FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHO SHOULD TRY OUT FOR COMPETITIVE SOCCER?
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‍Competitive soccer requires much more of a commitment than recreational soccer.  Competitive soccer players need to be focused and highly motivated.  They must possess a strong desire to learn the game from experienced coaches and to surround themselves with other focused and highly motivated players.

‍HOW DO I SIGN UP FOR TRYOUTS?
‍Online registration is available through the Seattle United website (www.seattleunited.com).  Use the blue button at the left, or at the bottom, of this page to access our online registration platform.  We strongly encourage you to pre-register for two reasons.  First, it helps facilitate an easier check-in on the first day of your tryout. Secondly, it helps the coaching and evaluating staff to more properly prepare their sessions.  If you are unable to register online, walk-up registrations are allowed.  Be advised that online registration closes 48 hours prior to the first day/night of any scheduled tryout.  Please note that there is a $25.00 registration fee online and a $40.00 registration fee for walk-ups.  Anyone that registers at the field must have a parent or legal guardian present to complete all registration forms and to submit payment.

HOW ARE SEATTLE UNITED TEAMS STRUCTURED?

ECNL Teams - Our ECNL teams are the highest level of play within the club and compete year-round in the Elite Clubs National League (ECNL).

Premier Teams – There are sometimes up to four premier teams at each age and gender, though the number of teams will depend on number of players attending tryouts and overall quality of play.  Our premier teams play at the highest applicable WYS league (currently, the RCL).
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Regional Select Teams – Our select teams train in one of three regions within the club.  These regions include Shoreline, Northwest, and South. Each region will have one or two teams per age and gender, and will play in the most applicable WYS league (generally the North Puget Sound League (NPSL)).

‍While our select teams train within their given region, a player may opt to play in a region outside of their neighborhood provided there is roster space and the coach agrees to accept the player.

WHAT IF I DO NOT MAKE A TEAM? WHAT ARE MY OTHER OPTIONS?

Unfortunately, not all players will make a team.  There are plenty of options available to those that do not.  At all age groups, the SYSA rec soccer program is a fantastic way to stay involved and hone your skills.  At the younger age groups, the Seattle United Player Development Academy (PDA) is a fantastic option to continue your soccer developmental cycle.  We encourage players that are interested in other opportunities to contact your age group head coach.

WHEN WILL I HAVE TO COMMIT TO THE TEAM AND WHAT HAPPENS AFTER I COMMIT?

We ask that every player that is trying out for a Seattle United team be ready to commit to the team upon receiving an offer.  This will speed up the process for everyone else in the age group.  Decisions must be made within 24 hours as there are players that will be offered a spot should one decline an offer.  Acceptance of a roster spot is confirmed ONLY when the commitment paperwork and fee are received.

WILL A SESSION EVER GET CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER? WHAT IS THE PROCESS OF NOTIFYING PLAYERS?

We live in Seattle….any weather is possible.  While it would take extreme weather to cancel any of our sessions, this has happened in the past.  If there is a threat of severe weather, please make sure to check the Seattle United website and social media channels often.  We will also attempt to contact all registered players.  For this reason, it is important that the email address you put on the registration form is the best one to contact you with.  Please know that while cancelling a session is extremely rare, player safety comes first.

WHAT IF I AM SICK OR IF I HAVE TO MISS TRYOUTS?

In the case of all unavoidable conflicts, please contact the age group director and the head coach of the team for which the player is most likely trying out.  He/she will advise you on how best to proceed.

WHAT DO THE COACHES LOOK FOR DURING TRYOUTS?

All players will be evaluated based on their technical and tactical ability as well as their physical abilities.  Players who exhibit a strong work ethic and who display a respect for the game, coaches and fellow players will show well.

DO I HAVE TO ATTEND ALL OF THE TRYOUT SESSIONS?

This is a very popular question each year.  The simple answer is…YES.  The more sessions you attend, the greater the opportunity you have to exhibit your skills to the head coach and the staff of evaluators.  For this reason, we strongly recommend that you attend each of the sessions in your age group.  If there is a major and unavoidable conflict with the dates and times of your age group sessions, please contact the age group director and head coach of your age group and they will be able to provide guidance. Arrangements can be made to provide you the opportunity to try out.  In some circumstances, a supplemental session may be scheduled.  It is imperative that, even if you are planning to miss a session or sessions, you still register online!  When you are attending the second and third night of tryouts, please make sure that your player number is the same as on all previous nights.

CAN I PLAY FOR AN OLDER TEAM?

One of the goals of our club is to make sure that each player is placed on a team not necessarily based on age but on ability.  It is in every player’s best interest, from a soccer development standpoint, to play with players of like-ability. For this reason, if the Seattle United technical staff determines that it is in your best interest to play up a year, a decision can be made at that time.  If you are new to the club, please make sure that the staff knows if you are at a session and are attempting to play up a year.

WHAT AGE GROUP SHOULD I TRY OUT FOR?

Most players will attend the tryout corresponding with their birth year.

WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?

All players should bring their soccer cleats, shin guards, a water bottle, an appropriately sized soccer ball and weather-appropriate training clothes. Returning Seattle United players: DO NOT wear your club uniform or training gear! Please be sure to print, sign and bring your medical release/liability waiver with you to the first session.Please arrive 45 minutes prior to your first session and 30 minutes prior for the following sessions.

I AM INTERESTED IN PLAYING FOR SEATTLE UNITED BUT I CANNOT AFFORD IT.  IS THERE A SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM OFFERED?

Yes.  Details are on our Financial Aid page

‍DO RETURNING SEATTLE UNITED PLAYERS NEED TO TRY OUT?

Yes.  All players must try out each year.

HOW MUCH WILL IT COST IF I MAKE A TEAM? DO I HAVE TO PAY ALL AT ONCE?

This varies by team.  All fees are published each year on the Registration Page.

DO I NEED TO PAY ALL AT ONCE?

The club requires a 20% non-refundable commitment fee at the time of registration and the club offers three different payment plans.  The payment schedules for those plans are available at check out during the online registration process.  Complete information regarding registration, fees and club policies can be found on the Registration Page as well.

Tryout registration questions? Email Paige Blomso at paige@seattleunited.com
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Soccer tryout questions? Email Alex Chursky at alexc@seattleunited.com