Seattle United

Who should try out for competitive soccer?

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). Registration for our May 2012 tryouts will open March 16th. 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. Please note that there is a $10.00 registration fee online and a $25.00 registration fee for walk-ups. Anyone that did not pre-register must have a parent or guardian present to sign medical and liability waivers.

How are Seattle United teams structured?

Citywide Teams – There are 2 city wide teams at each age and gender. These would classically be known as premier and will play at the highest applicable WYS league and be the most demanding.

Regional Teams – SYSA is loosely divided into 4 regions Shoreline (Hillwood, Shorelake), Northeast (LVR, Lake City), South (Beacon Hill, Capitol Hill, Liga Rainier, McGilvra) and West (Ballard, Magnolia, Queen Anne, Woodland).

• 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)
• See Regional Map
• You can play in any team you desire

Do returning Seattle United players need to try out?

Yes. All players must try out again each 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.

• 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.

What age group should I try out for?

Use the Age Chart to determine which tryout you should attend.

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.

Do I have to attend all of the tryout sessions?

This is a very popular question each year. The simple answer is…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. You must attend at least one session. If there is a major and unavoidable conflict with the dates and times of your age group sessions, please contact the Copa team head coach at your age group. 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 sessions 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.

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.

What if I am sick or if I have to miss tryouts?

In the case of all unavoidable conflicts, please contact the Copa team head coach. He/she will advise you on how best to proceed.

Will a session ever get cancelled due to weather? What is the process of notifying players?

We live in Seattle….anything 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 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, we feel that player safety must always come first.

When will I find out if I made a team?

Offers will start to be given the first night of tryouts. In some circumstances, the players that accept offers will be asked not attend the remaining sessions. We do this so that our focus can be solely on the players that have yet to receive an offer. All players will be called or emailed within 72 hours of their LAST session. For example, if your last session is on a Sunday, you will be receiving a call no later than Wednesday night. We ask that you make sure to give a number where you can be reached at any time of the day. If a coach cannot get a hold of you, a voicemail or email may need to be left, though this is certainly not ideal.

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 really 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 you decline. Acceptance of a roster spot is confirmed ONLY when the commitment paperwork and fee are received.

What if I do not make a team? What are my other options?

Unfortunately, not all players will make a Seattle United 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 Juniors and Seattle United Player Development Academy are also fantastic options to continue your soccer developmental cycle. We encourage players that are interested in other opportunities to contact your age group head coach.

How much will it cost if I make a team? Do I have to pay all at once?

This varies by team and will be published shortly. 

Yes, there are payment options available. It is a seven payment schedule.

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