Tryouts

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Who Can Try Out?
Any interested player in the area is welcome to try out for Shaker Youth Soccer Association’s Competitive Travel League. Players outside of the Shaker Youth Soccer Community may also try out; however, league rules limit the number of “Outside Community” players who can be placed on a single team. Beachwood is considered part of the Shaker Youth Soccer Community.

Do Returning Travel Players Need to Register for Tryouts?
Yes. All players must try out each spring, and every player must register in advance.

What If I Can’t Attend My Assigned Tryout Day or Time?
We strongly encourage players to attend their assigned tryout session whenever possible. Limited make-up tryouts will be available, and we will work with families to ensure every player has an opportunity to be evaluated.
When registering, please select “Unable to attend tryouts,” and we will contact you to arrange a make-up session.

How Will Players Be Evaluated?
SYSA coaches and staff will conduct scrimmages and small-sided games to evaluate players. The following criteria will be considered:

• Teamwork and attitude
• First touch and ball control
• Dribbling and passing skills
• Movement with and without the ball
• Overall strengths and soccer awareness

How Can I Prepare for Tryouts?

• Practice shooting by repeatedly striking the ball at a goal, wall, rebounder, or with a sibling or friend in goal.
• Work on dribbling through 1v1 or 2v2 games in your yard, basement, or at practice. Use cones, mini goals, shoes, or clothing as goals.
• Improve passing and receiving by playing the ball off a wall, with a teammate, parent, or rebounder.
• Play pickup soccer whenever possible, especially small-sided games like 4v4.
• Arrive on time and fully prepared (don’t forget to double-knot your cleats!).
• Goalkeepers should let us know their position and bring gloves, if available.
• Most importantly—have fun!

Where Can I Learn More?
Visit our website for additional information about SYSA’s Competitive Travel League. Click here for details!