Registration is open for 2026-27 Season Tryouts

Click here to register

Please use the following to determine which team a player will try out for based on their date of birth. You should come at the time specified for your level unless specifically asked to do otherwise. Tryouts will be held Tuesday June 16, Thursday June 18 and Monday June 22nd at the times listed below.

All players must attend a minimum of 2 tryouts.

Please arrive 15 minutes before your designated time to allow for check in.

ASSESSMENTS WILL BE HELD AT THE NISKAYUNA SOCCER FIELDS ON ZENNER RD.

Tryout Process:

Tryouts will be age/grade specific in line with USYS’s new directive and EDP/CDYSL league formats.

USYS and US Club Soccer have collectively decided to move to an age group player formation cycle that runs from August 1 to July 31, starting with the 2026-27 season/registration year. 

U8 “Tryouts” will be all eligible athletes together. Team “selection” will group by age/grade (i.e., teams of younger/first year U8s and teams of older/second year U8s). Accommodating a reasonable level of parent request (i.e.a friend/relation/specific coach).

U9-U12 – Tryouts will be organized by specific age/grade level.  For tryouts and team formation for the 2026-27 season, based on anticipated registration numbers, boys will be split U9/U10/U11/U12, and girls will be split U10/U12.  At each level of play, teams will be formed based on the criteria below as follows–Black, Red, Grey–with Black being the most competitive.   Unless a coach has extended an invitation to try up a level and informed the coaching group at the age below, along with the understanding/consent of the parents.

U13-U19

Starting at U13, depending upon interest, commitment, coaching availability, and indoor training capacity, the Club will offer “Select” teams at appropriate levels.  It is anticipated that the Club will form Select teams at the U14 Girls and Boys and U16 Girls and Boys.

When applicable there will be select specific try-outs before general tryouts for those children who wish to commit to a higher level of play. An additional select tryout might occur after that athletes can be invited who may not have known about the select team but would merit an opportunity to be picked for such a side. It’s important to emphasize the additional cost and time commitment for the select programs, thus having a specific tryout.

Selection Process and Policy:

U8

U8 selection will work to accommodate all players that wish to play soccer in Niskayuna. This may be limited based on the number of coaches that are available. There will be an effort to mix athletes from different elementary schools so that the children can form new community bonds that will hopefully serve them for many years to come as they reunite in middle school. There will be no “skill” based selection at this age as enjoyment, sportsmanship, and development are the only priorities.

U9 and up

Due to the competitive nature of the league systems NSC competes in including Elite Development Program (EDP), CDYSL, and Afrims winter sessions starting at the U10/U9 level, team selection based on merit will start at this age in an effort to appropriately match children’s technical and physical abilities to the correct level.

We all know this is a very difficult process as the rate and timing of a child’s development is never uniform or linear. Every year will be a new opportunity for growth and change based on selection. Players are eligible to play up (not down) based on invitations from other coaches to offer more challenging playing opportunities.

Coaches, volunteers, and the Coaching Coordinators will meet and discuss their observations following tryouts and other notes/insights on the players that can include practices, tournaments, and play throughout the year. Selection will start by filling the Select/A “Black” teams and work down. Hopefully being able to match each player’s ability to the correct level. Selection will be based on skill, ability, aptitude, coachability, fitness, and readiness for a given level. Other factors may include the team’s positional needs, player availability, and commitment level. The club will not pick based on a family or athlete relationships, as that will potentially deprive someone else of an opportunity. Where there are issues, the club will certainly listen, be mindful, and take action when deemed necessary.

New Age Criteria: Grade cycle that runs from August 1 to July 31.

As a result of the new rules on age group formation, some players may be “aged up” or “aged down” from the existing team.  On a case by case basis, players may be invited to try out for an older team based on the new USA soccer guidelines. This will be done following communication to the “correct” age coach who can also provide an offer to the player. Parents can then make what they feel is the best choice for their child; taking into consideration friendships and community links, their soccer/physical ability, and emotional readiness compared to the teams/level while keeping in mind a player’s ability to play up on an individual game basis.

Selection Communication:

Selection offers will be made privately via e-mail. With a short deadline to respond so that an offer can be extended to other players if needed to fill spots. Jersey number selection will be offered on a first come first serve basis. Please accept ASAP to get your child’s favorite players number.

Email us with tryout questions.