U8–U19
Age groups
APR-MAY
Tryout Window
Every Level
SFYS to MLS NEXT & GA
UNDERSTANDING TRYOUTS
Every year between April and May, the San Francisco Glens hold tryouts for all Competitive teams, U8 through U19, for play the following fall. Tryouts are simply part of competitive soccer—and we think of them as a player placement exercise rather than a cut. Our coaches take a professional, detailed, team-based approach to evaluations, gathering as many notes and perspectives on each player as possible, and often speaking with families and current coaches to understand a player's development needs.
The club offers every level of youth soccer available, including but not limited to MLS NEXT Tier 1 & Tier 2, Girls Academy, USL Academy, National Premier League (NPL) Club Status, NorCal Premier Soccer, SF Youth Competitive (Upper House), and Micro Soccer. We're also affiliated with ODP through Cal North and PDP through U.S. Club Soccer.
With so many coaches on hand to keep the day fun, every player gets a chance to play and show both their ability and their interest in the club. So encourage your player to relax, enjoy it, and find their fit—whether they're a new, intermediate, or advanced player, we have a team at nearly every level that's right for them.
BEFORE YOU GO
Who Tries Out?
All new players, by age group. Current players welcome too.
What To Bring
Cleats, shin guards, water, and a ball. Dress for weather.
What To Expect
Warm-up, small-sided drills, then mostly game play.
UNDERSTANDING AGE GROUPS
Starting with the 2026/27 season, U.S. Club Soccer—along with US Youth Soccer and AYSO—is returning to an age-group structure based on the school year (August 1–July 31) rather than the calendar year (January 1–December 31). This aligns youth soccer age groups more closely with school grades, so teammates are more likely to be schoolmates.
All players must try out in their own age group—no exceptions. A player may be invited to "play up" if they demonstrate the ability not just to compete in an older age group, but to make a significant impact and elevate a team (same tier/color or higher) at that level. All "play up" decisions are made at the sole discretion of the SF Glens coaching staff.
SF Glens follows the club model, so players are eligible to guest play for an older or higher-level team based on their coach's recommendation.
Previous
Jan 1 – Dec 31
Age groups set by calendar year — birthdate alone decided your group.
From 2026/27
Aug 1 – Jul 31
Age groups set by school year — teammates are more likely to be schoolmates.
Not sure which group your player is in? Enter their birthdate in the U.S. Club Soccer age calculator to find out. Click here to access the calculator.
TRYOUT LOCATIONS
Tryouts and training take place at several fields across San Francisco. Find your assigned location below, and check your tryout schedule to confirm which field your age group is playing at.
AFTER TRYOUTS
1
Hear back within days
Email, and a call for top teams. List your best contact.
2
Get your placement
MLS NEXT Tier 1/2, NorCal, or SFYS Competitive.
3
Accept your offer
Deposit plus forms by the deadline. Financial aid available.
Get your schedule
Fields are allocated in July, then practices begin.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
OUR SPONSORS
