Fall 2008 Tryouts for U08, U09 and U10  NEW!!

Tryout Philosophy
What to Bring on Tryout Day
General Information for Parents
Tryout Procedures

Tryout Philosophy

LJSL is committed to open tryouts for its travel teams. We have developed specific guidelines for our youngest teams (U9 and U10) and the next two age groups (U11 and U12). (See Tryout Procedures for more detail.) For older teams, whose circumstances tend to vary depending on their level of play and personnel needs, we do not require formal tryouts. However, at all levels, any "B" team players who wish to try out for the "A" team in their age level are entitled to do so, and "A" team coaches may ask "B" team players to try out, during the spring for the next year (fall to spring) of the WYSL season. In addition, players who are new to our community, wish to play soccer and are not members of another travel team should contact coaches in their age group, or one of the Commissioners (see Travel Program Personnel), to arrange a tryout with the appropriate team. Such informal tryouts would be arranged at mutually convenient times for player and coach, and may be coordinated by the coach with previously scheduled tryouts or practices. Certain older teams may also conduct open tryouts, at which players from other travel programs can try out, in accordance with WYSL requirements for open tryouts.

Tryouts for U9 and U10 teams are generally held in late fall, following the end of the recreational season. Because of limitations of field space and personnel, we are unable to conduct open tryouts, and players are invited to try out based on evaluations solicited from all recreational Minor and Intermediate Division coaches. However, players who feel that they were overlooked should contact the tryout coordinators (see Travel Program Personnel) and we will attempt to accommodate them.

Tryouts for older teams are generally held in the late spring (May or June) for the following year (fall to spring) of the WYSL season. The tryout schedules for these teams will be posted on the Tryout Schedule. In general, in order to preserve team unity and focus through the end of the travel season, tryout results are not announced until the end of the spring travel season.

We strongly recommend that new players thinking of trying out and their families consider seriously the commitment required to play travel soccer (see Travel Soccer is a Commitment) before accepting the invitation to participate in tryouts. Dropping out when the process is complete or near complete is unfair to other children who would have liked to be considered and inconsiderate of those who put a lot of time and effort into trying to evaluate these players.

LJSL recognizes that children develop at different rates, both in terms of ability and interest level. Many terrific players in all sports have failed to make a team at some point - Michael Jordan is a famous example who failed to make his high school team - but they were determined and kept trying. We hope that all players who try out, whether selected for a travel team or not, will not be discouraged from continuing to participate in soccer or other sports. Keep in mind that our travel teams will continue to need players as the size of the teams increases and as players get older and focus on other sports or interests. In addition, no player is guaranteed a spot on a team just because they have played before. We would like our tryouts to be a positive experience, regardless of the outcome.


What to Bring on Tryout Day

The following is geared to younger players trying out for the first time in the fall; however, with appropriate adjustments for the size of ball, time of year, etc., it may be useful for older players, as well.

• Wear your cleats, shin guards, and your complete recreational league uniform (Blue side of the jersey out). You may wear sweats under your uniform.
  
• Please put your last name on your back. You can use oak tag, construction paper, etc. We have found safety pins to work best. The writing should be large enough to be read from the sidelines
  
• Bring a soccer ball: Size No 4 and properly inflated (write your name on the ball). There will not be a pump available.
  
• Bring warm clothes in case the weather is cold.
  
• Bring a water bottle. None will be supplied.

Parents may attend the tryouts, although our experience suggests that your presence only serves to distract both players and those running the tryout, and also places unnecessary pressure on your children. If you do stay, please just observe - i.e., no cheering or coaching. If you leave your child and come back, please be a little early.

The less time spent on administrative work at the field means the more soccer time for the children. Please follow all directions in the tryout invitation letter and arrive approximately 15 minutes early to be checked in. We want everyone to be evaluated fairly.

As in past seasons, we have many more talented players than we have available roster positions. This means that only some players will be selected for travel. Remember: whether your son/daughter makes it or not, they're all good players.

Parents/players may be notified of the outcome of a tryout in one of several ways, by mail (if time permits) or by phone. The person(s) checking in players at each tryout session should be able to give you more details about the timing and mechanism of follow-up communication.