Arlington U9 ADP Tryouts Discussion

[Anonymous]

What did you think about tonight’s tryouts?

My thoughts as a first-time parent attendee: They were well-run and coaches were carefully watching the players. From where I was sitting, the weaker players were grouped closer to mid-field (farthest from the high school). When the head of ADP talked to the parents, he seemed to say that they would find a spot for anyone who was genuinely interested in playing. There were a few standouts in terms of ability, but 50-75% were similar skill level, which was notably higher than the average rec player level.

[Anonymous]

I should have tried to count but didn’t - about how many girls do you think we’re there?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I should have tried to count but didn’t - about how many girls do you think we’re there?

Girls: I counted 8 games (so ~64 girls)

[Anonymous]

My son tried out yesterday! I hate watching these tryouts, they're so chaotic and the kids kick the ball out of bounds every other second b/c the little fields they use are so tiny. I wasn't really tracking skill level across the different groups, though I did notice one group that seemed particularly strong.

I have an older child who already does ADP, and I remember she didn't particularly stand out at her tryout but she has been quite successful in ADP. So, not sure how they decide which kids to admit to the program.

[Anonymous]

Basically they let everyone in on a year like this when there are low numbers. They are NOT guaranteed a spot next year so don't let your kids feel to comfortable at tryouts then if numbers are higher. When my DD tried out there were 20 or so fewer spots less than kids trying out so it a nail biter for a few of us.

My DD really improved in ADP. She went from a bottom tier to higher tier in 2 years. (They rank the kids on the team, so the teams are fair when they play each other- a few high tier kids, a few mid tier kids and the rest bottom tier kids).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Basically they let everyone in on a year like this when there are low numbers. They are NOT guaranteed a spot next year so don't let your kids feel to comfortable at tryouts then if numbers are higher. When my DD tried out there were 20 or so fewer spots less than kids trying out so it a nail biter for a few of us.

My DD really improved in ADP. She went from a bottom tier to higher tier in 2 years. (They rank the kids on the team, so the teams are fair when they play each other- a few high tier kids, a few mid tier kids and the rest bottom tier kids).

Is the ranking formal or informal? Like, do they tell you that your kid is middle of the pack, or is this just by observation?

[Anonymous]

It's a formal ranking but they do not release it outside of coaches.

[Anonymous]

Do the coaches already know which day the pool practice will be? I’m guessing the parent-run practice day can differ just like rec.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Do the coaches already know which day the pool practice will be? I’m guessing the parent-run practice day can differ just like rec.

I doubt it but I'm pretty sure they are just M W F. The time slots are either 5:00 - 6:15 or 6:15 to 7:30. My DD has always had pool practice at Gunston, team practice has varied.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Do the coaches already know which day the pool practice will be? I’m guessing the parent-run practice day can differ just like rec.

I doubt it but I'm pretty sure they are just M W F. The time slots are either 5:00 - 6:15 or 6:15 to 7:30. My DD has always had pool practice at Gunston, team practice has varied.

They usually don’t know until right before for the fall season unfortunately.

[Anonymous]

Does anyone know if the second tryout is identical to the first? Just want to prepare DS for what to expect, if possible.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Does anyone know if the second tryout is identical to the first? Just want to prepare DS for what to expect, if possible.

Yes it is. Here are some tips - listen to the coaches by looking at them in the eye when they're talking, get the ball when it goes out of bounds, don't show off with big kicks unless you can control where it goes - they want team players not showoffs, show you can be a good teammate by giving feedback or communicating to "teammates". Goodluck!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Does anyone know if the second tryout is identical to the first? Just want to prepare DS for what to expect, if possible.

Yes it is. Here are some tips - listen to the coaches by looking at them in the eye when they're talking, get the ball when it goes out of bounds, don't show off with big kicks unless you can control where it goes - they want team players not showoffs, show you can be a good teammate by giving feedback or communicating to "teammates". Goodluck!

Thank you! I told my son to be a good listener and that the coaches probably wanted to see the boys hustling and showing that they really wanted to be there, in addition to soccer skills (which are kind of hard to demonstrate on those little playing areas).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Do the coaches already know which day the pool practice will be? I’m guessing the parent-run practice day can differ just like rec.

I doubt it but I'm pretty sure they are just M W F. The time slots are either 5:00 - 6:15 or 6:15 to 7:30. My DD has always had pool practice at Gunston, team practice has varied.

They usually don’t know until right before for the fall season unfortunately.

This year we didn't find out until the week before. At least in our house it often conflicts with another sport. (And don't get me started on the games -- almost all of ours conflicted with rec this year, which is ridiculous).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Does anyone know if the second tryout is identical to the first? Just want to prepare DS for what to expect, if possible.

Yes it is. Here are some tips - listen to the coaches by looking at them in the eye when they're talking, get the ball when it goes out of bounds, don't show off with big kicks unless you can control where it goes - they want team players not showoffs, show you can be a good teammate by giving feedback or communicating to "teammates". Goodluck!

Thank you! I told my son to be a good listener and that the coaches probably wanted to see the boys hustling and showing that they really wanted to be there, in addition to soccer skills (which are kind of hard to demonstrate on those little playing areas).

Psst! Those little playing areas are great for demonstrating soccer skills -- either you have the footskills to control the ball and receive/pass it accurately, or you don't. Smaller area = less margin for error, and the coaches want to see what players make of that.