Let’s face it — tryout season can be nerve-wracking.

Whether your player is trying out for the first time or looking to move into a more competitive environment, knowing what to expect can make all the difference.

At FC Alliance North, we’re focused on long-term player development — building confident athletes through quality coaching, structured training, and a clear pathway as players grow in the game.

If you’re in the Tri-Cities area and exploring soccer opportunities, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about our 2026–2027 tryouts.

📍 Tri-Cities Soccer with Local Training Options

One of the biggest questions families ask is:
“Where will my child train?

At FC Alliance North, we prioritize accessibility and consistency:

U9–U12 players train in Johnson City & Bristol
U13 and older train in Johnson City

This approach allows families to:

Stay local
Reduce travel time
Train in a consistent, development-focused environment

2026–2027 Tryout Dates

U9–U12 Boys & Girls

ETSU
May 11, 12, 14

U13–U19 Boys & Girls

May 26, 27, 28

Rain Date: May 29

All players must register before attending.

Who Should Register

Tryouts are open to all players planning to participate in the 2026–2027 season, including:

Current FC Alliance North players
New players interested in joining the club

Registration is free, but required before attending.

Tryout Attendance (Important)

Players are strongly encouraged to attend multiple tryout sessions.

Attending more than one session:

• Gives coaches a more complete evaluation
• Allows players to recover from an off day
• Shows commitment and consistency

If possible, attend at least 2 sessions

How to Get Ready for Tryouts (4–6 Weeks Before)

Don’t wait until the last minute to prepare. The players who stand out are usually the ones who have been intentional in their preparation leading up to tryouts.

Here’s what to focus on:

Physical Preparation

• Build your engine: Gradually increase your endurance so you can perform for a full session
• Work on quickness: Add sprint work 2–3 times per week
• Train game movements: Practice accelerating, decelerating, and changing direction
• Hydration & nutrition: Start building habits now — not the day before

Skills to Sharpen

• First touch: Can you receive the ball cleanly when someone’s pressuring you?
• Passing: Work on both short passes and longer balls
• Ball control: Juggle regularly to get comfortable with the ball
• Shooting: Practice finishing from different angles
• Defending: Make sure you know proper defensive stance and footwork

Mental Game

• Picture success: Spend time imagining yourself playing well at tryouts
• Positive self-talk: Replace those nervous thoughts with confidence boosters
• Watch the pros: Check out some games to improve your understanding of positioning
• Set realistic goals: Know what you want to achieve at tryouts

Players who are mentally prepared often separate themselves just as much as physically skilled players.

The Week Before Tryouts

As tryout day gets closer, switch gears a bit:

• Dial back the intensity: Focus on touch and technique rather than exhausting yourself
• Do your homework: Check out our club philosophy to understand what our coaches value
• Check your gear: Make sure cleats fit well, shin guards are comfortable, and you have clothes for any weather
• Get good sleep: Start a consistent sleep routine – being well-rested makes a huge difference
• Fuel up right: Focus on balanced meals with plenty of carbs, proteins, and healthy fats

Being fresh is just as important as being fit.

Tryout Day: How to Stand Out

Tryout day is your opportunity to show who you are as a player.

Before Arriving

• Eat a solid meal 2–3 hours before
• Hydrate throughout the day
• Arrive early (at least 20–30 minutes)
• Come prepared with all gear

During the Session

• First impressions count: Greet our coaches with confidence and show that you’re excited to be there
• Play to your strengths: Focus on things you’re good at, especially in the small-sided games
• Talk on the field: Use simple soccer terms and be vocal with teammates
• Body language matters: Keep your head up even after mistakes
• Be a good teammate: Pass the ball, support others, and show you understand team play
• Keep working: Show consistent effort throughout the session, even when tired
• Listen and learn: Pay attention to instructions and try to apply feedback right away

After Your Session

• Say thanks: A quick “thank you” to coaches shows maturity
• Think about your performance: What went well? What could you improve?
• Recover smart: Do some light stretching and rehydrate
• Prepare for next time: If you’re coming to another session, think about adjustments you can make

Remember, we’re not just looking for the fastest or most skilled player. At FC Alliance North, we want players who work hard, listen well, and show potential to develop over time.

What Our Coaches Are Looking For

At FC Alliance North, we evaluate the complete player:

Technical Skills

• Can you control the ball under pressure?
• Do you pass accurately with both feet?
• How’s your ball control in tight spaces?
• Can you shoot effectively?
• Do you defend well for your position?

Soccer Smarts

• Do you position yourself well on and off the ball?
• How quickly do you make decisions?
• Can you find and use space on the field?
• Do you understand basic defensive principles?
• How’s your awareness of what’s happening around you?

Physical Qualities

• Do you have appropriate speed and agility for your age?
• Are you strong enough in challenges?
• Can you maintain effort throughout the session?
• How’s your balance and coordination?
• Are you physically confident when challenging for the ball?

Character and Attitude

• Do you show a positive attitude?
• How do you bounce back from mistakes?
• Can you stay focused during the whole session?
• Are you competitive in a healthy way?
• Do you work well with teammates?

We’re not just looking for the most talented player — we’re looking for players who can grow within our system.

