Tryouts

Tryouts for boys in the U16-U19 age groups take place in the winter because the soccer season for their individual high schools coincides with spring tryout dates for all other age groups.

Stay up to date on tryout dates, times & locations for MRFC tryouts here

Online registration through PlayMetrics is required for participation in tryouts. To register for tryouts, click here

CLICK HERE to view the payment fee chart on the COMPETITVE program page.

*MRFC does offer payment programs for all player dues and Financial Aid is available on a need basis only.

MRFC will notify you within 72 hours after the last tryout for your age group has completed.

MRFC requires players to accept or decline their offer within 24 hours of receiving their offer.

We understand there is always a chance of missing tryouts due to illness or injury. Most likely we can schedule a different time for your player to be assessed or if a returning player coaches will talk with the player’s parents and past coaches to learn more about their playing history and what levels and teams they have previously played with to determine their best fit at MRFC in lieu of participation in tryouts. Please reach out to us so we can work with you: tryouts@mtrainierfc.org

All players will be evaluated based on the MRFC Pillars of Individual Development (Game, Ball, Body, Mind and the 5th Pillar) which encompass the players ability to outplay their opponent, eagerness to learn and love for the game. MRFC Staff is committed to a continuous development pathway, therefore returning players MRFC are more familiar with that individual players development journey and will consider not just the tryout dates.

• Arrive 30 minutes before your session start time to allow for parking and check-in
• At check-in, numbered pinnies will be issued according to the player’s birth year
• Players must wear shin guards in order to participate
• Players should wear cleats
• We ask players wear NON-CLUB apparel
• Bring water and additional weather appropriate gear (soccer balls will be provided)
• Parents and spectators are not allowed on the fields or inside the gates. You are more than welcome to watch around the perimeter of the fence.
• Dates and times are subject to change. Please check this schedule prior to leaving for a session.

Yes. All players who would like to be considered on a competitive team need to attend a tryout.

Beginning with the 2026–27 season, U.S. Soccer is transitioning youth soccer from “birth year” age groups (January 1–December 31) to “seasonal year” age groups (August 1–July 31). This change will apply nationwide and impact all clubs and players.

Why is this change happening?

The “seasonal year” model is intended to:

• Better align age groups with school year peers (while recognizing some exceptions)

• Reduce “trapped player” challenges

• Improve efficiency in college recruiting

• Create a more consistent long-term player development pathway

• No. Players must try out and play in their assigned age group based on birthdate.

• Play-up decisions are Director led only

• Directors will initiate communication if a play up opportunity is being considered

• My player is in the same grade as their current teammates but has an August (or later) birthday. Do they have to try out with a new age group?

• Yes. All players must try out based on birthdate, not grade level, even if this places them with players in a different school grade.

How will tryouts work?

The tryout process itself remains unchanged.

• Players must attend tryouts for their assigned age group based on birthdate

• Play-up opportunities are evaluated and approved by Directors only

• Families will be contacted directly if a play-up is being considered

Age groups are determined only by birthdate using the August 1–July 31 range set by U.S. Soccer.

• Grade or graduation year does not determine age group

• Players may not play down

• There are no exceptions to U.S. Soccer birthdate ranges

• As a result, teams will be formed using new age-group ranges, families should expect roster movement for the 2026–27 season. Our priority remains placing players where they can best thrive developmentally.

How is MRFC preparing for this transition?

• Directors are actively planning new age-group structures

• “Seasonal year” training sessions will be offered for observation and development

• These sessions are not tryouts and do not determine roster placement

Where can I find more information about this decision from US Soccer?

LINK TO US SOCCER

Our Commitment:

MRFC remains committed to supporting long-term player growth on and off the field while ensuring a smooth and thoughtful transition for our families.

How will players’ jersey numbers be selected?
Jersey numbers are assigned using a structured process that prioritizes returning players while ensuring fairness for all players joining the team.

How do players submit their jersey number choices?
During registration, each player will list six jersey number choices in order of preference. If a returning player, the first number choice should be the previous season’s number if you want to try to retain it. At least two of the six choices must be numbers between 30-80.

Who gets priority when selecting numbers?
Priority is given in this order:
1. Returning players
2. New players (after team meetings and after all returning player requests are processed)

Can returning players keep their previous number?
Yes. Returning players who request their previous number have the first right to retain it.

How long is a returning player’s number held?
Returning players keep their previous number through the team meeting. If they have not registered or communicated by the time of the team meeting, their number is released and becomes available to others.

What if multiple returning players want the same number?
If more than one returning player requests the same available number, priority is based on registration timestamp. Earlier registrations receive higher priority. Our goal is to have zero jersey number conflicts across each age group to allow for player movement between teams.

What happens if a returning player does not request their old number?
If a returning player chooses not to keep their previous number, that number becomes available to other returning players based on registration order.

When are new players assigned numbers?
New players will be assigned numbers after all returning player requests are completed and after scheduled team meetings with their coaches.

How do supplemental (mid‑season) players choose a number?
Supplemental players still enter six jersey number choices during registration, just like all players. If all numbers are unavailable, then you will receive a list of available numbers and must choose from that list. If no choice is communicated by the deadline, a number will be assigned.

What if all of my player’s number choices are already assigned?
The club will send a list of available numbers. Families must select from that list. If no response is received by the deadline, a number will be assigned.

What if we don’t hear back from a player or family?
If a player does not submit their jersey number preferences or does not respond to communication about number selection, the club will assign a number on their behalf.

Where can I see my player’s final jersey number?
Final jersey numbers are posted in PlayMetrics under the team roster once confirmed