What Happens After Soccer Tryouts? A Quick Guide for Families

Tryout season can be a whirlwind—schedules to juggle, clubs to compare, decisions to make. At Nashville Fútbol Club (NFC), we want to help make the process as clear and stress-free as possible. Whether your player joins us or not, we’re here to support your family’s journey.

Focused and fearless — young NFC players putting their training into action during a spring match. Developing skills, building confidence, and loving the game.

Who Can Try Out?

We welcome players born between 2008 and 2017—and we’re committed to helping every player grow, no matter where they’re starting from. Here's how our pathway is structured:

U9–U10 Pre-Academy (Birth Years 2017–2016)

Tryouts at this stage are more about expressing interest than earning a spot. We typically accept all players because:

“It's impossible to predict future success at these ages — our goal is to build a strong foundation and a love for the game.”

• Focus on fun, fundamentals, and learning the game

• Intro to team play and field spacing

• Games are played in a 7v7 format

Note: U8 players are welcome to try out for U9 teams, but we generally encourage starting with a recreational program. We don’t currently form designated U8 teams.

U11 Pre-Academy (Birth Year 2015)

This is where players begin to build more tactical awareness.

• Emphasis on team concepts and game understanding

• Supportive coaching with plenty of room to grow

• Matches shift to the 9v9 format

U12 Academy (Birth Year 2014)

A transitional year where team placements may become more selective based on numbers and development.

• Increased focus on roles and positioning

• Tactical coaching and team strategy

• 9v9 game format continues

U13–U19 Academy (Birth Years 2013–2008)

These players compete at a higher level with more structure and challenge.

• Competitive team environments

• Greater focus on performance, leadership, and team dynamics

• Matches are typically played 11v11

NFC Soccer Tryout Schedule

U9–U12 (2014–2017) Boys & Girls📍 Smithson Craighead Academy – 730 Neelys Bend Rd, Madison, TN 37115🗓️ May 13 & 15🕠 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM🌧️ Rainout/Supplemental: May 20

U13–U18 (2008–2013) Boys & Girls📍 Madison Academy – 100 Academy Rd, Madison, TN 37115🗓️ May 27 & 28🕠 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM🌧️ Rainout/Supplemental: June 3

We’d love to see your player at both tryout dates—but if you can only make one, that’s perfectly fine. Just let us know so we can evaluate your player appropriately.

Important TSSA Dates to Know

TSSA sets statewide tryout guidelines to ensure fairness across all clubs:

• May 12, 2025 – First day for soccer tryouts for 12U and younger

• May 26, 2025 – No tryouts allowed (Memorial Day)

• May 27, 2025 – First day for tryouts for 13U and older

• June 16, 2025 – Binding Date: Players officially commit to a club on this date (as long as financial obligations are met)

Reminder: Clubs that violate these dates risk TSSA membership and event eligibility. NFC follows these rules because families deserve a fair process.

What Happens After Tryouts?

If your player is selected for a team, you’ll receive a prompt offer with all the details. We’ll give you space to decide, but we’re here to answer questions along the way.

Anyone pressuring you to make a decision within 24–48 hours is doing so on behalf of their club, not the state.The TSSA binding date is June 16, not the day after tryouts.

That said, if you know your decision earlier, please let us know—it helps us finalize rosters and ensure we have the right number of players and coaches in place.

No Pressure. Just Support.

At NFC, we don’t believe in hard sells or rushed decisions. We’ve seen the damage pressure can do, and frankly, everyone loses when families feel forced.

We want what’s best for your child—even if that means joining a different club. We’re here to serve families, not just sign players.

We’re Here for Families—On and Off the Field

We’re proud of what we offer at Nashville Fútbol Club. But more than anything, we’re proud to be part of a soccer community that supports young athletes and the people who cheer them on.

We hope to see you at tryouts—and whether you join us or not, we’re in your corner.