ID/Tryout/Offer Timelines for this spring

[Anonymous]

With COVID last year and limitations on tryouts/ID sessions still existing this year, what are clubs doing with the timelines? Another thread mentioned that people aren't going to wait til June for an offer and then will have to commit one place and then pay twice, etc. Any intel on how different area clubs are handling timelines? e.g., offers out already to existing players/starters, offers out on May 1? Other?

There is also a seeming explosion of new clubs/"alliances" and coaching/leadership changes that may factor into player movement. Curious on how it all plays out in the next 6 weeks....

[Anonymous]

I've heard from multiple clubs that they aren't doing traditional tryouts but instead are only having tryouts or IDs for new players. I was told that everyone in the program would be invited back and placed on an appropriate team based on coaching evaluation from the year. I kind of agree that this process is better since the coaches have been with players entire year and know what level they should remain at or move to. I think the challenge is where there are new coaches taking over a team. Are they going to take the word of the prior coach or will they start attending training for new teams?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I've heard from multiple clubs that they aren't doing traditional tryouts but instead are only having tryouts or IDs for new players. I was told that everyone in the program would be invited back and placed on an appropriate team based on coaching evaluation from the year. I kind of agree that this process is better since the coaches have been with players entire year and know what level they should remain at or move to. I think the challenge is where there are new coaches taking over a team. Are they going to take the word of the prior coach or will they start attending training for new teams?

The other challenge is if a lot of clubs had a similar approach last year -- keep/give an offer to all existing players -- but then there was development or lack of development meaning teams aren't balanced right.... Then you get an offer but do you not know whether it will be for your current team or a different one in the club? They of course want to leave some room for Messi coming in from another club and trying out.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I've heard from multiple clubs that they aren't doing traditional tryouts but instead are only having tryouts or IDs for new players. I was told that everyone in the program would be invited back and placed on an appropriate team based on coaching evaluation from the year. I kind of agree that this process is better since the coaches have been with players entire year and know what level they should remain at or move to. I think the challenge is where there are new coaches taking over a team. Are they going to take the word of the prior coach or will they start attending training for new teams?

A bit off topic here but what’s the thought process on coaches as kids go from one year to the next?

Has there ever been instances where coaches follow players as they move up year to year? Or does it make sense and is acceptable that new coaches take the reigns year in and year out and they typically ‘specialize’ in developing certain age groups?

[Anonymous]

I’ve seen many clubs are having open tryouts this week. Would some offers to existing players typically go out prior to tryouts, trying to get their commitments, or not until end of tryouts? Question is for U11-12 travel top teams.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’ve seen many clubs are having open tryouts this week. Would some offers to existing players typically go out prior to tryouts, trying to get their commitments, or not until end of tryouts? Question is for U11-12 travel top teams.

+1, but curious about U13/14 -- I know as they get past then some rosters don't change as much. At DS' club it seems like a lot should change though -- it's been a mess this year.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I've heard from multiple clubs that they aren't doing traditional tryouts but instead are only having tryouts or IDs for new players. I was told that everyone in the program would be invited back and placed on an appropriate team based on coaching evaluation from the year. I kind of agree that this process is better since the coaches have been with players entire year and know what level they should remain at or move to. I think the challenge is where there are new coaches taking over a team. Are they going to take the word of the prior coach or will they start attending training for new teams?

A bit off topic here but what’s the thought process on coaches as kids go from one year to the next?

Has there ever been instances where coaches follow players as they move up year to year? Or does it make sense and is acceptable that new coaches take the reigns year in and year out and they typically ‘specialize’ in developing certain age groups?

At the very few teams I'm familiar with (boys side, Maryland) it seems reasonably common that coaches move up with the kids for travel. In some cases coaches have a kid on the team (for good or ill) which makes it easier for the coaches to stay with the team. I do think a coach staying with a team can be a negative as coaches develop relationships with both players and parents over the years which, even if it doesn't affect things, gives the appearance that it does. It also makes is a bit harder for a kid to move positions if the coach has made up his or her mind, whereas a new coach might see something else.

In the MLS Next teams (Bethesda and Armour being the two I am familiar with) the coaches tend to coach certain age groups so the boys will get new coaches over the years.

Smaller clubs are a whole different thing, where the owner/head coach may coach multiple teams in the same club.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I've heard from multiple clubs that they aren't doing traditional tryouts but instead are only having tryouts or IDs for new players. I was told that everyone in the program would be invited back and placed on an appropriate team based on coaching evaluation from the year. I kind of agree that this process is better since the coaches have been with players entire year and know what level they should remain at or move to. I think the challenge is where there are new coaches taking over a team. Are they going to take the word of the prior coach or will they start attending training for new teams?

A bit off topic here but what’s the thought process on coaches as kids go from one year to the next?

Has there ever been instances where coaches follow players as they move up year to year? Or does it make sense and is acceptable that new coaches take the reigns year in and year out and they typically ‘specialize’ in developing certain age groups?

At the very few teams I'm familiar with (boys side, Maryland) it seems reasonably common that coaches move up with the kids for travel. In some cases coaches have a kid on the team (for good or ill) which makes it easier for the coaches to stay with the team. I do think a coach staying with a team can be a negative as coaches develop relationships with both players and parents over the years which, even if it doesn't affect things, gives the appearance that it does. It also makes is a bit harder for a kid to move positions if the coach has made up his or her mind, whereas a new coach might see something else.

In the MLS Next teams (Bethesda and Armour being the two I am familiar with) the coaches tend to coach certain age groups so the boys will get new coaches over the years.

Smaller clubs are a whole different thing, where the owner/head coach may coach multiple teams in the same club.

That does make a lot of sense. Having different eyes on an age group could be beneficial rather than stick with the same Coach year after year things could get stale or the group could get too comfortable.

[Anonymous]

Has anyone gotten written offers/paid deposits with ANY club for 2021-22 season yet? Anyone? Anyone? Bueller? Frye?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Has anyone gotten written offers/paid deposits with ANY club for 2021-22 season yet? Anyone? Anyone? Bueller? Frye?

None that I know of trying out for any team.

[Anonymous]

We heard from Potomac today that they're doing new player ID clinics from May 8-23 followed by offers to new and returning players in late May. They're bypassing re-tryouts for existing players and instead relying on coaches' observations from the past year.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Has anyone gotten written offers/paid deposits with ANY club for 2021-22 season yet? Anyone? Anyone? Bueller? Frye?

It isn't even May, relax.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Has anyone gotten written offers/paid deposits with ANY club for 2021-22 season yet? Anyone? Anyone? Bueller? Frye?

It isn't even May, relax.

Yes. Want $400 to hold the spot

[Anonymous]

^^^What club??

[Anonymous]

Alexandria has opened up online registration for kids next year. No information on dates other than it is happening in May.