Greetings Players & Parents,


The Cherry Beach Soccer Club and its coaching staff want to give parents and players a heads up in regards to try-outs and how team selections are made.  As coaches, we will break down what we look for in a player and you can evaluate your own son/daughter from the stands following our guidelines.  It’s very important to be realistic about your boy's/daughter’s abilities.  Some parents tend to believe their boy/daughter is a better athlete/player than he/she really is.  It’s more important to know where their strengths and weaknesses lie.
 
A team will consist of U8 (10 players on 5vs5 mini-field format), U9 to U10 (12 players on 7vs7 field format), U11 (16 players on 9vs9 field format) and/or 12+ (18 players on full-field format) in the summer season.  Our job as coaches is to pick the players that will give our A-Team the best chance of success.  The remaining players that are not selected can join our House League Program, join our Development Squad/Programs, become part of an All-Star Squad and/or in some cases form a B-Rep Team.  So if we have 30 boys/girls come out for try-outs, it means many will not be selected.  Before we can render a decision, we will have to see the new try-outs before giving anyone any information as to where they stand.
 
Typically, most coaches will look for the following in a player: Click here to download a short version.
 
1. Confidence & Competitive Personality: This is a key component to the success of a competitive player.  Some players may look pretty even in practice drills but once the whistle blows to kick off a match, certain 'A type' personalities kick-in and the most confident & secure players shine in the heat of competition. 
 
2. Ball Skills & Vision of the Game:  Having good ball skills is always an asset as a player.  A solid first touch will give you an instant advantage in a fast paced environment.  Against weaker teams you are given many seconds to control a ball.  However, with tougher opposition, you will only be given a split second to pass the ball.  Other skills include: their first touch, passing accuracy with right amount of power, striking/kicking with both feet, trapping (chest, thigh, foot), heading (though not emphasized at an early age in mini-games format, balance & shielding, defending & attacking 1v1.
 
3. Speed, Acceleration & Endurance:  Soccer is a physically demanding sport and when played properly it requires a lot of stamina.  At times especially at the start of every season the ball needed support but was not supported because of stamina issues.  This is something that coaches will assess before, during and after completion of the season.  Having good speed and endurance is an asset.  Acceleration is also very important as it gives a player a big advantage on the field when it comes to 1v1 situations or bursting into open space for a pass.
 
4. Overall Maturity & Awareness:  A common observation is always made with parents and it goes as follows; "Look how much this player runs, he’s all over the place, I wonder why he didn't get selected to the team and yet this boy/girl who doesn’t run nearly as much did?"  There could be a number of reasons for this particular instance.  Disruptive practice habits, poor positional play, lack of communication skills, and your son/daughter may not be a good fit tactically or dynamically for the team.  Not only is soccer a physically demanding sport, it’s even more mentally demanding.  There is so much information that has to be processed on the fly and at this age even the best players make countless mental errors.  It’s important to have a group of 14 and/or 18 players, who mesh well, communicate, and listen to instruction. 
 
5. Commitment:  Coaches will not hesitate to pass on a good player for financial reasons or those who cannot commit full time in the summers.  Coaches tend to be a lot more lenient in the winter months so as to encourage players to try other sports – hockey & skiing can actually help soccer players develop.  As the team advances from the TSA to the more competitive CSL level, the demands and expectations will become greater. Coaches understand that it’s sometimes tough to commit to 2-3 practices on top of games, but the Club, parents & even players have result minded expectations.  Coaches have permission to cut players with the full support of the Club over this issue!
 
6. Positional Need:  A good team consists of different types of players.  There are certain roles that get tons of glory and some that get little to no glory, but just as important if not more.  When picking a team, the coach has to visualize the use of that player. A head coach cannot take 12 midfielders and strikers.  He/she will need defense and a goalie to go with that.  Telling coaches that he only plays striker … may cost your son/daughter a spot on the team.  When a position is assigned to the player, it may be his/her best position and/or for the team.  So coaches may play them there most of time, but all good/caring coaches will let them try other positions.
 
7. Team Zoning Restrictions:  In some cases, coaches will be forced to release some good players due to zoning issues.  All-Star/Rep teams are required to have 7 and/or 9 In-Zone Players, which each coach is required to abide by Toronto Soccer Association (TSA) and Ontario Soccer Association (OSA) rules.  Failing to do so could result in the coach being fired and/or suspended, stiff fines against the club, league point forfeitures and/or outright team dismissal. 
 
8. Parent/Team Dynamics:  Many coaches with the full support of the Club, have sometimes been forced to not select a very talented player due to parent/guardian interference.  It could be coaching from the sideline, wanting their child to play one position, yelling at the ref or the opposition and any number of other reasons that could create ongoing conflict for the team.   Coaches are responsible for creating a productive, safe and fun environment for all players!
 
9. Special Consideration:  Virtually 95% of all coaches out there in the House League or All-Star/Rep format are either a parent and/or relative who is willing to commit him/herself to coaching a team.  There may even be instances where their son/daughter may have been selected over better players.  Unfair and hard to accept, but what the Club/parents/players have to remember is that without their son/daughter on the team, there would most likely be NO COACH & NO TEAM!  Only in situations where there are other qualified coaches available and it becomes an ongoing concern, the Club may want to review the selection process.
 
This should give you a better understanding of how coaches plan to pick their squads. Some coaches may be willing and/or able to give you an update during tryouts, but full assessments can only be given when tryouts are complete. If there are any questions regarding the process, feel free to ask, but the best person to speak to is the head coach of each respective team!  
 
Now parents/players don’t despair, the Club will always have different opportunities for a player that does not make a select team. They may even be Rep team call-up opportunities. Where there are willing coaches/parents, we could even create an All-Star team,  We also offer CB Development Programs and year round House League Programming.  
 
As a Club we can give certain feedback and guidance in the selection process, however the ultimate decisions needs to be made by a head coach and his/her assistant coaches if any. 

Any grievances need to be documented with sufficient proof for the Club to investigate.  
 
 
Regards,
John Hendriks
Club President