Tryout Process

At Saskatoon United Soccer Club (SUSC), we recognize that soccer is evolving and becoming increasingly competitive. With this in mind, we believe transparency in our tryout process is essential for all players, parents, and stakeholders. The following outlines our approach and philosophy.

History of Tryouts

We hold two tryout sessions per year. This ensures that:

• Teams are not preset.
• All players have the opportunity to be evaluated during different stages of their development.

While observing players in a limited time frame can be challenging, SUSC takes a unique approach: both our Technical Director (TD) and Designated Club Player Developer (DCPD) perform on-field assessments of all players in our zone.

Our Philosophy

We fully align with the Long-Term Player Development (LTPD) framework from Canada Soccer and understand the pressures players face during tryouts:

• Anxiety and pressure to perform

• Limited time with the ball

• Assessing attitude and overall demeanor

To address these challenges, we incorporate in-person visits and ongoing observation. This ensures we get a holistic understanding of each player’s abilities and character, beyond what a single tryout session might reveal.

Coaching Mentorship

This year, we are introducing a mentorship component where coaches will observe at field level. This allows them to:

• See how players are assessed technically and tactically

• Understand how the system of play is implemented

• Observe how player skill sets fit the team’s style

On-Field Evaluations

For the 2026/27 season, we will continue onsite evaluations, which focus on:

• Technical skills

• Tactical understanding

• Attitude and game performance

We strive to be fair and transparent, and we want all stakeholders to see our process in action. Parents will observe their children during games, which supports both player development and the monitoring of coaching standards.

Team Placement

Final team selections are made by the Technical Director, in consultation with her technical staff. Decisions are based on:

• Evaluation data

• Observations during training and games

• Player or parent requests, which are also considered

For late registrants or new players, an on-field evaluation will be conducted by the TD or a qualified technical staff member to ensure proper placement based on skill, attitude, and other relevant traits.

Looking Ahead

We are exploring ways to streamline evaluations, particularly for players in established team cores. This approach:

• Reduces the need to assess all players in the zone

• Saves club resources, including coaching time and field rentals

• Ensures competitive opportunities for developing players

At SUSC, we value both player growth and the joy of playing with friends, which fosters long-term engagement. We are proud of our track record in developing national team players and representatives in Alliance and Excel programs.

Players who demonstrate growth, commitment, and a positive attitude will continue to have opportunities to advance to higher-level teams. All decisions are made with the best interest of the player in mind.

Our Commitment

With new technical leadership and fresh ideas, SUSC is committed to:

• Fairness and transparency

• Following Canada Soccer’s Long-Term Player Development plan

• Creating a fun, non-threatening environment for all players

Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to a fantastic season of growth, development, and love for the beautiful game.

— SUSC Technical Director