TRYOUTS

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who should attend tryouts?

All players interested in participating in Gilbert Soccer Club’s competitive player development pathway are encouraged to attend.

Does my child need to attend tryouts?

If your child would like to participate in the competitive pathway (select teams and associated teams), then yes—attendance at tryouts is required.

If your child plans to participate in the recreational pathway (rec teams), tryouts are not required.

Does my child have to attend both sessions?

No. Each player is required to attend at least one session, but attending both is encouraged when possible.

What if my child cannot attend any of the listed sessions?

Please reach out as soon as possible so we can understand your situation and advise on next steps: samyhamad@gmail.com

Can players from outside Gilbert Soccer Club attend?

Yes. Tryouts are open to all players interested in joining Gilbert Soccer Club.

How are players evaluated?

Players are evaluated by coaching staff based on:

  • Effort and attitude
  • Technical ability (ball control, passing, etc.)
  • Game awareness and decision-making
  • Team play and coachability
Are teams already formed before tryouts?

No. Teams are formed after a complete review process by Gilbert Soccer Club, with final approval by the Club Board.

When will we hear about team placement?

Communication regarding team placement will be shared after the tryout period, following evaluation and review.

Will there be cuts?

Team formation depends on registration numbers and available roster spots. The Club’s goal is to place players in environments that best support their development.

What should my child bring to tryouts?
  • Shin guards (must be worn)
  • Outdoor soccer cleats
  • Water bottle
  • Soccer ball size 4
What happens if there is bad weather?

Any schedule changes will be communicated via the contact information provided in the sign-up form (email and/or text).

Can my child attend a different group or session than listed?

Players should attend their assigned group.
Requests to participate in a different group should be discussed with the club in advance.

How are safety and player well-being handled during tryouts?

Coaches prioritize player safety at all times, including managing workload and ensuring a positive, supportive environment.

Do parents need to stay during tryouts?

Parents are welcome to stay, but it is not required.

Can parents interact during tryouts?

Parents are welcome to observe, but we ask that players are allowed to focus and engage independently during sessions.

What pathways does Gilbert Soccer Club offer?

Gilbert Soccer Club offers:

  • A recreational pathway focused on participation and enjoyment
  • A competitive player development pathway for players seeking a higher level of training and competition
How are age groups determined for the 2026–2027 season?

Tryout groups are aligned to grade level for the upcoming school year (Fall 2026).

If you are unsure which group your child belongs in, please reach out.

How do I contact the club with questions?

Please reach out to samyhamad@gmail.com

Iowa Soccer League
(ISL)

Age Groups Offered

The Iowa Soccer League Rec Central offers single age group divisions for 09U through 19U in both girls and co-ed. Should there not be enough teams to form a single age group division, age divisions will be combined (11U-12U, 13U-14U). As necessary, small-sided divisions (7v7) will also be offered and supported in 13U-19U age groups.

Roster Size
  • 09U-10U (7v7) minimum of 6 and maximum of 12 players.
  • 11U, 12U (9v9) minimum of 7 and maximum of 16 players.
  • 13U-19U (11v11) minimum of 9 and maximum of 22, 18 “game active” players. 
  • If needed, small-sided 7v7 @ 13U, 14U, 15U, 16U, 19U minimum of 6 and maximum of 14 players.
Playing Rules
  • 09U-10U (Two 25-minute halves)
  • 11U-12U (Two 30-minute halves)
  • 13U-14U (Two 35-minute halves)
  • 13U-14U Small-sided 7v7 (Two 35-minute halves)
  • 15U/16U (Two 40-minute halves)
  • 15U/16U Small sided 7v7 (Two 40-minute halves)
  • 19U (Two 45-minute halves)
  • 19U Small-Sided/High School Small-Sided 7v7 (Two 40-minute halves)
Goalkeepers & Build-out Line

Goalkeeper distribution APPLIES TO 9U-10U AGE GROUPS ONLY (added 6/26/2017). Goalkeepers are not allowed to punt or drop-kick, and training should be focused upon throwing and using their feet with the ball on the ground to transition play to the attack.

  • If a goalkeeper punts or drop-kicks the ball, an indirect free kick will be awarded to the opposing team from the spot of the offense. If the punt or drop-kick occurs within the goal area, the indirect free kick should be taken on the goal area line parallel to the goal line at the nearest point to where the infringement occurred.
  • Referees must be flexible when enforcing the 6-second rule and counting the time of possession should only begin when all opponents have moved behind the build-out line.
  • Ideally, the goalkeeper will wait to put the ball into play once all opponents are past the build-out line. However, the goalkeeper is allowed to put the ball into play sooner, but he or she does so accepting the positioning of the opponents and the consequences of how play resumes.

 

Build-out line (APPLIES TO 9U-10U AGE GROUPS ONLY): Goalkeeper possession (hands) and goal kicks (added 6/26/2017). As per US Soccer: “the build-out line promotes playing the ball out of the back in a less pressured
setting.”


The ISL Rec Central requires that the opponent “drops off” to the build-out line when the goalkeeper has the ball in his or her hands, and on all goal kicks. The defending team may not release from the half line until the ball has been played. Referees will be instructed to strictly enforce this rule. This
rule is designed encourage the development of building play out of the back. The build-out line will be the half line!

2024 All Rights Reserved | Gilbert Soccer Club

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