Tips from Players Who’ve Been There

Want the real scoop? Here’s advice from FC Alliance North players who’ve successfully navigated tryouts:

• “Just be yourself. When I tried to play like someone else, I made more mistakes. Coaches want to see your real style, not some forced version of what you think they want.” – Current U15 player
  
• “It’s not about never making mistakes – everyone messes up. What matters is how you respond. When I turned the ball over, I immediately worked to win it back, and my coach noticed that hustle.” – U17 team captain
  
• “I was super nervous at first, but I made a point to talk to other players before we started. Just simple stuff like ‘nice pass’ or asking names. It helped me relax, and I actually made friends who ended up being my teammates.” – U13 player
  
• “Don’t overcomplicate things. Simple, clean soccer will get you noticed more than trying fancy moves that don’t work out. I focus on doing the basics really well.” – Recent college commit from FC Alliance North

Why FC Alliance North

There are a lot of soccer options in the Tri-Cities. What makes FC Alliance North different? With several soccer options in the area, why do so many families choose us? Here are the top reasons:

1. We actually train year-round: Our development model isn’t just talk. We provide consistent training throughout the calendar year so players don’t lose progress during long breaks.
   
2. More local games: We play about 60-70% of our games right here in the Tri-Cities. That means less travel headaches and expenses for busy families from Johnson City to Bristol and Kingsport.
   
3. College connections: For older players thinking about playing in college, we’ve got a track record of college placements and connections to help navigate that process.
   
4. Quality coaching across all teams: Our coaching staff follows a unified curriculum so every team gets high-quality training, not just the top teams.
   
5. We focus on keeping kids in the game: Research shows 70% of kids quit organized sports by age We’ve built a positive environment that keeps players engaged and enjoying soccer long-term.

For Parents

Parents play a key role in the tryout experience. Best ways to support your player:

• Encourage effort, not perfection
• Avoid sideline coaching
• Keep expectations realistic
• Focus on long-term development

The goal is growth — not just making a team.

What Happens After Tryouts?

If you make an FC Alliance North team, here’s what to expect next:

• Team placement communication: You’ll usually hear from us within a few days after evaluations
• Registration steps: We’ll guide you through completing online registration and submitting required forms
• Payment options: We offer annual club fees with installment plans to make things more manageable
• Gear ordering: You’ll get information about required uniforms and training gear
• Training schedule: We’ll share when and where practices will begin
• Team meeting: You’ll meet your coach and teammates before the season starts

We try to make the post-tryout process as smooth as possible, with clear communication and support along the way.

Common Questions About Club Soccer Tryouts in Johnson City

“How do I know if my kid is ready for club soccer?”

Look for consistent enthusiasm for the sport, basic skills from rec league play, and interest in getting better. We’re not looking for perfect players – we want kids who love soccer and are eager to learn. If your child gets excited about practice and wants to improve, they’re probably ready for club soccer.

“What ages do you take at FC Alliance North?”

We offer programs for kids from U8 (ages 7-8) up through U19 (ages 18-19). Age groups are based on birth year, not school grade. We design training specifically for each age group, so players can develop appropriately as they grow with us.

“Do you play against other clubs in Kingsport and Bristol?”

Absolutely! We regularly play against other Tri-Cities clubs. Through local leagues and tournaments, we maintain healthy rivalries with nearby teams while also traveling for some competitions against teams from Knoxville, Chattanooga, and neighboring states. Our VESL partnership keeps about 60-70% of fall games local, which parents appreciate.

“How competitive are the tryouts?”

It varies by age and team level. Older age groups and higher-level teams tend to be more competitive. But we’re committed to developing players at all levels and usually have multiple teams in each age group to accommodate different skill levels.

We encourage everyone interested to come try out – we look at potential for growth, not just current ability.

“What should my player wear to tryouts?”

Keep it simple: comfortable athletic clothes for the weather, soccer cleats, and shin guards. We’ll provide jerseys for everyone at check-in, so you don’t need to worry about bringing your own shirt for scrimmages. Skip wearing gear from other clubs during tryouts.

nd bring layers – Johnson City weather can be unpredictable! For gear recommendations, check out our club shop.

Serving the Tri-Cities Area

We welcome players from across the region:

• Johnson City
• Bristol
• Kingsport
• Jonesborough
• Elizabethton
• Surrounding communities

Wrapping Up: Your Soccer Journey Starts Here

Tryouts are just the beginning of what could be an amazing soccer journey. At FC Alliance North, we’re not just looking to fill roster spots – we’re looking to develop great players and even better people.

What makes tryouts easier? Preparation, a positive attitude, and understanding what coaches are looking for. Come ready to work hard, be coachable, and show us not just who you are as a player today, but who you could become tomorrow.

Whether you’ve played club soccer for years or this is your first tryout, we’re excited to see you on the field. We’ve built FC Alliance North to be a place where players can grow, challenge themselves, and fall in love with the beautiful game.

Where Our Players Come From

We welcome players from all over! Our club draws from Johnson City, Kingsport, Bristol, Elizabethton, Jonesborough, Gray, Blountville, and other nearby East Tennessee communities.

We also have players who come from Southwest Virginia communities like Abingdon, Lebanon, Gate City, and surrounding areas. With multiple training locations, we try to make high-quality soccer accessible to the entire region.

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Want to learn more? Register for tryouts here or check out our year-round training programs.