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What to Expect at Tryouts
Here’s what actually happens at a Utah Surf tryout so you can show up feeling prepared instead of anxious.
- What Happens at Tryouts
A typical tryout session runs about 60 to 90 minutes and is organized by age group. Players will go through a mix of technical exercises, small-sided games, and full-field scrimmages. The format varies slightly by age — younger age groups spend more time on skill work and small games, while older age groups get into tactical scenarios and competitive play sooner.
Coaches watch everything, but they’re not looking for the kid who scores the most goals. They want to see effort, attitude, and coachability. Can this player take instruction? Do they work hard even when things aren’t going their way? Do they encourage teammates? Those things matter just as much as footwork.
What to Bring
Water bottle
It gets hot in Utah. Bring more water than you think you'll need.
Cleats
Firm ground cleats appropriate for outdoor turf or grass.
Shin guards
Required for all tryout sessions.
Soccer ball
Bring your own ball for warm-ups. The club provides balls for drills and games.
Positive attitude
Seriously. Coaches notice the players who show up ready to work.
- What to Wear
Wear comfortable athletic clothing you can move freely in. There’s no need for a specific uniform or jersey. Avoid jeans, sandals, or anything restrictive. If you have a reversible pinnie, bring it — coaches sometimes split groups by color.
Registration & Cost
Tryout registration costs $20 per player. Every registrant receives a dri-fit training shirt, so you’re getting something back right away. Register online before your tryout date to make check-in faster.
- How Team Placement Works
Tryouts are open to everyone — you don’t need to be a current Utah Surf player. After all tryout sessions are complete, coaches meet to evaluate every player and make placement decisions. Teams are formed by birth year and placed at the appropriate competition level (ECNL RL, Premier, SCL, or IRL) based on the player pool.
The coaching staff works hard to make sure every player ends up on a team where they’ll be challenged but not overwhelmed. If your child attended tryouts and wasn’t placed on a team, coaches will explain why and suggest a development path.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my child try out at multiple locations?
Yes. If you’re between regions (say, between Highland and Orem), you’re welcome to attend tryouts at both. Coaches across regions communicate and will make sure your child gets evaluated fairly regardless of where they try out.
What if we miss a tryout session?
Life happens. If your child misses a scheduled session, contact us at pipeline@utahsurfsoccer.com and we’ll work out an alternative evaluation. We don’t want a scheduling conflict to keep a good player from finding the right team.
What age group should my child try out for?
Players try out based on birth year. Starting with the 2026/27 season, age groups use a grade-based cutoff (August 1 – July 31). If you’re unsure which group your child falls into, check our tryout registration page or email pipeline@utahsurfsoccer.com.
My child has never played club soccer. Is that okay?
Absolutely. We have teams at every level, including IRL teams designed specifically for players transitioning from rec to club. Don’t let inexperience keep you from trying out — our coaches evaluate potential, not just current ability.