April 14, 2026
Soccer tryouts for beginners can feel like a big, nerve-wracking moment — but they don’t have to be.
Whether your child is stepping onto a competitive field for the first time or you’re a parent trying to figure out what to expect, here’s the quick answer:
What beginners need to know about soccer tryouts:
Read on for the full breakdown of every step — from first practice kicks to tryout day and beyond.
Picture a sunny afternoon at a Charleston park. Kids are chasing a ball, coaches are watching closely, and parents are doing their best to look calm in the stands. It’s a familiar scene at youth soccer tryouts across the Lowcountry — and for many families, it’s equal parts exciting and stressful.
The good news? Tryouts don’t have to be scary. Most coaches — especially at the beginner level — aren’t just looking for the fastest or most polished player. They want to see effort, a good attitude, and a willingness to learn.
At Olly on the Ball, we work with young players right here in Charleston and Mount Pleasant to build the confidence and skills they need to walk into tryouts feeling ready. This guide covers everything beginners need to know — from what drills to expect, to what to eat the night before, to what happens if things don’t go as planned.
When we head out to fields in Summerville or James Island for tryouts, the first thing to understand is the structure. Most youth clubs organize tryouts as a two or three-day event. This isn’t to make it harder; it’s actually better for the players! Spreading it out allows us to perform at full strength each day rather than getting exhausted in one long session.
During these sessions, you’ll likely see “unbiased evaluators.” These are often coaches from other age groups or neutral staff members who don’t have personal connections to the players. This keeps things fair for everyone. They will be watching how you handle the ball, but also how you move when you don’t have the ball.
The process usually follows a specific flow:
It’s important to know the “rules of the game” before you go. For example, KSYSA Tryout Rules often outline specific dates when physical tryouts can begin (usually early June for most age groups) and how commitments work. Knowing these details helps take the mystery out of the weekend.
Coaches usually pick 3-4 drills for each core skill. If you want to get a head start, you can look through a Tryout Resource Packet to see the types of evaluation sheets coaches use. Here are some classics you’ll likely see:
Here is a secret: you can actually stand out at a tryout without even touching the ball. How? By being the loudest, most positive player on the field. Coaches love “coachability.”
You wouldn’t try to drive a car with no gas, right? Your body is the same way. Preparing for soccer tryouts for beginners starts weeks before you step on the turf.
In the month leading up to tryouts, try to get in “soccer shape.” This doesn’t mean just running long distances. Soccer is a game of sprints. A great routine is doing 8-10 100-yard sprints about three times a week. If you can also run 3 miles in under 30 minutes, you’ll have the endurance to stay sharp even in the final minutes of a scrimmage.
Don’t forget the “fuel.” On the day of tryouts, eat a balanced meal with carbs for energy and protein for muscle power. Hydrate well the day before—drinking a gallon of water ten minutes before the start will just make you feel heavy!
Nerves are normal. Even pro players get butterflies! The trick is to turn that nervous energy into “go” energy.
For more tips on what to expect, the Parent/Player FAQ is a great resource for understanding the “vibe” of the season.
We see these mistakes all the time, and they are so easy to fix:
Before you show up at the fields on Daniel Island or Isle of Palms, you need the right tools. Showing up prepared shows the coaches you are serious.
You don’t need a full team to practice. You can master the fundamentals in your backyard or at a local park in Mount Pleasant.
The wait is often the hardest part. Generally, coaches aim to post results within 48-72 hours. They need this time to sit down with all the evaluators and compare notes to make sure they are placing everyone in the right spot.
When the results come out, you’ll usually get an email or a notification on the club website. If you are offered a spot, there is often a “72-hour rescind rule.” This means players can typically withdraw their commitment within 72 hours of signing without a penalty. This gives families a little time to make sure the team is a good fit. For the “behind the scenes” on how clubs manage this, check out the Club/Administrator FAQ.
First: Don’t give up. Not making a specific team isn’t a “no,” it’s a “not yet.”
Parents, your job is to be the “Chief Encouragement Officer.”
Absolutely! Many clubs have different levels of teams. Even if you’ve never played a game, tryouts are a way for coaches to see your potential and place you in a “Beginners Only” or developmental program where you can learn the ropes with other new players.
Coaches look for “the three As”: Athleticism (speed and coordination), Attitude (listening and trying hard), and Aptitude (how quickly you pick up a new drill). They don’t expect you to have perfect footwork yet!
Don’t panic. Most clubs in the Charleston area offer “rolling evaluations” or supplemental tryouts. If you can’t make the main dates, reach out to the club director or registrar—they can often arrange for you to join a regular practice session so the coaches can see you play.
At the end of the day, soccer tryouts for beginners are just the first step in a much longer journey. Whether you make the “A” team or start in a developmental league, the most important thing is that you keep a ball at your feet and a smile on your face.
At Olly on the Ball, we’re passionate about helping Lowcountry players find their confidence. We know exactly what it’s like to stand on that sideline feeling nervous, and we’re here to help you master the fundamentals so you can play with freedom and joy.
Ready to get a leg up before the big day? Whether you’re in Mount Pleasant, James Island, or Summerville, let’s get to work.
