Why do we have tryouts?
We have official tryouts each year as all travel teams/clubs do towards the end of each spring season. Our goal is to give each team the opportunity to select new players who will have a positive impact on their teams and to also properly place players on either Premier or Challenge teams within their appropriate age groups.
How will teams be selected?
In the U-9 and U-10 age groups, players will be evenly split into two teams. Starting at U-11, players will be "flighted" into Premier or Challenge teams in each age group. Age-group head coaches will make final decisions after consulting with the other coaches in the age group, coaches assisting in the tryout process, and the Co-Directors of Coaching. Finally, where possible, the club will look to make second or third teams in the age groups where the player pool is large enough to support more than one team.
Why should players be "flighted" into Premier and Challenge teams?
At U-11, it is important for players to be placed into environments which allow them to enjoy success, learn skills that are specific to the rate of development, and participate in brackets/divisions in both leagues and tournaments that are appropriate to the players level. It is also very important to realize that players all mature at different rates. We regularly see situations in our club where players who are on Challenge teams at U-11 through U-14 will work themselves onto Premier teams given time, effort, and a quality team and training environment.
Who should I contact with questions?
Feel free to contact the age group coaches or Co-Directors of Coaching at:
Steve Campell totalsoc@aol.com
Pat Noel noelsoc@aol.com
Notes
1. Please check the Freestate Web site for any field closures.
2. Please complete the Tryout Information Form and bring to first tryout.
3. Players need not attend every tryout but at least 2 of the 3 tryouts.
4. Players should be contacted within 72 hours after the final tryout of their status.
