Tryout FAQs
Considering East FC for the upcoming season?
Here are answers to common questions we receive about our tryouts, team formation process, and what makes our approach different:
1. My child can't attend the tryout. Now what?
If your player can’t attend the official tryout date, don’t worry — we can still evaluate them.
We encourage families to attend our free pre-tryout camp, where players can be assessed in a relaxed, game-like environment. If needed, we can also arrange an individual evaluation prior to tryouts.
Please note: we begin offering roster spots and forming teams immediately after tryouts, so it’s important that any alternate evaluations take place before tryout day.
2. Can my child try out for more than one team?
Absolutely. In fact, we encourage it.
At East FC, we believe families should explore their options and choose the club that’s the best fit for their child — whether it’s because of coaching style, friendships, or development goals. With that said, if we offer your child a roster spot, we do ask for a commitment within 24 hours so we can offer spots to other players if needed.
Roster space is limited, and timely communication helps ensure every player has an opportunity to find the right home.
3. Does every player get placed on a team?
As much as we’d love to build a team for every player, the honest answer is: not always.
Our goal is not to “cut” players — it’s to form rosters that make sense for each developmental level. Sometimes we don’t have enough players at a certain skill level to form a full team, or we believe a player may thrive better in a different environment.
We know that progress isn’t always linear, but our experienced coaching staff knows how to assess both current ability and potential. We are committed to giving players honest feedback and support — whether or not they join East FC this season.
4. What are coaches looking for in tryouts?
We’re not just looking for the most technically gifted players.
We’re looking for:
Commitment and drive
Coachability and respect
Comfort with contact and physical play
Focus, effort, and a willingness to learn
Of course, technical skills like passing, dribbling, and ball control matter — but we value attitude and effort just as much as ability.
5. What if there isn’t a team for my player? How do I explain this to them? Where do we go from here?
First, avoid language like “you didn’t make it” or “you got cut.” That’s not what happened.
At East FC, we base team formation on developmental fit — not who’s “good” or “bad.”
We recommend saying something like:
“There were a lot of players at tryouts, and all of them are in different stages of their soccer journey. Right now, East FC doesn’t have a team that’s the right fit for where you're at — but that doesn’t mean you're not a great player. It just means your journey is still unfolding.”
There are many other clubs in the area, and some offer make-up tryouts or late roster spots. We’re always happy to point families in a direction that best supports their player’s growth.
6. Can my child be placed on a team in a different age group?
Sometimes, yes.
We generally form teams by birth year, but we occasionally place a player in a different age group if it’s clearly a better developmental fit — either for technical, social, or competitive reasons.
These decisions are made carefully and always with the player’s long-term development in mind.
7. What if my child plays other sports? Can they still play for East FC?
Yes — we support and celebrate multi-sport athletes.
While we expect players to attend practice and prioritize their commitment during the soccer season, we understand that balance matters. Some of the most successful athletes we know (including professionals) grew up playing multiple sports.
We’re happy to work with families to create schedules that support growth without burnout.
Don’t see your question here?
Feel free to reach out to us directly — we’re happy to talk.
At East FC, we believe in open, honest communication with players and parents, and we want you to feel confident about the decisions you make for your athlete.
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