Fall Tryouts
Travel Program Philosophy
The association seeks to form competitive soccer teams in such a manner as to provide players of all ages and skill levels with appropriate opportunities to advance their soccer skills and knowledge and grow their love of the game.
- It will be the primary goal of the SSA to field MYSA Division 1 and Division 2 teams in as many age groups as possible.
- When multiple teams may be formed within an age group, the club will seek to create a Division 1 or 2 team with the other team participating in the Division 2 or 3 league, depending on the overall skill of the players available in the group.
- If an age group may support more than one team but no team that is capable of competing in the Division 1 or 2 league or higher teams will be divided evenly and both teams will play in the Division 3 level.
- Teams playing at the U9 or U10 level will be divided by experience, age, and level of play when that information is available or split evenly when no player evaluations exist.
Player Evaluation for Team Placement
Player roster placement will be completed by the Director of Coaching (DOC) in consultation with coaches, assessors, and others with direct knowledge of player ability. The final decision on roster placements rests with the DOC. The DOC will utilize the following components in placing players:
- Skillmasters Evaluation data
- Coach evaluations from previous seasons
- Assessed skill based on player performance at tryout/clinic/jamboree events
- Winter training performance if roster formation is still in progress
- The observed level of play during practice or game sessions observed by the DOC and team coaches/assessors as appropriate
The Sartell Soccer Association (SSA) staff and board understand that team placement can be a challenging process, and we recognize that some families may feel disappointed or disagree with their athlete’s placement. Our goal is to place each player in an environment that offers the best opportunity to compete at a level appropriate to their ability, while also supporting their continued development. At the same time, we aim to build rosters that promote both individual growth and overall team competitiveness.
As our club continues to grow, we appreciate families who support their athletes by maintaining a positive attitude—both at home and on the sidelines.
Please note that placement on competitive travel rosters is based on player evaluations and team needs. It cannot be adjusted to accommodate requests related to friendships, grade levels, or carpooling.
Participation on a team in a previous season does not guarantee placement on that same team in the future. While some player groups may remain together over time, many will change. Each season should be seen as a new opportunity—for building new connections, adapting to new teammates and coaches, and continuing to grow as a player.
For any questions regarding team placement, please contact the Director of Coaching.
Roy Snyder
Director of Coaching and Player Development
ssa.player.development@gmail.com
Fall 2025 Tryout Details
Monday, July 21st, 2025
Pinecone Central Park
In previous years, we did not offer a separate tryout for the Fall season. Starting this year, we’re introducing a dedicated tryout specifically for U9-U12 players interested in joining the Fall 2025 travel program.
Boys and Girls players born between 2017 and 2014 are eligible for league play teams (U9-U12).
Ages:
- 2017 - U9
- 2016 - U10
- 2015 - U11
- 2014 - U12
- U13+ - Optional Skill assessment only. No tryout needed for tournament-only team
Players should arrive 15 minutes prior to their scheduled time.
| Age Group | Tryout Time |
|---|---|
| U9/U10 Boys | 5:15-7:15pm |
| U9/U10 Girls | 5:30-7:30pm |
| U11/U12 Boys and Girls | 6:30-8:45pm |
| U13+ | 6:30-7:30pm |
Skillmasters Evaluation: Skillmasters will be conducting evaluations onsite for players to provide a holistic view of each player's technical, tactical, and cognitive skills. For more information about Skillmasters, please visit their website here.
Tryout and Skillmasters Registration Fees:
- For ages U9-U12 there is a non-refundable $20 fee that covers both the Skillmasters evaluation and the tryout.
- For ages U13 and older, there is a non-refundable $15 fee for the Skillmasters evaluation only if players choose to participate in testing, there is no tryout fee.
- If players choose to not participate in the Skillmasters evaluation, they will just pay the registration fee for the Tournament Only team.
Save The Date!
2026 Summer Travel Season Tryouts
October 26th, 2025
1:00pm - 8:00pm
St. John's University
Travel Program Team Placement Q & A
How are teams formed each season?
Teams are formed for the upcoming competitive season only and may change from season to season. Past team placements do not guarantee future placement. Factors such as player development, registration numbers, league structures, and roster limits all play a role in team formation..
Can my player move between teams during the year?
Yes. Players may move between teams, play with different groups, or have different coaches from season to season depending on developmental needs and other factors.
Is a tryout or assessment required for U9/U10 players?
No. Tryouts are not required for players at the U9 and U10 levels. Teams may be organized by skill level or split evenly, but the focus is on participation and development for all players.
Are tryouts required for Premier or Division 1 teams?
Yes. Players must be assessed to be placed on a Premier or Division 1 roster. If a player misses tryouts, they may be evaluated through coach assessments or an alternative evaluation arranged by the Director of Coaching. Any costs associated with alternative evaluations are the responsibility of the family.
What if my players wants to play Division 2 and there is more than one team in their age group?
In that case, an assessment is required. Tryouts may occur in the summer or fall. If necessary, and at the discretion of the Director of Coaching, a player may also be evaluated during the first two weeks of winter training.
What happens if my player isn’t assessed?
Players who are not assessed and whose placement cannot be determined based on prior seasons will be placed on the lowest-level team available in their age group.
If your player is unable to attend tryouts, Contact our director of coaching (DOC) to schedule an evaluation. The DOC will place the player on a team with available roster space that best matches their playing ability.
Is roster placement on a competitive team guaranteed?
No. Placement on Premier, Division 1, or Division 2 teams is not guaranteed. Attendance, development, and coach evaluations all impact placement. Players who miss training consistently (outside of injury) may be reassigned to a different team level.
What if there is only one team in an age group and my player is not ready for that level of competition?
If a player’s assessed ability does not match the level of the only team available in their age group, they may not be placed on a roster. SSA will work with families in such cases to help identify alternative soccer opportunities.
What happens after tryouts?
After tryouts, the SSA will review evaluations and place players on teams based on player scorecard results.
Parents/guardians and players will receive an email if offered a reserved roster spot. As outlined in the email offer, an initial non-refundable deposit and completed registration are required. Refer to the email offer for the registration link.