ID Sessions
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Anonymous
We recently looked at two clubs who do ID sessions rather than big tryouts. In both cases, our child practiced with the second team. That seems like a logical starting point because then they could either move them up or down at the next session depending on how they compare to the second team players. we were not impressed with one of the clubs. Basically no feedback afterward and then weeks later an invitation to come back and practice with the third team, which is definitely not the appropriate level for our child. Was much more impressed with the other club who gave very good detailed feedback after one sessionand were able to tell us that our child is essentially on the bubble between the first and second team. |
Anonymous
Hello! While not well defined, 'ID Sessions' are typically for the top leagues like MLS Next, ECNL and ECNL RL and GA and GA-Aspire. These start at U13 and are often held earlier in the season, like February & March. ID Sessions are usually smaller. (20-30 kids) trying to field 1 or 2 teams. While 'Travel Tryouts' are held for all other leagues below the top leagues and for U12 and below. Travel Tryouts are happening now for most clubs and the numbers can be quite large. (40-80 kids) trying to field 3-5 teams. I saw a kid come to u12 travel tryout tonight, who essentially was a great athlete but was lacking a good 'soccer touch.' That kid was ultimately grouped and scrimmaged with other 2nd team caliber kids. But yes, that kid was placed in small-sided mixed scrimmages with kids of all abilities and then the better players are culled out. So, I am saying, if your kid can stand out enough, they can move up from the bottom scrimmage to a higher scrimmage. That being said and based on what you have told us, I would almost 100% expect your kid to be put in the "lower field" to start. If they are serious and love a challenge, they need to come to all 3 travel tryouts to get on the radar. If they would like to play on the HS team, they should defiantly consider taking any slot in travel as a new toy travel player. If they are only practicing 1 day per week now, you will see incredible improvement after 9 months of 3 day a week practices, Fall and Spring leagues and tournaments. Then next year, they will be known to the club and might move up. Also, a lot of families come out to tryouts just to see if their kid will make the 'top team' and when reality sets in, they either don't come back or even leave the tryout before the session is even over. Either way, both making the bottom team and making a higher team are both hard to do, but not impossible. -Good Luck! |
Anonymous
| Thank you for a great reply. I’m now thinking even though it states “travel tryout” it is actually an ID session as there is one tonight and then not another listed until next week. Glad I realize this now. Will let kid know to not be bothered by what group they are put in tonight and just play hard and best they can do. |
Anonymous
| Yep now confused by both responses but very much appreciated!!! Maybe not ID session. Was just expecting some consecutive tryout session. Not just 2 a week apart. Looks like we missed true ID sessions for U13(next year play) as kid not currently on a travel team. |
Anonymous
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A lot of orgs have been calling their tryouts "ID sessions" for spring.
Loudoun, VRSC, etc. |
Anonymous
Just tell your child to go out and have fun. If they're not playing at the club now, it doesn't matter what the session is called. It's a tryout. Coming for a tryout, as an outsider, where the coaches don't recognize the child, you have better chances to get on the top team. The team coaches already know the A, B, C team kids at their club and keep them there. Outsiders will get an extra look. Don't stress over the session. Just tell your child to do their best and have fun. |
Anonymous
| I really like the advice above about having fun. DS went to a tryout (or maybe it was an ID session) last night where the head coach emphasized that to kids and parents. Makes the experience so much better for everyone. |
Anonymous
Yes that is exactly what happens |
Anonymous
Yep, but depending on how athletic your kid is they will quickly move up if warrented. As much as you may see politics playing a role, ultimately clubs/coaches want to win and will definitely roster the diamond in the rough if it will help them win. But to be clear, they have to really stand out because they're not going to kick off a similar level player. |
Anonymous
Nobody gives a s—t |
Anonymous
I think Id sessions are just with outside players and tryouts are everyone. |
Anonymous
Last ID session was tonight. The questionable top field girl was on middle field tonight, then got bumped down a field about 10 minutes into the scrimmage. Her overly “friendly” dad started pacing the sidelines and yelling at to his kid to “get in there!” She eventually settled on middle field by the end of the night. Which seemed much more reasonable, but still perplexing given her skill level. And guess who was literally the only parent talking to the coaches after the ID session? Crazy dad! Last year they had a girl make it who was similarly unskilled, but told the coaches she was a full time keeper. And 3 weeks into the season she wanted to only play 50% keeper. And by the end of the season was a fully field player (and a bench player). This girl looks like she’s pulling the same sort of card except her dad is telling everyone she’s a full time defender…🫠 |
Anonymous
| Both are tryouts |
Anonymous
| what is the point of this story? |
Anonymous
Worry about yourself |