AP SELECT TRYOUTS

AP Select is designed for players looking to take the next step into Competitive Soccer. Every year, AP Select is open to new and returning players. Tryouts and evaluations are conducted to determine placement on our teams. Players will go through soccer related exercises and small sided games allowing coaches to evaluate their skill sets and determine the appropriate level of placement.

The tryout times typically are staggered by boys/girls and by age group. Once you register for tryouts, you will receive regular emails and updates regarding schedules and times of tryouts.

There is no cost to try out.

Any player who doesn’t make an AP Select team will still be able to register for Recreational soccer if desired. If you’ve already paid the recreational soccer fee and successfully make a Select team, credit for any fees paid are applied to the Select team registration fees.

Registration for tryouts for the Fall 2026 season is open now!: AP Select Registration

AGE MATRIX

Beginning with Comp Tryouts in May 2026 (the start of the 2026 – 27 season), our governing organizations US Soccer and NorCal Premier, are moving to an August 1 – July 31 school year cycle for all age groups. This replaces the old calendar year (aka birth year) system. As a member of both US Soccer and NorCal Premier, Arden Park Select is mandated to adhere to the new age group matrix.

See the FAQ for our Competitive Program HERE

Players may NOT play down in our Competitive Program.

Please see the Competitive Age Matrix below for the 2026 – 27 season:

AGE GROUP

AGE RANGE

U8

Born between Aug 1, 2018 – July 31, 2019

U9

Born between Aug 1, 2017 – July 31, 2018

U10

Born between Aug 1, 2016 – July 31, 2017

U11

Born between Aug 1, 2015 – July 31, 2016

U12

Born between Aug 1, 2014 – July 31, 2015

U13

Born between Aug 1, 2013 – July 31, 2014

U14

Born between Aug 1, 2012 – July 31, 2013

U15

Born between Aug 1, 2011 – July 31, 2012

U16

Born between Aug 1, 2010 – July 31, 2011

U17

Born between Aug 1, 2009 – July 31, 2010

U19

Born between Aug 1, 2007 – July 31, 2009

 

PLAY UP POLICY

AP Select’s goal is to form age-pure teams but players may try out for one (1) age group older than their true age group under the following conditions:

  • New players to the Arden Park Select program must first try out with their true age group and will need to show that their skills are at the top or exceed those of their peers. Players will be evaluated by the age group coach(es) and/or the director of coaching to determine if they are approved to try out with the older age group.
  • All players looking to play up one age group older will need to be considered in the top 4 players for 7v7, 5 players for 9v9, and 7 players for 11v11 of the older age group, as determined by the age group coach(es) and/or the director of coaching, to be offered a roster spot on the older age group team.
  • Exceptions:
    • If the player played up in the previous season, either in the Fall or Spring, with an Arden Park Select team, then the player does not have to try out with their true age group team and can try out with the older age group team.
    • Certain exceptions may be made at the discretion of the director of coaching

TRYOUT PLAYER REQUIREMENTS

  • Wear soccer cleats and shin guards
  • Bring a soccer ball (U8-U12 = Size 4, U13-U19 = Size 5)
  • Bring enough water for a 1.5 hour session
  • Wear weather appropriate attire as we will hold tryouts rain or shine (excluding extreme or dangerous weather conditions)
  • All players under the age of 18, on or before the tryout date, must have a parent or guardian accompany the player to check-in to be able to participate in the tryout.
  • AP Select’s goal is to form age-pure teams but trying out for one (1) age group higher is allowed in accordance with the programs play up policy.
  • A player must attend at least one (1) tryout session (for each age group they are trying out for) to get an offer to join the team. It is highly recommended to attend all tryout dates.
  • If a player is injured and cannot participate in the tryout exercises, they must check in and observe the tryout of their age group to be eligible.

Please Note: If your player is not selected for an AP Select team, they are still able to register for a recreational team.

If you have any questions on the tryout process, please contact: select@apsoccer.org