VSC Competitive soccer is about learning to play the game at a higher level. The purpose of the tryouts is to identify those players with a desire to put in the time and effort to become better players. Soccer is a definitely a game of teamwork, while a single exceptional player can certainly make a difference, it's always the team that wins or loses a game.

As you consider the VSC Competitive Program tryouts the first thing to keep in mind is that effort counts, a lot. Make sure you are giving your all during the entire tryout, focus on the exercises, and push yourself to do your best. Scoring is not only based on who finishes first, but who puts in the best effort as well.

Treat tryouts like the most important game you've played:

• When you are in an exercise and waiting (for a pass, or the next player) keep your feet moving, the best soccer players are rarely caught flat footed
• Try new things - if you show an evaluator that you can do something perfect with your right foot, next time try your left.
• If you are taking more than 2-3 steps you should run, don't walk, to where you need to be.
• Water breaks are necessary to keep hydrated, we'll make sure they are announced. Keep it quick so the whole group is not waiting on you.

Behavior and attitude will count as well. Be positive about your own performance and other players' as well. Complement others on good performances ("Nice shot!"), and focus on the effort when you or others make a mistake ("Don't worry about it, you'll get it next time".) Don't worry about mistakes - we all make them. The important thing is to show that you have recognized your mistake, and are trying to learn from it.

Scoring will be based on the following criteria. For each section you will be able to score 1-4 for a total score of 16 points. Most exercises will focus on more than one of the scoring criteria, and multiple individuals will be evaluating all players.
 

Ball Skills 
Defending

Passing 
Tactics/Communication

Attacking 
Athleticism/Effort