Youth soccer tryouts are a common occurrence in many communities, but they often come with a host of issues and concerns. Here are some of the most pressing problems:
1. PRESSURE ON YOUNG PLAYERS: Tryouts can put a lot of pressure on young players, who may feel like their entire soccer future is on the line. This can lead to anxiety, stress, and even burnout. It's important to remember that kids should be playing soccer for fun, not because they feel like they have to make a particular team. Coming from a Psychology background, this is the most glaring issue.
2. UNEQUAL OPPORTUNITIES: Tryouts can also create unequal opportunities for players based on factors like their socioeconomic status, access to training facilities, and even their race. Kids who come from families with more money may have access to better coaches and equipment, giving them an unfair advantage in tryouts. This is why at Cohansey Soccer Club and Solowey Soccer LLC, we try to work with families who may not be able to afford to get their children access to the best coaching/training.
3. LACK OF DEVELOPMENT-FOCUSED COACHING: In many cases, tryouts focus solely on a player's current skill level rather than their potential for growth and development. This can lead to coaches overlooking talented players who may not be at their peak yet, and favoring players who are already advanced in their skills. Likewise, many coaches take size and athleticism too much.
4. LIMITED ROSTER SPOTS: With limited roster spots available, many kids may not make the team they were hoping for, leading to disappointment and discouragement. It's important to remember that there are many factors that go into creating a successful team and being cut from one team doesn't mean a player isn't talented or valuable. This is a game of opinions.
To address these issues, some youth soccer organizations are exploring alternative approaches to tryouts, such as open practices (which I’ve trialed with at Cohansey Soccer Club with GREAT success) or skills assessments that take into account a player's potential for growth and development, rather than just their current skill level. By prioritizing a more inclusive and development-focused approach, youth soccer organizations can help ensure that all young players have access to the benefits of playing soccer, regardless of their background or skill level.
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