Olathe Northwest Girls’ Soccer
Tryout Guide for Players and Parents
Please read over the following information with your parents or guardian. Reminder that you MUST have both a physical
and concussion form on file prior to trying out on February 29th!
Commonly asked Questions:
1. When do tryouts begin? Monday, February 29th thru Thursday, March 3rd
2. What time do tryouts start?
a. CBAC
3:30-5:30
i. Mon-Thu weather permitting
b. PRT
Times TBD based on activities at PRT
i. Any day that we are inside due to inclement weather
3. How do I know which venue tryouts will be located?
Check Twitter @ONWRavenSoccer, check the website at http://www.onwravens.net/soccer, listen to
announcements after school, ask a friend who is trying out, or come see Coach Graham during the day.
4. What do I need to wear?
a. We will be outside as long as the weather permits, which means we will go out even if it is cold. Dress
appropriately (training pants, sweatshirt, stocking cap, gloves, etc.)
b. Please wear a shirt that is white, blue, black, or gray.
c. Shin guards with socks covering them completely.
d. Always bring both soccer cleats and indoor shoes/running shoes in case we have to go inside.
5. What do I need to bring? Beyond the appropriate gear (weather appropriate clothing, shin guards, appropriate
shoes), it is a good idea to bring a bottle of water with your name written on it as well so that there is NO sharing!
This is flu and cold season so let’s try to keep each other healthy.
6. Do I need to bring a soccer ball? NO, we have plenty of soccer balls for everyone!
7. What does the coaching staff expect during tryouts? As a staff we are constantly looking for the player who
can make a difference and be an impact player at the varsity level or the level we feel they would best fit. Skill
level, speed of play, vision, work ethic, fitness level, and attitude are just part of what goes into the evaluation
process. As a coaching staff we want to make sure we place players on teams that will allow them to grow and
become a better player.
8. Does everyone who made varsity or a team last year automatically make it again? No! As we evaluate
players we constantly compare players to their ability last year and see if there has been growth in the non-high
school season. It is possible that another player or younger player could win a spot away from a returning player.
Again, we want to make sure each player is playing at the level that will benefit their personal growth and the
program.
9. When are cuts made?
a. First cuts possibly could be made after the second full day of tryouts. After we have had a chance to
evaluate everyone for two days, the staff could determine that we need to make our first round of cuts.
Any cuts that are made after the second day will be made face-to-face.
b. Final cuts will be made after the fourth full day of tryouts and posted on our website. However, teams
may or may not be finalized at that time and movement between teams is always possible.
c. Rosters/Team Lists will be posted at http://www.onwravens.net/soccer
10. What if I make a team other than my desired team of varsity, junior varsity, or c-team?
a. As a staff we are continuously evaluating player growth. If we feel at some time during the season that
there is a need for change or if a player is playing extremely well, we will make the move and promote
that player. We will always place a player at the level we as a staff feel they will have the best opportunity
to play.
b. If you want to meet with the coaching staff about your placement, you MUST wait until the week after
tryouts, and you must make an appointment with Coach Graham to go over your tryout evaluation.
11. What if I don’t make a team at all?
a. If you do not make a team this season and you want to know why, please make an appointment with the
coaching staff after tryouts. We will go over your tryout evaluation.
b. Remember: We have had players not make a team one year but come back the following year improved
and make a team.
12. What will the coaching staff not discuss when meeting with a player about tryouts?
a. We will not discuss other players and make comparisons.
b. A player’s standing in club (team, division, stats, etc.) have no impact in any way on decisions we make
at the high school level.
Start Preparing Now
Players need to start preparing now. High school athletes who aren't playing with a club still have a chance to make their
high school teams, but they need to start preparing as soon as possible. Get a lot of touches on the ball -- this will help
you feel confident technically. Get a lot of fitness in as you will have 3-5 days of demanding training and you must have
your body physically ready. Nutrition and hydration are also crucial, and not just on the field. A weekend of junk food and
soda will definitely not help your tryout performance. Start hydrating properly at least two days before tryouts begin, and
eat good nutritious foods, so that your body will be able to handle a week of grueling tryouts.
A Peek Inside a Soccer Tryout
Every coach will run tryouts a little differently, but tryouts at ONW are pretty standard. I start with simple warm-ups and
stretching, then we move into technical work. I run players though different quick passing drills. Lots of 1-touch passing
and ball control. After that, I leave a lot of time for small-sided scrimmages. We as coaches will then move through the
scrimmage groupings, observing the players and making notes. It is pretty normal for us to have anywhere from 60-75
players trying out for three teams, and those teams will have 17-18 players on each roster, so it is very competitive.
The small-sided scrimmages give us the best chance to observe each player's style, skill, soccer brain, and mentality.
