1. Do I need to register my player ahead of time or can they just show up for the tryouts?
Yes players must register online to tryout. Walk up registrations will be accepted but must be accompanied by a parent to complete and sign a registration/waiver form.
2. Is there a cost associated with attending a tryout?
There is no fee to tryout. We openly encourage players to attend tryouts.
3. My child is currently on an Ela team, do they have to try out?
Yes, all players have to tryout each year.
4. My child is currently playing for another club. Can he/she tryout for Ela Soccer Club?
Yes, players from all communities are welcome. We currently have many players who previously played for other clubs and are prospering from the training and level of competitiveness they are receiving at ESC.
5. What if a player is injured and cannot tryout?
If the player is a returning member of ESC, a decision will be made based on their past performances and evaluations. If the player is not with ESC, we will determine if a supplemental tryout can be arranged at a later date.
6. Can parents attend and watch the tryouts?
Yes, parents are welcomed to observe from a distance – (outside the playing and evaluation area).
7. When do we find out when our child is initially placed on a team?
Players will be notified by e-mail within days of tryouts. Acceptance by the player/parent will be required within 48 hours. As players accept and decline a spots on teams, the rosters will change and additional offers will be made. It is imperative that you accept or decline the offer within 48 hours to secure your spot and to keep changes to the initial rosters to a minimum.
8. What if the level of team my player receives an offer for is lower than we expected?
Our professional coaching staff is second to none. They have vast experience, when it comes to conducting and evaluating players. We will make every attempt to accurately evaluate and place players appropriately, in accordance to their ability, commitment, and desire.
9. What if my child plays another sport during either the fall, winter or spring season?
Ela Soccer Club has always and will continue to encourage players to play other sports. Make up practices for all level teams will only be considered for players missing numerous practices with an injury and must be approved by the Director of Coaching or Technical Director.
10. Can we opt out mid-season; can we get the fees back or a proportion of it back?
No. The commitment is for the full program. Team budgets are based on a specific number of players and as spots are offered and teams set on those numbers at acceptance, there is no option for any refund.
11. Do we know who the trainer will be for my child’s team?
All of the teams will be trained by our highly experienced professional trainers. Specific team assignments will only be made once all player commitments are received. Please remember at ESC, we have anywhere between 35-40 teams, and we are constantly getting requests from parents for specific trainers. Many factors come into play when trainers are assigned to teams, such as number of years with the team, personality and trainer-team match, team dynamics, scheduling dynamics and connections with college programs and coaches.
12. Is my child guaranteed a position on the same team next year?
No. Players must participate in the tryout process each year. Selection to a team is based on, not only the actual tryout process itself, but also the performance, attitude and commitment of the players during the soccer seasons.
13. How many teams do you have at each age group?
Our goal is to extend the positive experience gained from playing soccer to as many participants as possible. The decision on how the number of teams per age group will be largely based on the number of participants at tryouts, skill level of players and the number of acceptances.
14. Is my child guaranteed playing time?
ESC does not have a guaranteed playing time policy. Playing time is determined by several factors: attendance, attitude and ability. Other variable may also come into play, such as tactical adjustments and player availability. Our coaches do make sure that players get some playing time, but it is not guaranteed or equal.
15. My child is dedicated to play soccer at the college level. Does your club offer a program that will help and support his/her goal?
Yes, our program is specifically designed for this purpose. We will actively market the player and expose him/her to the highest level competition, and College Showcase tournaments and to an established network of college coaches. Our coaching staff have established an extensive network connection with college programs and coaches, and they will use this valuable source to support your child in his/her pursuit of playing soccer at the collegiate level.