference? Here are some smart approaches:

Play Your Game, Not Someone Else’s

“The biggest mistake I see is kids trying too hard to be flashy,” says youth development coach Marcus Williams. “Coaches want to see your real skills, not tricks that don’t help the team.”

Focus on doing the basics well. Clean passes, good communication, and smart positioning often impress coaches more than fancy footwork that leads to mistakes.

Be a Good Listener

Nothing stands out to coaches more than players who actually follow instructions. When a coach explains a drill or gives feedback, listen carefully and try to apply what they say.

“I always notice which players are paying attention,” adds Williams. “It shows me they’re coachable and willing to learn.”

Show You Are About the Team

Soccer is a team sport, and coaches watch how you interact with other players. Even during tryouts, look for ways to support teammates:

• Pass the ball when appropriate
• Give encouragement to others
• Help set up or clean up equipment

The worst thing you can do is hang out by yourself or (even worse) yell at other kids. Coaches don’t want to deal with mean kids, no matter how good they are.

These small actions tell coaches you’ll be a positive addition to their team culture.

When Will You Hear Back?

Most youth soccer clubs send out offers via email during April, May, or June. This timing gives families enough notice before the next season begins.

Once you receive an offer, you typically have about 48 hours to accept or decline. This quick turnaround might feel like pressure—and honestly, it is. Clubs want to lock in their rosters and respect the time of players who don’t make the cut and need to find other options.

One More Thing: Stay Positive

Not every tryout goes perfectly. You might miss a shot or make a bad pass. What matters is how you respond.

“I always watch a player’s reaction after a mistake,” says Coach Thompson. “The ones who shake it off and keep trying are the ones I want on my team.”

Remember, coaches aren’t just looking for the most skilled player—they’re looking for someone who will make their team better over a whole season.