WHY FALL TRYOUTS

As with everything we do at FC Elite, we gather information, assess situations and make decisions. In regards to summer tryouts, we asked our athletes; and the great majority were strongly against them.

We believe in the health and well-being, both mentally and physically, of our athletes. With that, we know athletes need breaks for optimal physical and mental health. Fall tryouts allow athletes to have a small break from volleyball to enjoy time with family and friends and to “just be a kid” before school tryouts. Additionally, athletes make gains throughout the school season, that they should be able to showcase at tryouts to increase their chances of making the team they are aiming for.

The benefits to summer tryouts are primarily in the clubs’ interests for planning and administrative purposes; and we do not feel that warrants requiring athletes to tryout shortly after nationals and at a time when they are preparing for school ball activities.

Our tryouts will be held on the traditional weekends the Badger Region has previously used, which fall in October for 14 & under, and November for 15 & up. Many of the clubs having summer tryouts will also be having fall tryouts, so in addition to FC Elite, there will be other opportunities, in the fall, to make a club team.

We understand the stress and perceived risks of forgoing summer tryouts/offers to wait on fall tryouts, so we are prepared to add teams, if necessary, to help as many athletes as possible find a home. Also, please remember other clubs having summer tryouts will also have fall tryouts to fill teams. THERE IS NO REASON TO ACCEPT A SUMMER TRYOUT OFFER.

We will continue to gather information throughout the coming year and determine if fall tryouts remain in the athletes’ best interest. If at any point we feel they are not, we will adjust plans for future seasons.