Tryout season brings a mix of emotions. For some kids, it\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s 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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Here\u2019s what they may be watching for:<\/p>\n
\u2022 Hustle, does your child give it their all every time?
\n\u2022 Attitude, are they kind to others, even when things don\u2019t go their way?
\n\u2022 Listening, do they hear the instructions and try to follow them?
\n\u2022 Teamwork, how well do they play with others?<\/p>\n
Tryouts aren\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n
Sometimes, parents and players might wonder why coaches notice things besides scoring goals or blocking shots. It\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
We suggest keeping things simple and steady:<\/p>\n
\u2022 Encourage short runs around the house or outside when it’s mild
\n\u2022 Set up small spaces for passing drills or juggling indoors
\n\u2022 Keep screen time balanced with movement breaks<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
On the mental side, talk with your child about staying positive. Let them know it\u2019s okay to be nervous. That feeling means they care, and that\u2019s a good thing. Celebrate their effort, not just the outcome. Cheering each other on as a family can help turn nerves into energy.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Here\u2019s a good checklist for tryout day:<\/p>\n
\u2022 Soccer cleats that fit well with warm socks
\n\u2022 Gloves and a hat or headband to cover ears and fingers
\n\u2022 Layers, like a long-sleeve shirt under their jersey, plus pants that stay warm but move easily
\n\u2022 Extra clothes to change into afterward in case they get wet
\n\u2022 Water bottle, hydration still matters in winter
\n\u2022 Light snacks like granola bars or bananas that won\u2019t upset their stomach<\/p>\n
Before leaving home, double-check that everything\u2019s packed up and labeled to avoid mix-ups. We also recommend checking the forecast the night before. If there\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Every parent wants to see their child on the top team. But sometimes, that doesn\u2019t happen, and that\u2019s okay. Making or not making a team doesn\u2019t define your child\u2019s talent or future. Kids grow over time, and soccer is about learning, not just where they are right now.<\/p>\n
Here are some ways to help them stay encouraged:<\/p>\n
\u2022 Let your child talk about how the tryout felt instead of jumping straight to results
\n\u2022 Share a story about something you worked hard for at their age
\n\u2022 Remind them that being placed on any team is still a step forward
\n\u2022 Focus on growth, what\u2019s one thing they learned or want to work on now?<\/p>\n
If your child doesn\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s about finding joy, friendships, and pride in hard work.<\/p>\n
Tryouts don\u2019t have to be stressful. When kids show up with their cleats packed, their heads clear, and their heart in the game, they\u2019ve already done something to be proud of. Getting ready goes beyond skill. It means preparing physically, mentally, and emotionally.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n