Pre-Tryout Clinics Now Open
What to expect?
At Athens United Soccer Association, we believe that every child deserves the chance to find their place in the beautiful game. Our Pre-Tryout Clinic is designed specifically to be that bridge between recreational play and our more competitive pathways. For many families transitioning from a Recreational Program or other clubs, this clinic serves as a welcoming introduction to the expectations of AUSA Academy and Select levels.
During these sessions, our highly trained coaches focus on observing how players handle the ball, how they interact with their peers, and their ability to take instruction. It is not just about who is the fastest or strongest; it is about finding players who are passionate about learning and who demonstrate the potential to thrive in a structured team environment. We use this time to get to know the players individually.
Evaluation Goals for Academy and Select
When we run our Pre-Tryout Clinic, we have very specific criteria in mind for our Academy Program and Select Program . The goal is to create teams where players are challenged but not overwhelmed, allowing them to build confidence alongside peers of similar skill levels. Our coaches look for five primary indicators of readiness:
- Technical Proficiency : Comfort with the ball at their feet and basic passing accuracy.
- Tactical Awareness : Understanding where to be on the field during different phases of play.
- Physicality and Agility : The ability to move efficiently and handle the physical demands of a full match.
- Coachability : A willingness to listen, apply feedback immediately, and respect the coaching staff.
- Sportsmanship : How the player treats teammates and opponents during small-sided games.
These indicators help our coaches determine if a player is ready for the increased training frequency and competitive travel schedule associated with our Select levels or if they would benefit more from the foundational focus of the Academy. We place a strong emphasis on the "whole player," meaning we value a positive attitude just as much as a powerful strike. This holistic approach ensures that Athens United remains a supportive environment for all.
Why should my child attend the clinic?
Visibility is the number one reason to attend. In a standard tryout, there may be hundreds of players on the fields at once, making it difficult for even the most experienced coaches to see every nuance of every player. The Pre-Tryout Clinic offers a more intimate setting where the coach-to-player ratio is often much lower. This allows your child to get more touches on the ball and more direct attention from the staff who will eventually be making roster decisions.
This clinic is particularly vital for our Academy-aged players (U8–U12). It provides an additional opportunity to experience what an AUSA Academy training session looks like and helps you decide if our program is the right fit for your child.
Furthermore, the clinic is a fantastic way to shake off the "tryout jitters." By the time official tryouts arrive, players who attended the clinic will already be familiar with the fields, the coaching styles, and the types of drills we use. This familiarity leads to increased confidence, which almost always results in a better performance. We want our players to succeed, and providing this extra opportunity to shine is part of our commitment to player development. It is a chance to show what they can do when the pressure is dialed back.
Handling Schedule Conflicts
We understand that life in Athens can be busy, and occasionally, the official tryout dates might conflict with family vacations, school events, or other commitments. We do not want a simple scheduling conflict to prevent a talented and motivated player from joining our club. This is why the Pre-Tryout Clinic is so critically important—it serves as a primary evaluation window for those who cannot make it to the formal tryout dates.
If you know your child will be absent for tryouts, the clinic becomes their time to make an impression. It ensures they are not overlooked during the team formation process. However, for this to work effectively, communication is key. We rely on parents to be proactive in managing these conflicts so our staff can properly document each evaluation. We strive to be as flexible as possible to accommodate our community's needs while maintaining the integrity of our selection process.
What happens if we are out of town?
If your player will be out of town during the official tryout period, please do not panic. Follow these three essential steps to ensure they are still considered for a roster spot:
- Register for the Clinic : Ensure your child attends the Pre-Tryout Clinic so they have a recorded evaluation on file.
- Register for tryouts: Players will be assigned to teams based on tryout registration. Players MUST to sign up for tryouts, even if they are unable to attend.
- Contact AUSA : Reach out to Athens United so we can refer you to the specific coach for your child's age group. You can email jason@athensunited.net.
By letting the coach of your age group know about your travel plans, you allow them to keep a special eye out during the clinic. They can take detailed notes and perhaps even speak with the player about their goals for the upcoming season. This proactive communication demonstrates a high level of commitment to the club, which our coaches always appreciate. Remember, our goal is to find a home for every player, and we are happy to work with families who are transparent about their schedules.
Moving Forward from Evaluation
Once the Pre-Tryout Clinic is complete, our coaching staff meets to review their notes and discuss player placement. If your child is also attending the official tryouts, these clinic notes will be added to their overall profile. If the clinic was their only evaluation, the staff will use that performance to determine the best team fit. You can expect to hear from the club shortly after the formal tryout period concludes.
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