1. What is the tryout procedure?
U9-U19 tryouts for fall are held on dates set forth annually by Alabama Soccer Association in May.  All athletes U9 and up should plan to attend all nights of tryouts to give Directors and Staff a full opportunity for evaluations.   
U15-U19 athletes who played for a different club program in the previous fall season do not need to "transfer" if you wish to tryout for USC.  Transfers are only required if an athlete signs the ASA commitment form after tryouts and then decides to move to a different club program OR a U9-U14 athlete plays for a club in a fall season and then wishes to transfer to USC for a spring season.

2. Who attends tryouts?
All players, U9-U19 new and returning, should attend tryouts. 

3. I have decided last minute to try out.  Can I walk up?
Yes.  Please understand though you will have to register and be checked in, so it could take a few extra minutes.  Your patience is appreciated. 

4. Which team is my child trying out for?
In the majority of our age groups, we have multiple teams, giving USC the ability to make sure your child is training with the appropriate skill level players to be challenged, but not overwhelmed.  Most age groups train all together, offering athletes the chance to move around during a season and play with different rosters of players appropriate for the competition or event.  At a certain age and level, this is not possible due to State League and USYS rostering rules, but until then, your child will be exposed to all levels of play.  So, for the U9-U12 age groups, your child is trying out for the player pool and depending on the number of players and skill level of the pool, it will determine whether or not your child would benefit from the competitive training environment. 
U13+ will be tryouts and evaluations for the majority of existing teams.  In the event the age group attracts enough new players to form another team, the options will be evaluated and communicated to families.  

5. How does USC decide who coaches the teams?
Coaching assignments for existing teams will be made prior to tryouts.  USC reserves the right to move coaches around based on availability and need, so please understand coaching assignments are subject to change.  

6. Does USC allow players to "play up"?
USC evaluates players on their individual ability in comparison to the age group.   Your child should attend their age group/birth year tryout.   USC does not regularly “play up” athletes for an entire season into the next age bracket.
On occasion outstanding players will be selected to “play up” for a game or a tournament, however our club philosophy is to build the age group and in turn, their level of play grows at the appropriate rate for the cognitive and emotional maturity of the athletes on the teams. We have found great success in creating teams playing at the highest level by building the age group with true age group players. 
Specific questions regarding specific athletes should be directed to the Director of Coaching, Rusty Campbell.   

7. Will there be cuts?
At the U9-U11 age, the club is committed to developing players at every skill level.  USC offers "training player" positions to those players who may not quite be at the skill level of the majority of the player pool, but want to continue their training and development with the club.  
USC reserves the right to "cut" players at tryouts.  Teams are formed based on the level of the majority of the players.   A player who is a clear outlier will not benefit from the pace of practice and play the majority of the team will be training at.  In almost every age group, USC is able to offer multiple levels of teams that cross-train together, challenging every level of player.  Our ultimate goal is to provide quality training to as many players and families as possible, while building successful teams and age groups.  

8. What does the ASA Commitment Form mean?
Club soccer has 2 seasons, fall then spring (like a school year).
U4/U6/U8- Registration does roll over from fall to spring, but you pay for each season separately and if you register for fall, but do not want to play spring due to other sports, you just let USC know.

U9-U11:  The ASA commitment form is for fall, then spring, although we understand young athletes may still be deciding which sports they like and want to focus on during different seasons.  If you commit to fall season, but then opt out of spring, you will just let your age group manager know before the start of spring season.  Obviously, athletes who play year round will be "ahead of the curve" for tryouts at the end of spring. 

U12-U19 ECNL RL and Pre-ECNL:  U12-U14 play fall then spring.  U15-U19 are fall only season.

U12-U14 A:  Since most of our U12-U14 A groups play State League/ Mid South Conference, it is a year long commitment to club soccer.  Teams are depending on players' commitments to be able to offer relevant and meaningful competition for teams at higher levels.  As of fall 2022, middle school soccer is now "sanctioned".  This means a player CANNOT train with club and school at the same time in the spring.    

U12-U14 B/C/D:   Most of our U12-U14 B/C/D teams also play State League during Fall and Spring.  If your child is not fully committed to club soccer in the year round setting, you must understand there is a possibility it may limit their advancement on the teams that are playing year round.  As of fall 2022, middle school soccer is now "sanctioned".  This means a player CANNOT train with club and school at the same time in the spring.     If your child plans to play for a sanctioned school team in the spring of the year, you will need to communicate that to your age group manager as soon as you know.   

U15+:  High School soccer season is Spring each year, therefore, players age U15 and up are committed to the Fall season each year and then "released" to their high school programs in the spring.  For players who do not wish to play for their respective schools, USC may offer training groups, events, etc. to those who are interested.    

9. Who chooses the tryout dates?
Alabama Soccer Association sets the tryout dates for ALL ASA affiliated clubs.  USC does not choose tryout dates.