We are always looking to add players to our Junior Academy and Academy programs who share the same passion for those players currently on the roster. There are 3 types of players who typically tryout for our Junior Academy and Academy programs:
- Players who have excelled on their Recreation programs, have outgrown it and are now looking for the next challenge.
- Players who are at an intermediate playing level looking to transition to a new club.
- Advanced level players looking to join the top tier team in a specific age group in our club.
We are not a fan of the traditional way that the youth soccer landscape does tryouts, so with our model no player is cut rather tiered to the proper Junior Academy (U-6 – U-8) and Academy (U-9 – U-12) programs. Youth soccer should be fun and competitive for those who wish to play it competitively on the field, not stressful off the field for the player and the parent by not knowing whether your child will have a spot on a team. So here is how our program works for new players between U-6 – U-12 only.
Each year during the month of May, we hold trials for players who aspire to join the club starting in the fall season. Our goal is to properly place all interested players within the player pool onto teams that best serve their ability, long term individual development, and best serve their assigned team. With access for both Boys and Girls to leagues such as the Maryland Developmental Soccer League (MDSL) and Elite Development Program (EDP), we have an excellent platform to serve players who are looking to move up from our recreation program, other club recreation and academy programs, or just looking for a change from their previous club.
Please see the tryout schedule, dates, times and locations.
Dates: Mondays and Wednesdays
Typical Times (subject to change): 5:15 pm – 6:30 pm (5-7 year olds)
6:30 pm – 7:45 pm (8-10 year olds)
*Note that times are in sync with regular Junior Academy and Academy practice times. You will need to register then a representative will get back to you on the correct date and time.
Location: Sandy Spring Friends School (16923 Norwood Road, Sandy Spring, MD 20860)
Please check the website and your email immediately before leaving for tryouts in case of inclement weather or field changes.
- Weather cancellations will first go through our social media accounts.
- Players should plan on arriving at least 15 minutes before their scheduled tryout time to check-in and warm-up.
- If you cannot make any of the dates please contact the coach to arrange another date to trial during regular team training nights.
- Please select the days below to register your player(s) for a trial. You can select up to 2 days for the trial. Once completed, we will receive a notification on our end and a SSSC representive will reach out to you with the next steps.
- Questions
Please contact SSSC Academy Director Justin Reid at jreid@sandyspringsoccer.com.
What to bring?
Soccer cleats, shin-gaurds, water bottle.
We will provide you with a training jersey, shorts, socks, and a trial number.
Why do we have trials?
We have official trials during the month of May to help place your child on the best possible team suited for where his or her skills are currently. Our goal is to place all interested players within the player pool onto teams that best serve their ability, long term individual development, and best serve their assigned team. Our goal is to give each team the opportunity to select players who will have a positive impact on their teams.
Why should players be tiered?
It is important for players to be placed into environments which allow them to enjoy success, learn skills that are specific to their development, and play in both leagues and tournaments that are appropriate to their playing level, all while enjoying their youth soccer experience. The experience goes by fast but it leaves everlasting memories and players make life-long friends.
It is also very important to realize that players all mature and develop at different rates. We regularly see situations in our club where players who are on second teams who work themselves onto first teams given time, effort, and a quality team and training environment. Mid-season player movement occurs based on merit, additional assessment, supplement tryouts and league and roster rules.
How will teams be selected?
Players will tryout together in their respective age group. Teams will be tiered by corresponding playing levels, commitment, and expectations. In addition, we will look to make first (Green) second (Brown) third (Black) & fourth (White) teams in the age groups where the player pool is large enough to support more than one team. Head age-group coaches will make final decisions after consulting with the other coaches in the age group, coaches assisting in the tryout process, and the Directors of Coaching.
Offers will be made on a rolling basis after the 1st tryout. If you have not heard anything after 5 days after the 2nd tryout please reach out and send an email to info@sandyspringsoccer.com.
Click on the link below to register for a tryout:
