Over at Soccer Parents, they have an excellent post up about getting ready for tryouts – a rite of passage in Spring for many soccer players. Only problem is it got posted May 31st, and at least here in North Carolina, most clubs have already finished tryouts. But it’s an excellent post all the same. #4 should have been #1!

4. Have Fun! – Soccer is about fun. Have your child go in with a good attitude and just play their best. Remind your child that the coach isn’t judging them as a person – just on their soccer skills. Don’t take it personally if your child doesn’t make the team.

As someone who serves as an evaluator during our league’s tryouts – I see firsthand the kids who make it and those that don’t. Many who don’t are still very good players – there just wasn’t a slot for them for whatever reason. So don’t take it personally – encourage them to keep working to get better and try again next year!