Tryouts/Evaluations

Sporting Arkansas hosts annual tryouts at the conclusion of each spring season, providing an opportunity for new and returning players to showcase their skills and join our teams. Our primary tryout window is designed to assess players' abilities and fit for various programs within the club.


Tryouts are held each year in May, with offers for team placement being made no earlier than May 18. This allows our coaching staff ample time to evaluate each player's performance and potential. 


In addition to our annual tryouts, Sporting Arkansas offers rolling tryouts on a case-by-case basis throughout the year. This flexibility ensures that players who may have missed the initial tryout window, have relocated to the region mid-season or are looking to transfer from another club can still be evaluated and considered for team placement. These rolling tryouts are conducted in compliance with Arkansas Soccer Association (ASA) club transfer policies to protect the integrity of the sport and ensure fairness for all clubs and players.


Further details regarding specific dates, times, and locations will be communicated via email to registered participants.



Financial Assistance


Sporting Arkansas Soccer Club believes that every child should have the opportunity to play soccer, regardless of financial circumstances. We offer financial assistance to families in need. For more information on how to apply for assistance, please visit our Financial Assistance Application portal.



Club Transfer Policy


Sporting Arkansas is committed to maintaining a positive and supportive environment for all players. Our club transfer policy is designed to ensure a smooth and transparent process for players wishing to transfer to or from our club, in alignment with the guidelines set forth by the Arkansas Soccer Association (ASA).


Transfer Process

  1. ASA Compliance: All transfers must comply with the Arkansas Soccer Association’s transfer policies and deadlines. This includes obtaining the necessary release forms from the current club and submitting them to the ASA for approval.
  2. Initial Request: Players or parents should submit a formal transfer request in writing to the Sporting Arkansas Registrar. This request should include the player's name, current team, and the reason for the transfer.
  3. Evaluation: The Registrar will review the transfer request and consult with the relevant coaches and directors to understand the context and implications of the transfer.
  4. Approval: Once the evaluation is complete, the Registrar will inform the player and parents of the decision. If the transfer is approved, the Registrar will guide them through the necessary steps to complete the transfer process, including any paperwork required by the ASA.
  5. Clearance: Before a transfer can be finalized, players must ensure that all club dues are paid, and any equipment or uniforms are returned. The Registrar will verify that there are no outstanding obligations.


Key Points to Remember


  • Timing: Transfers are typically allowed during specific windows as defined by the ASA. It is important to initiate the transfer process well in advance of these deadlines to ensure compliance.
  • Eligibility: Players must be in good standing with their current club and the ASA to be eligible for a transfer. This means having no outstanding disciplinary issues or financial obligations.
  • Communication: Open communication between the player, parents, current club, and new club is essential to ensure a smooth transition. All parties should work together to support the player's best interests.


Arkansas Soccer Association Guidelines


Sporting Arkansas adheres to the guidelines and regulations set forth by the Arkansas Soccer Association regarding player transfers. These guidelines are designed to protect the integrity of the sport and ensure fairness for all clubs and players. For more detailed information on ASA's transfer policies, please visit the Arkansas Soccer Association (ASA) website.


By following these steps and adhering to ASA guidelines, Sporting Arkansas Soccer Club aims to make the transfer process as seamless as possible, prioritizing the well-being and development of our players.

FAQs

  • Do Returning Players Need to Attend Evaluations?

    Yes, all current Sporting Arkansas players need to register for and attend at least one evaluation date.

  • How Do I Sign Up for an Evaluation Date?

    Players born in years 2007-2015 can register for Classic player evaluation and placement. Players born in years 2016-2019 can register for Academy player evaluation and placement. Players are strongly encouraged to pre-register for two reasons:


    • It helps facilitate an easier check-in on the first day of your tryout and ensures we have the correct contact information to contact you once team decisions are made.
    • It helps the coaching and evaluating staff to more properly prepare their sessions. 

    If you are unable to register online, walk-up registrations are allowed. Anyone that registers at the field must have a parent or legal guardian present to complete all registration forms.

  • What Do I Need to Bring?

    All players should bring:


    • soccer cleats, 
    • shin guards,
    • water bottle,
    • an appropriately sized soccer ball and 
    • weather-appropriate training clothes.

    Please be sure to print, sign and bring your medical release/liability waiver with you to the first session. Please plan to arrive early to your first session so we can ensure we have all the appropriate paperwork and forms.

  • What Do Coaches Look For During Evaluations?

    All players will be evaluated based on technical, tactical, and physical soccer skills and abilities. Coaches are looking for players who exhibit a strong work ethic and who display a respect for the game, coaches, and fellow players.

  • Do I Need to Attend All Evaluation Dates?

    The more sessions you attend, the greater the opportunity you have to exhibit your skills to the head coach and the staff of evaluators. For this reason, we strongly recommend that you attend each of the sessions in your age group. If there is a major and unavoidable conflict with the dates and times of your age group sessions, please contact the registrar or the team head coach at your age group. In some circumstances, a supplemental session may be scheduled. It is imperative that even if you are planning to miss a session or sessions, you still register online. When you are attending the second night of tryouts, please make sure that your player number is the same as on all previous nights.

  • How Will Teams Be Formed?

    Teams will be formed based on ability and number of players trying out. The player pool will be evaluated and teams formed based on ability to compete within club leagues and pathways.

  • How Many Teams Will Be Formed for Each Age Group?

    When possible, there will be more than one team per age group for both boys and girls teams. Team formation will depend on a number of factors including the number of players at tryouts and their skill level. We want to make sure we are able to give all players a great pathway to achieve their developmental goals and will make teams based on whether we feel we can fulfill that goal with developmentally appropriate teams for the players.

  • Can I Play for a Team Older Than My Birth Year?

    You must attend at least the first night of tryouts with your proper birth year age group. After you compete the first night of tryouts, you may attend a tryout for a team one year older with prior approval from the Director of Coaching. Teams will be determined by ability and development potential. There is no guarantee that a position will be offered on an older team.

Next Steps After Tryouts FAQs

  • What Happens After Tryouts?

    Staff will work on team selection and formation. Within ten days of the last day of tryouts, you will receive a contact/email with one of the following:


    • An offer for placement on a team
    • An explanation of where we are in the process and the timeline for team finalization
    • An email that we are unable to offer your player placement on a team

    The email will explain the next steps needed to accept and confirm an offered position. If for some reason you have not received an email within ten days from the last tryout date, please email operations@sportingarkansas.com.


    Please ensure we have your correct contact information, including phone number and email.

  • Is There a Scholarship Program?

    Yes! Details are available on the parent corner page. Scholarships apply to the club fee portion of registration only. Each player is required to pay for the team fees and personal and family expenses.

  • How Much Time Commitment is Required?

    Classic players usually train two to three times each week and have games on the weekends. Games are played locally and regionally, with occasional out-of-state and overnight travel required. Tournament games generally require overnight hotel stays with multiple games that weekend due to distance traveled. Most teams participate in two tournaments in each the fall and spring season.


    Academy players train twice each week and have competition on the weekends, but travel is minimal and local. Some out-of-state travel may be required on a team by team basis.

Training Kit Information


Once season training begins, all Sporting Arkansas players are required to wear the club training kit to all training sessions. Training kits consist of the yellow training top, navy shorts, and navy socks.


Sporting Arkansas uses kits for a two-year cycle period. The 2025/2026 season will be the first year of our current cycle.