Southlake FC

2026–2027 Competitive Team Tryouts

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Southlake Soccer Club is excited to welcome players and families to tryouts for the 2026–2027 playing season. Our goal is to place every player in an environment that supports long‑term development, enjoyment of the game, and competitive growth, while maintaining transparency and consistency in how teams are formed.

This page outlines:

  • The new U.S. Soccer age group structure
  • Our tryout evaluation process
  • Southlake’s Player Placement Policy, including guidance on playing at age or playing up

U.S. Soccer Age Group Change (Effective 2026–2027)

Beginning with the 2026–2027 season, U.S. Soccer, US Youth Soccer, US Club Soccer, and AYSO have adopted a school‑year age group formation that runs from August 1 to July 31. This replaces the former January–December birth‑year system and is designed to better align players with their school peers.

2026–2027 Age Group Chart

U6 – Aug 1, 2020 – Jul 31, 2021
U7 – Aug 1, 2019 – Jul 31, 2020
U8 – Aug 1, 2018 – Jul 31, 2019
U9 – Aug 1, 2017 – Jul 31, 2018
U10 – Aug 1, 2016 – Jul 31, 2017
U11 – Aug 1, 2015 – Jul 31, 2016
U12 – Aug 1, 2014 – Jul 31, 2015
U13 – Aug 1, 2013 – Jul 31, 2014
U14 – Aug 1, 2012 – Jul 31, 2013
U15 – Aug 1, 2011 – Jul 31, 2012
U16 – Aug 1, 2010 – Jul 31, 2011
U17 – Aug 1, 2009 – Jul 31, 2010
U18 – Aug 1, 2008 – Jul 31, 2009
U19 – Aug 1, 2007 – Jul 31, 2008

Source: U.S. Soccer / US Youth Soccer age group matrix

Tryout Methodology & Player Evaluation

Southlake Soccer uses a multi‑dimensional evaluation process to ensure fair and balanced team selection. Tryouts are an important part of placement but are not the only factor considered for returning players.

What coaches evaluate

Players are assessed in game‑like environments, focusing on:

  • Technical ability (first touch, passing, dribbling, striking)
  • Tactical understanding (spacing, decision‑making, awareness)
  • Physical attributes (mobility, balance, coordination relative to age)
  • Mindset and attitude (resilience, coachability, positive engagement with teammates)
  • Team impact (communication, work rate, adaptability)

Returning vs. new players

  • Returning Southlake players are evaluated using both tryouts and their body of work from the previous season
  • New players are evaluated primarily through tryouts

Tryouts are designed to be low‑pressure, development‑focused, and consistent across age groups, following best practices used by peer clubs in our region.

Southlake Player Placement Policy (2026–2027)

Southlake Soccer’s Player Placement Policy is built around development first, with flexibility for individual needs and family input.

Core principles

  • Players develop best when challenged appropriately in a positive environment
  • Social, emotional, and physical development matter alongside soccer ability
  • Long‑term growth is prioritized over short‑term results

Playing at Age Group (Default Path)

Southlake’s default recommendation is that players:

  • Try out for their designated age group
  • Play with peers aligned by school year whenever possible

This path provides:

  • Strong team cohesion
  • Age‑appropriate physical demands
  • A consistent developmental environment

Playing Up One Age Group (Optional, Not Required)

Southlake recognizes that some players:

  • Have played together on the same team for multiple years
  • Are seeking additional challenge
  • May be physically, emotionally, and technically ready for an older group

Families are encouraged to make their own informed decision about whether to pursue playing up one age group.

However, playing up is not guaranteed, and selection is based on:

  • Demonstrated ability relative to the older age group
  • Team needs and roster balance across age groups
  • Long‑term developmental fit

Important Tryout Requirement (Playing Up)

All players who wish to be considered for playing up must:

  1. Attend tryouts for the older age group they wish to be considered for and
  2. It’s recommended to attend tryouts for the age group of the player as a backup plan if they don’t make the older team.

This ensures:

  • Players have a secure placement option
  • Coaches can evaluate players in both environments
  • Families can make informed decisions after offers are extended

Final Placement Decisions

  • Placement offers are made collaboratively by Southlake Coaches and Club Coaching Leadership following the completion of tryouts
  • Decisions are informed by tryout evaluations, prior development (for returning players), roster balance, and the overall training environment
  • Families always have the final decision whether to accept a placement
  • Declining a higher‑age placement does not negatively impact future opportunities

Our goal is to ensure every player is placed where they can learn, compete, and enjoy the game.

Our Commitment to Families

Southlake Soccer is committed to:

  • Clear communication
  • Fair evaluations
  • Supporting families through age‑group transitions

Coaches and directors are available before and after tryouts to discuss:

  • Development pathways
  • Age‑group questions
  • Playing‑up considerations