Anonymous
Post 08/02/2019 10:04     Subject: Can someone give me the run-down on travel try-outs?
Just to add as a reference, my DC played ARL Rec and ADP, and was definitely the standout on those teams. DC tried out for travel, made the 2nd team - but is no longer a standout compared to the other players. DC has the technical skills, but other players can shut DC down, whereas Rec and ADP kids couldn't stop DC.
Anonymous
Post 08/02/2019 07:42     Subject: Can someone give me the run-down on travel try-outs?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I know this is a ways away, but I’m curious now. I have a kid who for non-soccer reasons hasn’t been able to play beyond rec up to now (long-term medical crisis for one parent meant we couldn’t commit to more than that). Now we’re in a better position to do more, and child would like to play at a higher level. Child is a strong player for rec, but hasn’t been tested beyond that. U12, and made ASA’s ADP for this coming year (we didn’t try out for travel). Has been doing supplemental camps/clinics and wants to keep doing those this coming year.

If kid tries out for travel next year, how does that work? Do they try out for particular positions at that point, or is it all open-pool? Are there other clubs around us that might be easier to get into that wouldn’t mean hours of driving for every practice? Any other info that would be helpful? I have no idea if kid is travel material or not, but after everything they (and the rest of us) have been through the past few years and how it’s limited their options, I’d like to give kid every chance I can now.


Reach out to clubs/coaches now. Often teams still have room to add a player. Players can be added at any time it is just a matter of each individual teams circumstance. It wouldn't hurt to reach out and have him attend some practices.


This is what I would do. IF your son in uncomfortable just showing up to a practice, you can go and watch the teams you might be interested in and the level of play. You can find schedules on the league websites. NCSL and EDP are two. It should say what leagues teams play in on their club websites.
Anonymous
Post 08/02/2019 07:26     Subject: Re:Can someone give me the run-down on travel try-outs?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Arlington now officially goes by ARL.


Really? All the emails I’ve gotten from them this week say ASA, as does their website.


It was on Potomac soccer wire and I’ve now seen them listed this way at showcases.
Anonymous
Post 08/02/2019 00:11     Subject: Can someone give me the run-down on travel try-outs?
you should try joe's house of soccer. contact joe for a tryout.
Anonymous
Post 08/01/2019 20:50     Subject: Can someone give me the run-down on travel try-outs?
I would call heads of coaching for a variety of clubs. Explain your situation and ask if your child can go for some trainings. Arlington ADP is good but it is not travel. You should call Arlington, BRYC, Mclean etc and you can probably get a sport at one of their junior travel teams. Also sign up for clinics to get the footskill part down. Congratulations on getting through the health crisis. See you on the pitch!
Anonymous
Post 08/01/2019 18:55     Subject: Re:Can someone give me the run-down on travel try-outs?
Anonymous wrote:Arlington now officially goes by ARL.


Really? All the emails I’ve gotten from them this week say ASA, as does their website.
Anonymous
Post 08/01/2019 18:51     Subject: Re:Can someone give me the run-down on travel try-outs?
Arlington now officially goes by ARL.
Anonymous
Post 08/01/2019 14:52     Subject: Re:Can someone give me the run-down on travel try-outs?
On the question about trying out for a particular position, the answer is no, unless the kid is a goalkeeper. Goalkeepers often have separate or additional tryouts. Otherwise the coaches will evaluate the pool and decide who they think might help them out in a particular position. Agree with others that it would be smart to start practicing with some local teams to get a sense of the level and driving distance.
Anonymous
Post 08/01/2019 12:53     Subject: Can someone give me the run-down on travel try-outs?
A travel team will nearly always, at the 'travel' level, accept a new player.

Trying to make DA or ECNL team would probably be more difficult unless your kid is a lot better than what is on the roster.
Anonymous
Post 08/01/2019 12:35     Subject: Can someone give me the run-down on travel try-outs?
Premier Athletics Club (PAC) could be a good option for your son. Lots of kids from Arlington play on this club, the boys practice at Luther Jackson Middle school and most families carpool.

It is a small club, so the strength of the teams vary year-by-year, but it doesn’t sound like you are looking for an extremely competitive club. Instead it sounds like you want to give your son a chance to play more soccer and develop his skills.

