TRYOUT FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is select soccer?
Select soccer requires players to attend an open tryout session and be selected to play on a team. Teams play year-round; the season begins in the fall and ends in the spring. In general, the training focuses on player development (technical or individual ball skills) at the younger ages and transitions to team development (tactical) at older ages.
Who is FC Storm?
FC Storm is a competitive soccer program with campuses in Indian Hill, Loveland and Milford. FC Storm is professionally managed with focus on operational excellence and a high quality experience for players and their families.
FC Storm is built on the simple principle of providing a training and playing atmosphere that values the development of all players regardless of skill or the team. Our licensed coaches and professional trainers foster a positive learning and playing environment that is rigorous, competitive and fun. FC Storm believes competitive soccer should not be complicated, and parents are encouraged to get to know the coach and club leadership.
FCS Premier is a more competitive tier within FC Storm. Tryouts are held separately for Premier teams.
FC Storm teams play in local, regional and state leagues; numerous players advance to State and Regional ODP teams. Teams play in both fall and spring leagues. High school age teams play only in the spring.
Do I need to register for tryouts?
Yes. You will need to create an account if you don’t already have one. Registration will open in March.
Does it cost anything to tryout?
No, there is no fee to register.
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What ages are the teams?
FC Storm teams are formed by birthyear. Anticipated teams for the 2023/24 playing season include the following birthyears:
Boys 2015
Boys 2014
Boys 2013
Boys 2012
Boys 2011
Boys 2010
Boys 2009
Boys 2008 (high school team; spring only)
Boys 2007 (high school team; spring only)
Boys 2006 (high school team; spring only)
Girls 2015
Girls 2014
Girls 2013
Girls 2012
Girls 2011
Girls 2010
Girls 2009
Girls 2008 (spring only)
Girls 2007 (spring only)
Girls 2005/06 (mixed age, spring only)
Where are tryouts?
Locations will include fields in Loveland, Milford and Indian Hill. Details will be availble early March.
When are tryouts?
Tryout details will be available early March.
What should a player bring to tryouts?
All players need to bring an inflated soccer ball (with your name on it) and plenty of water; wear shin guards and soccer cleats.
What should my child wear?
All players should wear soccer cleats and shin guards. If you have previously played select soccer at any club, please do not wear any spirit wear or training apparel from that club.
Please wear dark shorts and a light or grey t-shirt.
When should I arrive?
Check-in will begin 30 minutes prior to the start of the tryout time for your age group. All players will be issued a tryout t-shirt with a number on it. The coaches and evaluators will use this number to track players’ during tryouts. Players must wear the tryout shirt both nights of tryouts.
Where do I check-in?
Check-in will be adjacent to the fields where tryouts are held. There will be check-in tables under pop up tents.
Can I watch my child tryout?
No. We have found that spectators can be a distraction to players and coaches during the tryout.
What do they do during tryouts?
Players are placed into birth year age groups and typically run through a series of individual and group ball skills drills and small sided games led by our coaching staff. This gives our coaches ample opportunities to see your child’s skills and evaluate if they are a good fit to play competitive soccer. The tryout format is similar to a normal practice session.
Is my child supposed to attend all tryout dates?
Yes, we highly recommend the players attend both nights of tryouts so that the coaches can get a good observation of your child. If you cannot attend both, please make sure the volunteers at check in know which night you will be attending.
When will I know if my child has made a team?
We will let contact players within 48 hours of the last tryout date and time for that specific age group. Players are contacted via the email address given at the time of registration.
Are returning players guaranteed a spot with the club?
No, it is an open tryout process.
Can I check out the club before tryouts?
Yes. Parents and players are welcome to watch games or attend a training session. If you would like to attend a training session, please contact the club at [email protected] to arrange this.
What if I cannot attend any tryout session?
If you are going on vacation reach out and contact us and we will work with you to find a way to make an evaluation. Contact us a [email protected]
Am I allowed to tryout with other clubs?
Yes, players are encouraged to look at other clubs so they make the best choice for them and their family.
How long do I have to decide to accept a position on a team?
