What to Expect at Emerald City FC Tryouts
Important Information:
Emerald City uses a two day tryout process. Players are expected to attend both days. Each tryout period runs for 60 to 120 minutes, depending upon the age level (check http://emeraldcityfc.org/tryouts for the schedule). Many of our expert coaches will be on hand to evaluate the players.
Players must register for and tryout in their birth year age group to start. You may be invited to participate in a different tryout after that based on ability. Remember to bring your shin guards, cleats, and water to the field. Dress appropriately for the weather. Please arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the start time and check-in at the desk/table/tent each day. The coaches will have pinnies at the field for you to wear.
Parents will be addressed by the coaching staff at the beginning of the first day of tryouts. You are then welcome to stay for tryouts, but this is not necessary. Parents will be asked to stay off the field during the tryouts.
Here is a list of frequently asked questions about ECFC tryouts…
Q. What can I expect at tryouts?
A. A parent or legal guardian will be asked to complete a medical release and some brief information about the player. If you pre-registered, this happens online when you register. Players will be given a numbered jersey which the coaches use to keep track of them. A picture will likely be taken of the player with the numbered jersey in order for coaches to use later when they are deliberating over the final selection. Other than that, the tryouts are basically like any other soccer practice. There will be some small sided games, skills drills, etc. Players are encouraged to have fun and play without any fear of being selected or not selected.
Q. When will I hear if I my child made a team?
A. Some players may be approached on the field during the first or second day of tryouts. Other players will hear by phone or email after the tryouts have concluded. Just because your child was not talked to on the field does not mean they have been passed over. Assuming we have proper contact information for the parents, we strive to contact every player/family who participated by the end of the week of tryouts with a decision.
Q. How many players do you select?
A. Emerald City FC will select anywhere from 2 to 4 teams per age group in order to meet the demand for select/premier level play in the Seattle area. Each team has somewhere between 12 to 18 players, depending on the age group (U11 and U12 teams will be on the small side because they play mod 9 vs. 9).
Q. Are returning players given preference during tryouts?
A. No, the tryouts are an open process and selection is based on the skills that a player demonstrates on the tryout dates. Current players are specifically requested to not wear ECFC clothing so as not to influence the selection process. While it is true that returning players have an advantage due to the fact that they train almost year around with professional coaching, there are no guarantees. Each year, some returning players are not selected or they return to recreational soccer. And, each year new players make some of the ECFC teams.
Q. I wasn’t selected, does that mean that I’m not a good soccer player?
A. Absolutely not! The selection process isn’t perfect, and each year there are very good players who are not selected. Players should not get down on themselves. They should continue to play the sport for the love of the game and tryout the next season. In the words of Bobby Howe, “there have been players who weren’t selected for premier soccer who played for their national teams.” Just because a player isn’t selected one season, doesn’t mean that they should give up.
Contact Information
For other questions about Emerald City FC, we encourage you to read the general FAQ here.
If you have other questions, please reach out to our Director of Coaching, John Hamel, or Technical Director, David Smith. You may also email .
We look forward to seeing you at an ECFC Tryout!