DFA

Hello Dayton Futbol Academy families, new and returning!

We’re thrilled to see so much interest in our upcoming tryouts. We understand that for families new to select soccer, and even for those familiar with the process, tryouts can bring a mix of excitement and perhaps a few nerves. I want to take this opportunity to demystify the experience, offer some perspective, and assure you that we're just as excited as you are to see your players on the pitch.

Our primary goal at Dayton Futbol Academy is to foster a love for the game in a positive and developmental environment. Tryouts are simply a way for us to get to know your child as a player and a person, and to see where they might best thrive within our programs.

What Are Tryouts Like? It's More Familiar Than You Think!

Think of tryouts much like a regular practice session. Players will participate in a series of drills, small-sided games, and potentially larger game formats. Our experienced coaching staff will be observing various aspects of their play, including:

Technical Skills: Dribbling, passing, receiving, shooting, and tackling.
Tactical Understanding: Decision-making, spatial awareness, and understanding of basic game principles.
Physical Attributes: Speed, agility, endurance, and coordination.
Attitude and Coachability: Effort, sportsmanship, listening skills, and willingness to learn.

The atmosphere is designed to be engaging and energetic. We want players to feel comfortable enough to showcase their abilities and, most importantly, to have fun!

The Right Mindset: For Players and Parents

Approaching tryouts with a healthy mindset can make all the difference. Here’s what we encourage:

For Players:

Focus on Fun and Effort: The most important things are to try your best and enjoy playing soccer. Don't worry about mistakes – they are a natural part of learning and playing.
Be Yourself: Let your personality and passion for the game shine through.
Listen to the Coaches: Pay attention to instructions and try to apply what you’re hearing.
Be a Good Teammate: Encourage others and show sportsmanship.

For Parents:

Stay Positive and Supportive: Your child will feed off your energy. Offer encouragement and reinforce that you're proud of them for putting themselves out there, regardless of the outcome.
Emphasize Effort Over Outcome: Praise their hard work and willingness to try, rather than focusing solely on whether they make a particular team.
Trust the Process (and Us!): Our coaches are experienced in evaluating players and are committed to finding the best fit for each child's development. We truly want things to work out for your player just as much as you do.
Keep it in Perspective: This is one step in a long and enjoyable soccer journey. There will be many opportunities for growth and development, no matter what happens at these specific tryouts.

Helping Your Player Navigate a Potentially Anxiety-Provoking Event

It’s completely normal for players to feel a bit nervous before or during tryouts. Here are a few helpful things to remember and share with your child:

It's Just Like Practice: Remind them that tryouts are very similar to a regular practice. They know how to do this! It's a chance to get some great exercise and play the game they love.
Everyone Feels It: Let them know that many players, even those who look confident, are likely feeling some nerves. They are not alone.
Focus on What You Can Control: They can control their effort, their attitude, and their willingness to listen and learn. They can't control who else is trying out or the final decisions.
Breathe: Simple deep breaths can help calm nerves.
Visualize Success: Encourage them to imagine themselves playing well and having fun.
We're on Your Side: Reiterate that our coaches are friendly and want to see them succeed. We're looking for reasons to include players, not exclude them.

A Message for Every Player on Their Pathway:

At Dayton Futbol Academy, we recognize that every player is on a unique journey. Here’s a special message for each group:

For Our Juniors (Players joining a tryout and team for the first time): Welcome to the exciting world of club soccer! This is a fantastic opportunity to make new friends, learn new skills, and discover just how much fun soccer can be. Don't worry about being perfect – we're looking for enthusiasm, a willingness to try, and a love for kicking the ball. Just come out, do your best, listen to the coaches, and enjoy the experience. We're so excited to meet you!
For Our Community Club Level Players (Players young in their soccer journey): It's great to see you continuing to develop your passion for soccer! Tryouts are a chance for you to show us all the new things you've learned and how much you've grown as a player. Focus on playing with confidence, communicating with your potential teammates, and having fun. Remember, every practice and every game, including these tryouts, is a step forward in your soccer adventure. Keep working hard and enjoying the journey!
For Our Academy Level Players (High-level players): Welcome back, or welcome to the Dayton Futbol Academy’s more competitive environment! You've shown dedication and a high level of skill to reach this point. Tryouts for you are about showcasing your advanced abilities, your tactical understanding, and your leadership potential. Challenge yourself, play with intensity and intelligence, and demonstrate your commitment to excellence. We're looking for players who are ready to compete at a high level and continue to push their boundaries. Bring your A-game and inspire those around you!

A Note on Team Placement and Continued Development

We want to reiterate that we genuinely want every player to find a place where they can flourish. Sometimes, despite everyone's best efforts, a player might not fit into our current team options for their age group or developmental stage. Please understand that this is not a negative reflection on your child's ability or potential.

Often, it's simply a matter of timing or the specific composition of teams in a given year. It is not the end of their soccer road! We strongly encourage all players to continue playing the game they love, whether that's with another organization or by participating in our developmental programs, which are designed to help players continue to hone their skills and passion for soccer. Our commitment is to the long-term growth of young athletes, and we will always be happy to offer guidance and support. Remember, we want things to work out for your player just as much as you do, and the most important thing is that they continue to find joy and development in the sport.

We're All in This Together

Ultimately, we at Dayton Futbol Academy want what you want: for your child to have a positive, enriching experience with soccer. Tryouts are a part of that process, but they are not the final word. We are committed to player development at every level.

Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions. We look forward to seeing you all at tryouts – let's make it a fantastic experience filled with good soccer, good sportsmanship, and plenty of smiles!