ARSENAL PLAYER IDENTIFICATION
UPDATED PLAYER IDENTIFICATION PROCESS
- Arsenal Colorado will be holding Player ID Sessions to prepare for the 2025/2026 seasonal year. Formerly known as Birth Year Training or Tryouts, the process will look different this year.
- Arsenal Colorado Competitive (birth years 2007-2015) and PDL (birth years 2016-2017) Player ID Sessions will be held throughout the month of May.
- Player ID sessions are scheduled for each age group and gender.
- Birth Year Training (BYT) has been eliminated, so each age group has only one date.
- The exception is the incoming U11s (2015), they will have 2 BYT’s in addition to their Player ID session.
- All competitive Player ID sessions will be held at the complex - including for ECNL-RL placement.
- Roster spots and player notification will occur after each respective Player ID session. Players will receive an invitation through PlayMetrics after Memorial Day at which time they will be able to register for the 2025/2026 seasonal year.
- Any player interested in participating in our competitive or PDL leagues next year will need a numbered shirt for the entire evaluation process.
Welcome to the Player ID process
- At Arsenal Colorado, we are committed to developing young soccer players to their highest potential by placing them in an environment that best matches their ability and commitment level. The Player ID sessions are a key part of this process, allowing us to form teams that challenge, provide success, and foster growth for every player.
Why We Hold Player ID Sessions
- Our club’s vision is built on the belief that players develop best when grouped with others of similar skill and dedication. This ensures that each child is challenged appropriately and continues to grow in their soccer journey. The Player ID process helps us create the best possible teams for our PDL Select (U9 & U10) and Competitive programs (U11-U19).
The Tryout Process
Timing
Tryout ScheduleOfficial tryouts typically take place in late spring to form teams for the upcoming seasonal year (fall and spring).
Registration and Tracking
Players will register for tryouts through our Playmetrics registration system. Progress will be tracked using specialized tryout software.
Evaluation Criteria
During the tryout process, players are evaluated on the four pillars of the game: technical ability, tactical understanding, physical attributes, and mental perparedness
For returning players, their player history is also considered.
Team Formation
We will form as many teams as there is interest, ensuring as many players as possible find a suitable place within the club. Players not placed on a competitive team will have the opportunity to participate in our recreational programming.
Team Invitations
Players who are invited to a team will need to be prepared to make a decision. If an offer is accepted, players will be asked to register for the team in Playmetrics.
Ongoing Player Assessment
During the year, highly successful players may have opportunities to "train up" with higher-level teams for additional development.
Players will receive mid-season player evaluations from their team coach.
Mid-Year Placements
Players joining Arsenal Colorado mid-season (either transfering from another club or moving into northern Colorado) will be evaluated through training sessions with teams that have available roster spots to determine the best fit.
Dealing with Tryout Stress
We know that tryouts can be a stressful experience for players and their families. Here are some tips to help navigate the process.
- Focus on Growth
- Encourage players to see tryouts as an opportunity to showcase their skills and gain valuable experience.
- Stay Positive
- Regardless of team placement, each player will have opportunities to develop and improve.
- "Control the Controllables"
- A player's effort, attitude, and focus are entirely within their control. Worrying too much about external factors can lead to poor performance.
- Be Supportive
- Parents and guardians can help by keeping conversations uplifting, emphasizing effort over results, and encouraging resilience.
- Trust the Process
- Our goal is to create the best environment for all players to thrive, and placements are made with development and long-term success in mind.
Thank you for being a part of Arsenal Colorado! We look forward to seeing your child on the field and helping them reach their highest potential.