Joining Our Club: Tryout Opportunities
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We offer several pathways throughout the year for players to showcase their talent and join our programs. Whether you are looking for our primary seasonal placement or an elite pathway, here is how you can get involved:
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Annual Open Tryouts (Early Spring): Our main tryout window occurs in the early spring. These sessions are designed for the upcoming registration year and are the primary way for new players to secure a spot on a team.
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ID Sessions: We host 2 - 3 identification (ID) sessions throughout the calendar year - typically one in the fall and one in the winter. These are great opportunities for players to be evaluated by our staff mid-season.
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MLS NEXT Invite-Only Sessions: For our highest level of competition, we hold specialized tryout sessions for our MLS NEXT program. These sessions are by invitation only based on scouting and previous evaluations.
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Year-Round Interest Form: If you missed a scheduled session, you can complete our Open Interest Form at any time. If a roster spot becomes available during the season, qualified players may be invited to attend a regular training session with the appropriate team for an evaluation.
Tryout Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)​
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General Information
When is the best time to join the club?
While our Open Interest Form is available year-round, the best time to join is during our Annual Open Tryouts in early spring. This is when we form the majority of our rosters for the upcoming registration year.
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What is the difference between an ID Session and a Tryout?
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Annual Tryouts: A large-scale event to fill entire team rosters.
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ID Sessions: Smaller, supplemental evaluations held in the fall and winter to identify talent for mid-season openings or future program placement.
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How do I get an invite to the MLS NEXT tryouts?
Our MLS NEXT sessions are invite-only. Players are typically identified through our scouting network, performance in open tryouts, or through a standout evaluation during a team training session via our interest form.
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Preparing for Tryouts
What should my player wear and bring?
Players should wear standard soccer attire (cleats and athletic clothing) - shin guards are mandatory. Please bring a water or other form of hydration. We will provide numbered tryout pinnies during check-in.
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Does my child need to attend every day of tryouts?
Yes. We strongly recommend attending all scheduled sessions for your age group. This gives the coaching staff a complete look at the player’s consistency and various skill sets.
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Is there a cost to try out?
Most of our open tryout sessions and ID sessions are free of cost. Please check the specific registration link for the current season’s details.
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Evaluation & Placement
Who evaluates the players?
Evaluations are conducted by our Technical Directors and professional coaching staff. We use a standardized rubric to ensure every player is graded fairly on technical, tactical, physical, and mental attributes.
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My child is currently on a team at Ironbound. Do they still need to try out?
No. Current members of the club do not need to attend these tryout sessions. Your placement for the upcoming season is handled through our internal evaluation process. These sessions are specifically for new players looking to join our programs.
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What happens if my child is not offered a spot?
We aim to provide a positive experience for everyone. If a player is not placed on a team, we encourage them to continue developing and join us for future ID sessions. You can also remain on our contact list for updates on clinics and camps.
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Post-Tryout Process
How will I be notified of the results?
All results are sent via email to the address used during registration. You can typically expect to hear from us within 3 - 5 business days following the final session.
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If my child receives an offer, how long do I have to decide?
Due to high demand and roster limits, we usually require an "Accept" or "Decline" response within 24 - 48 hours of the offer being sent. This allows us to offer spots to players on our waiting list if a position is not taken.
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Can I speak to a coach about my child's evaluation?
Because of the high volume of players, coaches are unable to provide individual feedback during the tryout week. However, we strive for transparency in our selection process and prioritize the best development path for every athlete.