Travel Soccer Tryouts
2026/27 GCKA Knights Travel Tryouts
All players must register online prior to attending:
Tryout Schedule (Murfin Fields)
| Age Group | Dates & Times |
|---|---|
| U13-U16 Girls | • Mon, May 18: 5:45 PM – 7:15 PM • Tue, May 19: 7:15 PM – 8:45 PM • Wed, May 20: 5:45 PM – 7:15 PM |
| U13-U15 Boys | • Mon, May 18: 7:15 PM – 8:45 PM • Tue, May 19: 5:45 PM – 7:15 PM • Wed, May 20: 7:15 PM – 8:45 PM |
| U8-U10 Girls & Boys | • Tue, May 26: 5:45 PM – 7:00 PM • Wed, May 27: 5:45 PM – 7:00 PM • Thu, May 28: 5:45 PM – 7:00 PM *Fri, May 29: Makeup Date if needed |
| U11-U12 Girls & Boys | • Tue, May 26: 7:15 PM – 8:30 PM • Wed, May 27: 7:15 PM – 8:30 PM • Thu, May 28: 7:15 PM – 8:30 PM |
What Players Should Bring
- Cleats & Shin guards
- Soccer ball & Water
- Arrive 15-20 mins early
Knights Program Highlights
- Columbus Crew Youth Network Member
- Winter Training included in fees
- Licensed Coaches
What Happens at Tryouts
Coaches evaluate players through technical exercises, small-sided games, and full-field scrimmages. Players are assessed on:
- Technical: Ball mastery and skill execution.
- Tactical: Decision-making and game awareness.
- Physical: Coordination, balance, and athletic movement.
- Psychosocial: Attitude, work ethic, and sportsmanship.
Team Selection Process
- Coaches evaluate players from all sessions.
- Teams are formed based on developmental needs.
- Player invitations are sent via email shortly after the final tryout session.
Instructions for accepting roster offers will be included in the invitation email.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do players need to attend every session?
Encouraged, but not required. Attending more sessions gives coaches more time to see the player's consistency.
Can players from other clubs try out?
Yes. We welcome all players regardless of their previous club affiliation.
What is the GCKA Knights’ philosophy for team formation? Our program follows a "Growth Over Winning" philosophy. We align our tryouts with the U.S. Soccer Player Development Framework to ensure every child is placed in an environment where they can touch the ball often, gain confidence, and be challenged at the appropriate level.
Who makes the final decision on team placement? Team formation is a collaborative process. While head coaches provide initial evaluations, our directors review all rosters to ensure consistency across the club and provide final approval.
When and how will we be notified of the results? All offers will be sent via email to the primary contact listed on the tryout registration. Please ensure your contact information is correct. Everyone will receive an offer or status update within 5 days of the final tryout night for their respective age group.
Is there a time limit to accept an offer? While there is no fixed club-wide deadline, we ask that families respond as quickly as possible. Please be aware that if a pending decision begins to delay the formation of a roster or affect other players, we may issue a specific deadline for that individual offer.
Can we see our child’s scores or rankings? To protect the privacy of all players and maintain a healthy developmental environment, evaluation scores and coach rankings are strictly confidential and for internal club use only.
What if my child is not placed on a travel team? GCKA is a full-service soccer program. If a player is not ready for the travel level this season, we will provide recommendations for our recreational program to ensure they continue to develop and enjoy the game.
Ready to Join the Knights?
We look forward to seeing you on the pitch!
Questions? Contact Director Adam Austin