Team FormationOSC's goal is to maximize the number of kids playing soccer at the level that is appropriate for their abilities. OSC forms teams based on tryouts who play at the local travel (CASLsoccer.org) or regional travel (WSSLsoccer.org) levels. OSC works closely with Meridian Parks and Rec to place kids on their recreational teams
OSC teams are selected by player evaluations preformed by qualified individuals. Team selection is a function of several criteria including soccer skills, knowledge of the game, and athleticism. However, coaches also look at less tangible items such as “coachability”, team chemistry, desire to play, and the ability to attend practices/games. A child must go through the evaluation process and his/her name must appear on the tryout roster to play for OSC. If there are enough quality players in an age group, a second team will be formed- if a coach can be found for the second team. At the U9 level, two teams of equal ability are formed if possible. In the case of multiple teams at U10 and above, OSC will select an “A” team of the most skillful players and a “B” team. Please be aware that this is travel soccer and in the case of multiple teams in an age division, players may not end up on the team with their friends. Beginning at U10, "A" teams will have the option of participating in the Western Suburban Soccer League (WSSLsoccer.org). The head coach along with OSC officials can work together to determine if the step up in competition (and commitment) is right for the team. |
What To Expect At Tryouts
All players should register online for tryouts prior to arrival at the fields. Players should arrive 15-20 minutes before the start of the first tryout, dressed to play and bring a ball and water. When parents and players check in at the field players may be assigned a number to wear on their back for identification on evaluation sheets- evaluators will not see player names during the evaluation process- only numbers. If your child has a medical condition that the coach or evaluators should now about, please communicate it at check in.
Groups will be formed and players will be asked to demonstrate soccer and physical abilities in several areas. These may include juggling, passing and receiving ground and air balls, 1v1 attack and defense, dribbling under control, finishing, sprint speed, etc.
Players will also be placed in game-like conditions to evaluate effectiveness, movement off the ball, combination play and team work. A team of evaluators will assign scores to the players and the head coach will compile the information. At the conclusion of the tryouts, the coach(es) will form the teams and contact players within 3 days. Notification may happen by phone or email. The coach will be accessible to provide feedback or discuss soccer options for players not selected for a team. Please ask if you desire additional information.
PLEASE NOTE: The tryout process is stressful for everyone involved; players want to show their best, evaluators want to provide accurate assessments, parents want their child to do well, and coaches want to be fair in their selection of the players for the team. OSC encourages all the adults involved in the process to minimize the amount of stress on the players. We talk to our coaches about being compassionate and creating an atmosphere that is positive. We talk to the evaluators about not being overly critical of one player mistake. We also encourage parents to help guide their child through the tryout process and keep in mind that we are truly doing the best we can in assessing talent and forming teams fairly.
Groups will be formed and players will be asked to demonstrate soccer and physical abilities in several areas. These may include juggling, passing and receiving ground and air balls, 1v1 attack and defense, dribbling under control, finishing, sprint speed, etc.
Players will also be placed in game-like conditions to evaluate effectiveness, movement off the ball, combination play and team work. A team of evaluators will assign scores to the players and the head coach will compile the information. At the conclusion of the tryouts, the coach(es) will form the teams and contact players within 3 days. Notification may happen by phone or email. The coach will be accessible to provide feedback or discuss soccer options for players not selected for a team. Please ask if you desire additional information.
PLEASE NOTE: The tryout process is stressful for everyone involved; players want to show their best, evaluators want to provide accurate assessments, parents want their child to do well, and coaches want to be fair in their selection of the players for the team. OSC encourages all the adults involved in the process to minimize the amount of stress on the players. We talk to our coaches about being compassionate and creating an atmosphere that is positive. We talk to the evaluators about not being overly critical of one player mistake. We also encourage parents to help guide their child through the tryout process and keep in mind that we are truly doing the best we can in assessing talent and forming teams fairly.