We want you to have enough time to talk as a family and consider other options is appropriate. We ask that you let us know within 48 hours; if you need more time, please contact the coach of the team that has offered you a position (you will have that information when offered a roster position). Recognize that we have a waiting list and if you cannot make a decision we may have to move on to the next person on the list and you will lose your spot.
How do I reserve a place on the team?
The offer is accepted by positive response to the email and paying the annual club fee.
Can players play up an age group?
Generally, no. Players develop best with their age group. In the rare event where a player has exceptional abilities and the player is in the top of the play up age group in terms of overall soccer skills and abilities; he or she might be offered a roster place with an older age. Our older teams may be composed of players from multiple birthyears provided their skills and abilities enable them to play with older players.
Do you have A and B teams?
Yes. FC Storm teams are formed with players of similar skills. Players develop best when grouped with players of similar abilities, and teams develop best when the gap in skill levels among players is small. Players develop at different rates and a ‘B’ team player at a younger age can become the best player in the club at an older age. Sometimes a player needs to develop ball skills and other times they need to mature physically and/or mentally, or they might just need to develop the confidence to use the abilities they have. Each year tryouts are used to ensure players are on the team that is best for their growth; that can mean player movement between the teams.
Can I request a specific coach?
No, all team placement decisions are made by the club.
What is the cost to play for FC Storm?
The approximate yearly cost is $1200. That includes the annual club fee, fall and spring team fees (referees, tournaments and trainers) and winter training. It does not include the required uniform kit which costs about $200 and is used over multiple seasons and years.
Do you offer financial assistance?
Yes, they are determined on a case-by-case basis and depend on need. Please complete the application here to be considered.
Do I have to buy a uniform?
Yes, players purchase a specially designed uniform kit made by Under Armour through an arrangement with Soccer Village. The cost is about $200. The uniform can be worn for multiple seasons and years.
Can my son/daughter play another sport at the same time?
Yes. We believe there is value in multi-sport playing experiences throughout the year. It can help children become more well-rounded athletes. You will need to work with your child’s coach on the specifics of playing on both a Storm team and another sports program. Early communication with the coach and advanced planning is critical. We use a team app (Team Snap) that allows parents to indicate their availability for all team events.
It is important to realize that we have full time players who are at every practice and game. When a player misses significant practice or playing time, it can be difficult to continue to be competitive with their peers., which can impact which team they play on in the future.
Please also recognize that teams do need to field rosters with sufficient number of players who can play both fall and spring.
Where do FC Storm teams practice?
Our teams use soccer fields in the Indian Hill, Loveland and Milford areas. Team are assigned practice location, day and time by the club.
Where are games played?
Games could be anywhere in the I275 loop. Home games are played at soccer fields in Milford and Loveland and Indian Hill for IH campus teams. Teams playing at higher levels play in the Cincinnati, Dayton and Columbus areas and beyond, so away games could be in any of those locations.
Do teams play year-round?
Yes.
Can I tryout for only one season
No. There are some cases where players are only able to play one season due to their participation in another sport. The final decision on this is left with the team head coach.
When does fall practice begin?
Fall practice begins the first week of August with an all-club training camp.
What does a typical season look like?
Tryouts in late spring (end of May/early June)
June – Parent Meetings
June – July – informal pick-up games or workouts
August and October – fall practice and league games
November and December – high school teams form after the high school season and train through early December. They play in a late fall tournament for high school teams. Premier teams train through the end of November. The rest of the teams do not have a formal schedule in November and December. They may chose to play in an indoor league.
January and February – the Club provides winter training for all teams. They will train with a trainer or experienced FC Storm coach. Younger teams train indoors; teams playing 11v11 train outdoors on turf fields. Winter training costs are built into the club fee.
March to May – spring practice and league games
Do teams play in tournaments?
Yes. Teams generally play in 2 to 3 tournaments in the fall and 2 in the spring. Tournaments are selected by the coach. There is an abundance of good tournaments in the Cincinnati and Dayton areas. Teams may also choose to attend a travel tournament in a location which requires an overnight stay. The cost of the tournaments in built into the team fees.
Who can I contact if I have other questions?
If you need additional information, contact either Bruce Jones, FC Storm President, at [email protected] or Jennifer Paumier, Club Admin, at [email protected]