Soccer Tryouts in 2022

Go Soccer Pro is collecting information regarding upcoming soccer tryouts for 2022. Click here to go to the page. We will be adding additional information as we learn of more companies who offer this service.

We have had a few companies reach out to us requesting we promote their events. Over the next few weeks, we will be vetting these companies and exploring which ones offer the best opportunities for players both in terms of value for cost as well as where they may be able to place attendees.

One company we are finding especially interesting is Fieldoo. Fieldoo has a platform that lets players share information about themselves. The players can also connect with agents and scouts. They are based in Slovenia and they also operate combines. Because they are IN Europe, they have intimate connections with dozens of clubs throughout Europe.

What are soccer tryouts?

These events usually last two to three days and provide an opportunity for players to showcase their skills in front of coaches, while allowing coaches and scouts a chance to view potential players.

My son attended one of the popular soccer tryouts last summer. There were players present from all over the world. Some of the players were already with semi-pro teams. They wanted to be signed by larger clubs.

There are a few companies in the US that work with European and other foreign clubs. Most of these seem to follow a similar model. Players who sign up train and play games over a two to three day period in front of staff, coaches and scouts. Some European coaches and scouts do not attend in person. The combine staff members may have the authority to make selections on behalf of foreign teams. This is due to COVID.

Several of these soccer combines select the top players from their event and invite them to a showcase event abroad. Most of these are similar. The selected players travel and stay in select European venues. They train with local clubs and have opportunities to play with professional and semi-professional teams. A player who impresses the scouts may be offered a trial with the club.

What do you take to soccer tryouts in 2022?

The organization you are working with should send you an email with instructions for the event. The promoters will give you a location and time to show up. They will most likely tell you what color shirt and shorts they want you to wear.

Some groups may give you a pinnie to wear over your clothes or a piece of paper with a number to attach to your shorts. Identification of players is by number. You may need to wear a mask when not actively playing. This will depend on the COVID restrictions at the time, and depending on the state.

Structure of Soccer Tryouts

These vary by company. Some companies ask for a CV, full game video or a highlight reel prior to the event. They may group you according to your ability as represented by what you submit to them. They will divide you into groups based on your perceived skills.

The combine my son attended was for three days in the summer of 2021. They separated the players into six groups. These groups played in three games. (One game each day) Each session seemed to start with a warmup, and some drills followed by a game.

Most of the boys only played half of each game. The second and third teams appeared to be under evaluation at the same time.

Because of COVID, the promised scouts from European clubs did not appear. They told us the staff had the authority to select players on their behalf.

I would expect soccer combines in 2022 to run in much the same way.

My son received an email each night before the next day’s training. This included the time he was to report and a list of the players in his group. Depending on how the players performed, there was opportunity for them to move up or down between groups.

After the Event

A couple weeks after the event, my son received his evaluation. The group invited him to participate in a showcase event. The showcase scheduled a few months later in Europe. Players who opted to attend paid for their travel as well as a participation fee for the event itself. The fee would cover room, board and training. The promoters told us the boys would play in games where they would considered for European squads.

The games were all videotaped. The promotors offered game video for an additional charge. We were offered an opportunity to purchase the videos. We received links to the games. This was useful. We used the game film to create a highlight reel. You can learn about highlight reels here.