My DD tried out for 1 and got on the team. We’ve been happy. She’s gotten better, likes her coach and teammates, I like that the travel portion is not too much actual traveling. I also like that we are not spending 5k a year.
Do what works for you.

Anonymous wrote:See what is out there. There are drastic differences amongst the clubs. Some clubs communicate way better. Some clubs have better coaches. Some have crazy patents. Some have kids that would make your child miserable. There is a club out there for you, but you would never know how much better it could be for you or your DC until you look. Also, best to find this out early before your DC gets too attached and refuses to move. After staying at one club for all the early years, I thought that was just how all clubs were, then we switched and the differences are drastic. We wouldn’t have known if we did not move. And we began at a club that was considered one of the betters out there. Problem was, that became institutional and they started acting like the consumers should just be happy to have a spot and started to treat the families accordingly.

+💯

Until you really shop around and experience everything around town, you won’t really know if you are in the right place for your child.

See what is out there. There are drastic differences amongst the clubs. Some clubs communicate way better. Some clubs have better coaches. Some have crazy patents. Some have kids that would make your child miserable. There is a club out there for you, but you would never know how much better it could be for you or your DC until you look. Also, best to find this out early before your DC gets too attached and refuses to move. After staying at one club for all the early years, I thought that was just how all clubs were, then we switched and the differences are drastic. We wouldn’t have known if we did not move. And we began at a club that was considered one of the betters out there. Problem was, that became institutional and they started acting like the consumers should just be happy to have a spot and started to treat the families accordingly.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Tryout as many places as needed to get your current coach’s attendance.

What does that mean?

I think they meant to say attention. Doesn’t make sense either way because unless you tell the coach, they don’t know which clubs you are trying out for. They seem to think that trying out for other clubs somehow lets the coach know you are not happy. I simple conversation with the coach is all it takes.

I think it makes sense to tryout for as many clubs as you can manage to squeeze into your schedule.

9

DS tried out for 2. One was a stretch (and frankly DH and I hoped he wouldn't make it) and the other one was a pretty much guarantee.

ALL OF THEM!! No in all seriousness, this is not really a question another person can answer for you. It depends on the level of your player, their desire, your finances, your location, your current experience, and your threshold of pain (player and family) in time and money. Example: if your kid is a 3rd or 4th team player who just likes to play and they are having fun where they are (and bonus points if that is close to you) then don't even think about moving them. Example: if your kid is a top team player who needs to be pushed more or have better opportunities...then you should check out what else is on offer!

Additionally, if someone tells you that there is something wrong with trying out or attending IDs somewhere then beware...red flag. Go check it out if you want to and don't even think twice about it. You might fall in love or come to respect your current club more or realize they are all the same. Don't overthink it and do what is best for your family.

To be honest, if all you are doing is going to open tryouts, I’m not sure your DD will get much other than getting used to tryouts.

If you are really underwhelmed at your current club, I would be emailing the coaches of the other clubs you are interested in and practice with these teams so you can actually try to understand what you would be getting.

I am not well versed on these clubs at the girls side, but are you looking at top teams? There is a massive difference in intensity about the sport at SYC vs LMV vs Gunston and really different vibes at the club. I think you need to make sure you know what you are getting into.

U11 is a really good time to think about switching though if you have a top team level DD, so that she has a chance at an inside track to make a better U13 team. Otherwise you have to start thinking about how to get on the radar for that team in two years.

Anonymous wrote:Tryout as many places as needed to get your current coach’s attendance.

What does that mean?

We only try out for our existing club but are happy enough with them and if we don't make it, we don't make it.

Anonymous wrote:DD is U10 (2016) and going into her 3rd year of travel. Should we try out for more than one club? We have been somewhat underwhelmed by the club we are in but have done it purely due to ease of location. Would you suggest trying out for multiple clubs at this level and seeing where she gets in and making a decision after that? We are thinking of doing SYC, Lee Mount Vernon, and Gunston (can't travel much further than that).

my dc tryout all 3 ECNL clubs (Arlington, VDA, FVU). we got one offer out of the 3.

Tryout as many places as needed to get your current coach’s attendance.

Usually just 1 plus whatever required for the current club.

DD is U10 (2016) and going into her 3rd year of travel. Should we try out for more than one club? We have been somewhat underwhelmed by the club we are in but have done it purely due to ease of location. Would you suggest trying out for multiple clubs at this level and seeing where she gets in and making a decision after that? We are thinking of doing SYC, Lee Mount Vernon, and Gunston (can't travel much further than that).