After a few days of tryouts, each school has its own method of announcing rosters. Here at ONW, we post rosters on the
team's website after tryouts are completed.
How to Shine
Smile. A positive attitude is so important and will keep a coach's attention at tryouts. Don't complain. Ever. Work hard. No
excuses. You'll make mistakes. Everyone makes mistakes, even the best players. The great thing about this game is
when you mess up, there's always a time in the near future for you to make up for it. A positive and confident attitude on
the field is very important: Be CONFIDENT as you are always looking to get on the ball. You should have an aura about
you that draws positive attention. All communication should be positive. I don't want to hear kids swearing on the field.
That gives off a negative vibe, and I will remember that player for the wrong reasons.
Regarding the actual soccer play during tryouts, work hard. Every coach wants a player that is ACTIVE. Be vocal. This is
a great way to make an impression with and without the ball.
Body language is huge -- shoulders back and moving on your toes.
Great Advice for Success: If a mistake is made, let it go immediately and get on with the next play. This will also help the
coaches to forget.
Assess, Assess, Assess! Remember to look over both shoulders constantly as you read the game. This allows you to feel
more at ease and make better decisions.
As for your down-time during tryouts, don't worry too much about the coaches scrutinizing your every move. Relax with
your friends and just chill. Don't do anything that will draw negative attention to you, but feel free to relax and give your
brain a break from the stress.
In closing, the worst thing a player can do is to go through the motions and not put in the effort. The best thing a player
can do is to be BRAVE and CONFIDENT.
Expect a bunch of kids at tryouts to be feeling the same way you are. Everyone is nervous. Find a friend -- preferably
a friend who isn't disruptive -- that will help you feel more comfortable. The BEST feeling in the world is getting that high
school soccer uniform for the first time and being a part of that team -- enjoy it!
Best of luck to every soccer player this coming season and tryouts! We as coaches wish you a successful and injury-free
high school season.
Components considered for selection of players for Olathe Northwest Soccer Program:
There are many components that can go into making an “elite” soccer player and different positions call for different
requirements in players’ abilities. However, these are some of the essential player attributes the coaches will assess
when selecting the various teams for the Ravens’ Soccer Program.
1.
TOUCH ON THE BALL
Does the player have control over the ball with both feet? Can he/she make the ball do what he/she wants while in
possession? Does the player look comfortable with the ball under pressure?
2.
BALANCE
Is the player in control of his/her body? Is the player able to change direction in a controlled manner with the ball?
3.
TECHNICAL SPEED
How fast does the player control the ball and play it? Does the player have the ability to use good skill quickly?
4.
COACHABILITY
Can the player carry out a directive from the coach? While many young players are tactically weak, a good player will be
coachable and have the ability to develop good habits.
5.
WORK-RATE
Is the player willing to push himself/herself to the limits? Does the player attack and defend?
6.
AWARENESS
Does the player see good opportunities to pass/dribble/shoot? Does the player have the vision of what’s happening on
the field or does he/she make the game difficult?
7.
REACTION TO FAILURE
How does the player respond to a bad call or a mistake? Does failure result in a drop in performance?
8.
LEADERSHIP QUALITIES
Does the player communicate to others? Does he/she demand the ball? Will they take charge when the game is on the
line?
9.
PHYSICAL SPEED
Is the player fast? Does the player have enough speed to be effective without being exploited by his/her opponents?
The role of parents during the tryout process:
I strongly advise that parents play a silent role in tryouts…let the kids go through the experience. YES, it is distracting
when parents watch their sons/daughters during tryouts. I prefer closed tryouts due to this issue. Players should be the
ones asking for feedback at this age, as it is good preparation for their life and college experience. Parents need to stay
away and let the kids fight their own battles. Any player can come to me and ask for advice, input, or constructive
criticism. I will not respond to any phone calls or e-mails about why your son/daughter did not make a team, or why they
made the team they are on. He/she is the one who went through the tryout process, he/she needs to be the one to come
talk to me. Support your child and be there to encourage them to work hard. In the end tryouts are a great life lesson in
working for your goals. Even when you work your hardest, sometimes we fall short, but sometimes we accomplish more
than we ever thought we could.
Player Questionnaire
Student Name
Grade: FR
SO
JR
SR
1. Have you played another sport this school year? Y/N
Sport(s)
2. Position(s) played (circle all that you can play): F
M
D
GK
3. What is your Primary position (the position that you would want to play the most):
F
CM
WM
WB
CB
GK
3. If you could step back and watch yourself as a player, how would you describe yourself on the soccer field?
4. Individual Goals for the upcoming High School season:
5. Other Information which the coaching staff should know (allergies, asthma, injuries, etc.)