Tryout season brings a mix of emotions. For some kids, it’s all excitement and energy. For others, it might feel a little scary or overwhelming. As parents, we feel that too. We want our kids to do well, enjoy the experience, and come away feeling proud no matter what happens.
The good news is that preparing ahead of time can make a big difference. When your child feels ready, it builds confidence and helps keep stress low. That’s especially true when it comes to competitive youth soccer in Utah. The winter months can make it harder to stay active and focused, but staying prepared helps kids show up ready, even when it’s cold outside. Being prepared takes some of the mystery out of the process and helps your child settle into the routine of youth sports with less worry.
Understanding What Tryouts Are All About
Tryouts are a chance for coaches to see what each player brings to the field. They usually include small scrimmages, drills, and basic warm-ups. Coaches are paying attention to more than just skill.
Here’s what they may be watching for:
• Hustle, does your child give it their all every time?
• Attitude, are they kind to others, even when things don’t go their way?
• Listening, do they hear the instructions and try to follow them?
• Teamwork, how well do they play with others?
Tryouts aren’t about being perfect. No one expects every pass to be on target or every move to work out. What matters most is effort and the way your child handles the challenge. Coaches love players with a strong work ethic and a good spirit. For many coaches, a positive attitude and sportsmanship are just as impressive as quick feet or powerful kicks.
Sometimes, parents and players might wonder why coaches notice things besides scoring goals or blocking shots. It’s because soccer is played as a team, and being able to work with others, stay supportive, and pick yourself up after a mistake is very important. At the end of the day, coaches want kids who try, keep learning, and bring good energy to the field, win or lose.
Getting Your Child Ready Physically and Mentally
Utah winters can make it hard to stay active. Kids might be stuck indoors more or not have as much space to play. But even light movement can help your child stay in shape for tryout week.
We suggest keeping things simple and steady:
• Encourage short runs around the house or outside when it’s mild
• Set up small spaces for passing drills or juggling indoors
• Keep screen time balanced with movement breaks
If your child is feeling cooped up, make getting active part of your family routine by scheduling in simple, short activities. Turning on music and having a quick stretch or soccer ball touch session in the living room helps keep spirits up. No fancy equipment is needed, just a little room and some encouragement.
Sleep is just as important. Leading up to tryouts, try sticking to a steady bedtime and help your child wake up at the same time each day. A well-rested body helps the brain stay sharp too. Good meals, especially breakfast on tryout day, can make a big difference in mood and energy. Focus on simple foods that your child enjoys and digests well.
On the mental side, talk with your child about staying positive. Let them know it’s okay to be nervous. That feeling means they care, and that’s a good thing. Celebrate their effort, not just the outcome. Cheering each other on as a family can help turn nerves into energy.
Practicing things like deep breathing or simple pep talks before bed can turn stress into excitement. Remind your child that mistakes are part of learning, and everyone feels nervous sometimes. When you cheer for effort instead of results, your child learns that showing up and trying hard is something to be proud of.
What to Pack and Wear on Tryout Day
Tryouts in January mean chilly mornings and afternoons. Utah weather can change fast, so packing smart matters. Kids will need gear that helps them focus on soccer, not the cold.
Here’s a good checklist for tryout day:
• Soccer cleats that fit well with warm socks
• Gloves and a hat or headband to cover ears and fingers
• Layers, like a long-sleeve shirt under their jersey, plus pants that stay warm but move easily
• Extra clothes to change into afterward in case they get wet
• Water bottle, hydration still matters in winter
• Light snacks like granola bars or bananas that won’t upset their stomach
Before leaving home, double-check that everything’s packed up and labeled to avoid mix-ups. We also recommend checking the forecast the night before. If there’s snow, cold wind, or a drop in temps, it might be worth packing an extra jacket or even some hand warmers in their bag. Remind your child to wear their gear in layers so they can shed or add a piece as they get warmer from play or start to cool down later.
In addition to comfort, the right clothing can help your child stay focused on their skills, not the chill. Encourage them to move around and stay loose if they are standing on the sidelines waiting for their turn. Storing gloves or hats in an outside pocket or their gear bag makes them easy to find when temperatures drop.
Helping Your Child Stay Positive, No Matter the Outcome
Every parent wants to see their child on the top team. But sometimes, that doesn’t happen, and that’s okay. Making or not making a team doesn’t define your child’s talent or future. Kids grow over time, and soccer is about learning, not just where they are right now.
Here are some ways to help them stay encouraged:
• Let your child talk about how the tryout felt instead of jumping straight to results
• Share a story about something you worked hard for at their age
• Remind them that being placed on any team is still a step forward
• Focus on growth, what’s one thing they learned or want to work on now?
If your child doesn’t make the team they wanted, remind them that every player, even the professionals, has faced disappointment sometime. The important thing is how they grow, respond, and move forward. Encouraging open conversations helps your child express what went well, what surprised them, and what they might want to try next time. Teach them that doing their best, making new friends, and learning something new are wins all on their own.
Keeping soccer fun helps kids stay in the game longer. When they feel supported, they stay curious, motivated, and willing to keep improving. Kids who feel cared for and understood bounce back from setbacks with more confidence and try again with even more heart. Soccer is about more than trophies; it’s about finding joy, friendships, and pride in hard work.
Building Confidence Year-Round
Tryouts don’t have to be stressful. When kids show up with their cleats packed, their heads clear, and their heart in the game, they’ve already done something to be proud of. Getting ready goes beyond skill. It means preparing physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Competitive youth soccer in Utah County gives children the chance to grow not just as players, but as teammates and people too. We, as part of the ECNL Regional League and UPSL, support youth soccer players ages U8-U19 with training, coaching, and strong values of integrity, respect, discipline, and work ethic. Whether you are in Highland, Orem, Provo, or Vineyard, encouraging your child through winter tryouts helps set a positive tone for the season.
Our Utah County teams are forming soon, and we’re looking for players who are passionate, hardworking, and ready to grow through the experience of Competitive Youth Soccer. At Utah Surf Soccer Club, we believe tryouts are more than just drills; they’re a chance to build confidence and character. Winter can be tricky, but with the right support, your child can step onto the field prepared and proud. Contact us today to learn how your family can get involved.