Tryout Thoughts 2022

[MrNick]

Hey all, Wanted to get some parents thoughts regarding their soccer tryouts experience this year around the DMV. Our club is a MLSNext club with quite a few other travel teams in each age group. It looked like there were a lot of new faces trying out across the board in both MLSNext and regular tryouts (u14). I am guessing now that the pandemic is easing, people are more open to moving to other clubs. It also looks like MLSNext is taking off as their were quite a lot of kids trying out for that particular team. What is everyone else seeing?

[Wishiwasatthebeach]

MrNick wrote:Hey all, Wanted to get some parents thoughts regarding their soccer tryouts experience this year around the DMV. Our club is a MLSNext club with quite a few other travel teams in each age group. It looked like there were a lot of new faces trying out across the board in both MLSNext and regular tryouts (u14). I am guessing now that the pandemic is easing, people are more open to moving to other clubs. It also looks like MLSNext is taking off as their were quite a lot of kids trying out for that particular team. What is everyone else seeing?

There are not many MLS next teams. People will and have always been open to changing clubs and playing for a top team with top competition such as mls next. It's a very difficult goal to obtain for most.

[soccer_dc]

For tryouts our club just has prospective players come to regular practices. I have seen a steady flow of new players (U12) at practices starting in March but really picking up the last few weeks. Some players have already joined the team mid-season instead of waiting for the new season in the Fall, which does seem like maybe pent up demand from last 2 pandemic years. But U12 is always a year of movement as teams prepare for increasing roster sizes and beginning play in ECNL/MLS Next/GA at U13 so hard to tell if there is more this year. I also feel all the recent club consolidations has created a lot of instability.

[westsidesoccer]

MrNick wrote:Hey all, Wanted to get some parents thoughts regarding their soccer tryouts experience this year around the DMV. Our club is a MLSNext club with quite a few other travel teams in each age group. It looked like there were a lot of new faces trying out across the board in both MLSNext and regular tryouts (u14). I am guessing now that the pandemic is easing, people are more open to moving to other clubs. It also looks like MLSNext is taking off as their were quite a lot of kids trying out for that particular team. What is everyone else seeing?

I think you are right about MLSNext. It is beginning to separate at early age groups.

[anonimouswon]

MrNick wrote:Hey all, Wanted to get some parents thoughts regarding their soccer tryouts experience this year around the DMV. Our club is a MLSNext club with quite a few other travel teams in each age group. It looked like there were a lot of new faces trying out across the board in both MLSNext and regular tryouts (u14). I am guessing now that the pandemic is easing, people are more open to moving to other clubs. It also looks like MLSNext is taking off as their were quite a lot of kids trying out for that particular team. What is everyone else seeing?

With MLSNext creating the MLSNext Pro League, it's beginning to separate itself from ECNL and ECNL parents/kids are thinking they need to be in MLSNext since it will be the highest competition level.

[Lasso_FC_Girls]

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[anonimouswon]

Lasso_FC_Girls wrote:I have a question and would love to know the answer. If one already accepted an offer and paid the 22/23 season dues, however after paying those dues, certain dynamics changed at said team and a family has decided the environment is no longer a good fit, do they lose the thousands of dollars??? Or is there some kind of rule or date they can get there money back?

Very curious if anyone has experienced this or if anyone knows someone that has.

Yes, I've known of players leaving mid-season, the club releasing the player and the club & family coming to an agreement that they would longer pay their monthly installment. I'm sure if you paid in full up front the club would reimburse what's owed to you. Discuss it with the club, they're generally pretty reasonable about things like this.

[Wishiwasatthebeach]

anonimouswon wrote:

Lasso_FC_Girls wrote:I have a question and would love to know the answer. If one already accepted an offer and paid the 22/23 season dues, however after paying those dues, certain dynamics changed at said team and a family has decided the environment is no longer a good fit, do they lose the thousands of dollars??? Or is there some kind of rule or date they can get there money back?

Very curious if anyone has experienced this or if anyone knows someone that has.

Yes, I've known of players leaving mid-season, the club releasing the player and the club & family coming to an agreement that they would longer pay their monthly installment. I'm sure if you paid in full up front the club would reimburse what's owed to you. Discuss it with the club, they're generally pretty reasonable about things like this.

Agree with the above.