Before tryouts. Through the season.

Before a visit or tryout

1. Find nearby clubs and compare the program level, age guidance and sources. Check the season’s age band, then ask the club which group applies to your player. A calculator does not confirm eligibility.
2. Use the official club or program page linked from its profile. Confirm the season, field, arrival time, registration requirements, equipment and all session dates. An old schedule does not establish a current opportunity.
3. Ask whether you are visiting a specific team, attending an evaluation or joining an open program. Confirm the ordinary weekly schedule, travel and total cost, including uniforms and team expenses.
4. Keep meals, sleep and the final training days familiar. Ask your player what would help them feel prepared; agree on a simple focus such as communicating and responding to the next play.
5. Before accepting an offer, ask for the named team, coach, placement process, full cost, financial assistance, deadline and refund terms in writing. Let your player describe how the environment felt.

Read the free first-club lesson for a fuller explanation and three questions to take to your first visit.

During the season

• Before a game, agree on the support your player wants: quiet presence, encouragement or help with logistics. Their answer can change.
• Support effort and respectful behavior. Leave instructions to the coach and decisions to officials. Keep the sidelines welcoming to both teams.
• After a game, offer time and space before discussing performance. Ask an open question about the experience when the player is ready.
• Once a month, check together: Is soccer still enjoyable? Is the schedule workable? Is there something we should ask the coach? Choose one small adjustment and revisit it.
• Raise a specific concern through the club’s published contact and welfare procedures. Keep factual notes privately and avoid sharing another child’s personal information.

Where this guidance comes from

Adapted from Soccer Guide NW’s existing tryout-week, sideline-support and family check-in guidance. The Washington Youth Soccer Respect Campaign ↗ supports respectful conduct across players, families, coaches and officials. Source checked November 2, 2026.

This checklist does not publish tryout dates or offer terms; those must come from your club.