Also, sometimes when they don’t have any more room on a team, players will train with their age group until a spot opens up. So, that could be an option for your son as well.

I am glad things are improving for your family!
Anonymous
Post 08/01/2019 12:34     Subject: Can someone give me the run-down on travel try-outs?
Anonymous wrote:Formal try-outs are for suckers.
Call a coach/program, arrange for him to train a few times with a team.
Then you can get a real sense of where the kid is.


I've seen families to this AND not get offered.

If the kid can play, they can play. Getting a look at a regular session or formal tryout won't matter.
Anonymous
Post 08/01/2019 12:12     Subject: Can someone give me the run-down on travel try-outs?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I know this is a ways away, but I’m curious now. I have a kid who for non-soccer reasons hasn’t been able to play beyond rec up to now (long-term medical crisis for one parent meant we couldn’t commit to more than that). Now we’re in a better position to do more, and child would like to play at a higher level. Child is a strong player for rec, but hasn’t been tested beyond that. U12, and made ASA’s ADP for this coming year (we didn’t try out for travel). Has been doing supplemental camps/clinics and wants to keep doing those this coming year.

If kid tries out for travel next year, how does that work? Do they try out for particular positions at that point, or is it all open-pool? Are there other clubs around us that might be easier to get into that wouldn’t mean hours of driving for every practice? Any other info that would be helpful? I have no idea if kid is travel material or not, but after everything they (and the rest of us) have been through the past few years and how it’s limited their options, I’d like to give kid every chance I can now.


Reach out to clubs/coaches now. Often teams still have room to add a player. Players can be added at any time it is just a matter of each individual teams circumstance. It wouldn't hurt to reach out and have him attend some practices.


100% concur. Most coaches are willing to have a kid out to a practice, and if they are good they will often add a player at any time in the year.
Anonymous
Post 08/01/2019 12:11     Subject: Can someone give me the run-down on travel try-outs?
Formal try-outs are for suckers.
Call a coach/program, arrange for him to train a few times with a team.
Then you can get a real sense of where the kid is.
Anonymous
Post 08/01/2019 11:29     Subject: Can someone give me the run-down on travel try-outs?
Anonymous wrote:I know this is a ways away, but I’m curious now. I have a kid who for non-soccer reasons hasn’t been able to play beyond rec up to now (long-term medical crisis for one parent meant we couldn’t commit to more than that). Now we’re in a better position to do more, and child would like to play at a higher level. Child is a strong player for rec, but hasn’t been tested beyond that. U12, and made ASA’s ADP for this coming year (we didn’t try out for travel). Has been doing supplemental camps/clinics and wants to keep doing those this coming year.

If kid tries out for travel next year, how does that work? Do they try out for particular positions at that point, or is it all open-pool? Are there other clubs around us that might be easier to get into that wouldn’t mean hours of driving for every practice? Any other info that would be helpful? I have no idea if kid is travel material or not, but after everything they (and the rest of us) have been through the past few years and how it’s limited their options, I’d like to give kid every chance I can now.


Reach out to clubs/coaches now. Often teams still have room to add a player. Players can be added at any time it is just a matter of each individual teams circumstance. It wouldn't hurt to reach out and have him attend some practices.
Anonymous
Post 08/01/2019 11:26     Subject: Can someone give me the run-down on travel try-outs?
I know this is a ways away, but I’m curious now. I have a kid who for non-soccer reasons hasn’t been able to play beyond rec up to now (long-term medical crisis for one parent meant we couldn’t commit to more than that). Now we’re in a better position to do more, and child would like to play at a higher level. Child is a strong player for rec, but hasn’t been tested beyond that. U12, and made ASA’s ADP for this coming year (we didn’t try out for travel). Has been doing supplemental camps/clinics and wants to keep doing those this coming year.

If kid tries out for travel next year, how does that work? Do they try out for particular positions at that point, or is it all open-pool? Are there other clubs around us that might be easier to get into that wouldn’t mean hours of driving for every practice? Any other info that would be helpful? I have no idea if kid is travel material or not, but after everything they (and the rest of us) have been through the past few years and how it’s limited their options, I’d like to give kid every chance I can now.