Tryout to join the Delaware Knights Soccer Club

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Player Evaluation

DKSC views multiple considerations when determining team composition and player selection. Soccer at this age and level focuses on learning, developing, being active, team camaraderie, and the challenge of competitive play. Additionally, DKSC soccer has two seasons of play, one in the fall and one in the spring.  As such, there are several factors and player traits a coach must consider when evaluating players in order to select a competitive-oriented soccer team.

Ability

  • Self control and Energy level

  • Individual skill (transitions, ball handling, shooting, passing)

  • Game awareness

  • Team play

  • Positional play

  • Communication and listening

  • Ability to be coached

  • Creativity

Attitude

  • Team focused 

  • High regard for sportsmanship

  • Maturity level

  • Respectful of teammates, coaches, officials and adults

  • Ability to handle adverse situations

  • Positive, results-oriented attitude

  • Response to positive reinforcement

  • Competitive in nature

  • Confident

  • Dedicated

Evaluators

To provide an element of non-partial skill evaluation, compensated independent evaluators may be used to provide input and scoring during the try-out process.  Evaluators will rate player skill and ability and make suggestions to the head coach for final team selections.

Parent Expectations

Our goal is to make the tryout process as stress-free and enjoyable as possible so that the players have a positive experience. In order to foster that stress-free environment, parents much watch tryouts from outside the marked areas of the field

“Play Up” Requests

Players who wish to “play up” to a higher division of play must contact the appropriate DKSC Director prior to trying out.  For Director contact info please visit our staff page.

 FAQs

  • When all evaluation has been completed we will have a better idea of how many teams we will have in each age group. The age groups and roster sizes may vary. If we have enough kids to make two teams in one age group then we will make an "A" team and a "B" team, and if we have enough for a "C" team then we will do that.

    The number of teams will be determined based on the number of players trying out; we would like to offer the minimum of 1 team at each age group but we will not know the exact number until the tryouts. Team placement starts with placing kids on the first team or top team (A Team) and then work our way to the second team (B Team) if the numbers and quality are there.

  • All players selected for a DKSC team will play in competitive club games and tournaments. Due to the competitive focus of DKSC club teams, this general rule does not equate to equal playing time for all players. Playing time for individual players can vary and is determined by the respective DKSC coach. The DKSC coach’s decisions will be based on various coach observations and factors across practices and games, including performance, skill, commitment, and conduct. Players are expected to commit to the team and put forth their best effort at practices and games. Commitment, attendance, and effort may impact playing time. To ensure optimum team results, it is the DKSC coach’s decision to position players where they can best help the team. No player is guaranteed to play any specific position.

  • At the end of each tryout week, the evaluation team (independent evaluators and coaches) will meet to review the players’ evaluations and create the teams for next year. Together, the group will work to form the teams. The focus will be on the developmental needs of each player & team, and will place players in the appropriate level of play. Every attempt will be made to notify all players of team selections within 24-48 hours of the final tryout. The goal is to have ‘first picked’ players contacted within 24 hours of tryout. The goal is to have all teams finalized within 72 hours of the final tryout date for that division. After players have been notified and accepted, they will be sent an email of final acceptance. Parents will be officially notified by email if your player has made a team. Your time to accept this position will be limited.

  • After offers are extended and accepted, there is much work that needs to be completed over the summer to ensure the players can start the season in August. Uniforms must be ordered, paperwork and fees collected, meet the coaching staff and so much more! The team meetings are designed to share information with parents about the upcoming season, allow the players to meet their teammates and to prepare for the team’s participation in competitive leagues.

  • If you are interested in joining the Knights family, we highly suggest attending a training session or two to be evaluated by our staff. This is a great time to test out the club, see the potential coaches and players that your son or daughter may play with. This is also a good time to ask questions and get a feel for what the Knights are all about. Click Here to Register for Guest Training Today.

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