FAQs

Get Answers To Frequently Asked Questions

We understand that joining a new team or sport comes with a lot of questions about tryouts, uniforms, cost, coaching, and so much more! After years of managing teams from junior level up to UPSL Pros, we’ve got answers to most of the frequently asked questions that parents and players have.

Age Groups

No, per US Club Soccer, teams are created by player birth year.

 

Birth Year Age Group 2024 Fall Season Age 2025 Summer Season Age
2017/2016 U8/U9 9 and under 9 and under
2015 U10 8/9 9/10
2014 U11 9/10 10/11
2013 U12 10/11 11/12
2012 U13 11/12 12/13
2011 U14 12/13 13/14
2010 U15 8th grader eligible 14/15
2009 U16 NA 15/16
2008 U17 NA 16/17
2007/2006 U19 NA 17/19/19
Please indicate the request to play up in the player’s registration. All players need to try out at their assigned age group regardless of their desire to play up.

Tryouts & Teams

Please arrive 30 minutes early to get checked in. Participants will receive two numbered shirts to wear during tryouts and take home. We recommend players begin dribbling/passing with others to warm up. When ready, the evaluators will call the group in, give introductions, and begin evaluations. Tryouts will focus on technical challenges and game play. Parents/guardians are not allowed to remain on the field and will be asked to leave. Parents/guardians are welcome to return 5 minutes before the completion of tryouts.
Cleats, shin guards, soccer ball and water labeled with the player’s name. Do not wear a club or camp shirt or shorts. Logos like Nike, Adidas, etc. are fine.

At tryouts, players will be evaluated on the following:

  • Technical – player ability on the ball, accuracy, predictability, and control.
  • Tactical – player decision making on and off the ball.
  • Physical – player athletic ability on the field, speed and quickness, strength, and endurance.
  • Psychological – player work ethic, determination, competitive nature, positive leadership, and confidence.
  • Overall player ranking and impact on the field.

For current club members, coach evaluations and recommendations may also be factored into the final score.

U8-U11 players will all be evaluated as field players. Those interested in the goalkeeper position should indicate this at tryout check-in.

U12+ goalkeepers will try out with their age group but separately from field players with the WSC goalkeeper trainer. Full time goalkeepers need to commit to 100% game time in the net. If a player is interested in playing part-time goalkeeper, they will need to try out on the field and indicate at tryout check-in that they are a part-time goalkeeper.

All players must be registered for tryouts even if they cannot attend. Competitive team registrations are by invitation only. All players need to be registered in the tryout pool to receive an invitation to join a competitive team. Please email Jess at operations@wavesoccer.org if your player is unable to attend tryouts so she can account for the absence.

If a player cannot attend tryouts and is a current Wave SC member, a coach recommendation will be used for placement. If the player is a non-Wave competitive player and cannot attend tryouts, please email us your previous level of competitive play. We will use this as a reference – it does not mean the player will be placed at this level.

If a player is joining us from a recreational program and cannot attend tryouts, the player will be placed on the lowest level team. If it is apparent after the first few practices that the player was placed incorrectly, the DOC will evaluate the player and move them to the appropriate level team.

Yes, if we have open roster spots for the age group, any player that missed tryouts will be invited to team or age group training to see if it’s a good fit for the player and the team.
Wave SC does our best to roster all players on age level and skill level appropriate teams. If we do not have enough players to support a team, our staff will contact you with alternative options.

Our DOC and evaluation staff will compile the team rosters as quickly as we are able with the goal of sending team invitation emails within 48 hours of the tryout. Once rosters are formed, Wave SC will invite players to their team via PlayMetrics. At that time, you will need to accept your player’s spot within 48 hours by registering and completing the down payment for 24/25 season. If you are not able to register your player within 48 hours, please email admin@wavesoccer.org so we can make arrangements to hold your player’s spot until you complete the registration.

WSC places most teams in the Twin Cities Soccer League (TCSL). Teams are placed in the age group and at the level that offers the best competition for each individual team. In a few cases, we have opted to register teams to participate in MYSA National League.

No, players new to Wave will be placed on the lower-level team until they have had a skills evaluation. Once evaluated, adjustment to placement can be made depending on roster availability.

In many clubs, making it onto the top team is seen as critical because it is assumed they receive the best coaching. At Wave SC, we strive for all our teams to benefit from high-quality professional coaching. Throughout the season, players tend to interact with multiple coaches. Our priority is to place players in environments that promote their development, often through competition against similarly skilled opponents. This approach provides opportunities for players to gain confidence and face challenges. It’s important to recognize that every child develops at their own pace. A player who starts on a lower-level team at a younger age may later grow and become one of the top players in the club.

Pricing & Fees

A $250 down payment is required upon registration. Monthly payments range from $120 – $250 depending on the league and age group. More information about our competitive season fees.

Yes. To the extent scholarship funds remain available, scholarships may be granted by WSC as determined by the WSC Board of Directors.

Scholarships only apply to the sport registration fee and may be a full or partial scholarship.

More Information About Soccer Scholarships

No, Competitive players are required to purchase uniform kits from Planet Soccer. Competitive uniform kits are fitted to be worn for 2 years.

If you need financial assistance for the upcoming season, please fill out the application for financial assistance form included in the season registration – this will put your registration on hold. Your application will be reviewed, and if granted, financial aid will be applied directly to your player’s account. You will receive and email notifying you of a decision has been made and that you can complete your registration.

There is a possibility of refunds in special circumstances. Note that no refunds will be given after the first practice of the season, except if a player
experiences a season-ending injury. Refund requests can be made up to one day before the scheduled
first practice of the Wave Academy season.
Read Our Refund Policy In Full

Junior Teams

The program is designed for children aged 4 to 7 years old. (2018-2021 birth year)

The Wave Juniors program serves as a bridge to competitive soccer, focusing on skill development and preparing young players for higher levels of play. The program is designed for children aged 4 to 7 years old. (2018-2021 birth year)

The program offers flexible 6-week sessions, allowing for seasonal participation.

The Wave Juniors program offers seasonal sessions, with specific dates announced periodically.

We offer Junior 6-week sessions seasonally throughout the year, open registrations are listed here.

Parents

WSC sends monthly club updates via email via our newsletter and through PlayMetrics to membership, parents can follow WSC on Facebook and/or Instagram and stay informed by  regularly checking the club’s News and Events pages.

Yes. Wave Soccer Club Inc. (WSC) is a soccer club that caters to all levels of play and offers high quality programs at both developmental and competitive levels of play and expects parents and family members to conduct themselves in a way that ensures a positive overall experience.
View The Parent Code Of Conduct

Competitive families are required to volunteer three hours per player each year. Parent volunteers are essential to the success of our annual tournament as well as other club events. View more information regarding volunteering on the parents’ page.

Wave Soccer Club provides various resources, including guidelines on supporting young athletes and fostering a positive soccer environment.

Winter Training

The winter training program focuses on technical skills, tactical understanding, fitness, and offers scrimmage and game play to ensure players retain and grow their skills during the off-season.

WSC winter training is included for all U9-U19 players registered for the year round or winter-summer season. WSC offers winter only pool training to players U9-U12 as a separate registration if they would like to train during the winter but play an alternate spring sport. More information on Winter Only Training

Winter training runs November through April with breaks for Thanksgiving (November), Winter (December), and Spring (March). Teams transition to outdoor fields May 1st.

Tournaments

Yes, Wave Soccer Club hosts the Future Stars tournament annually every year over Mother’s Day weekend in May.

WSC Future Stars Tournament hosts 200+ teams at multiple field sites in Eagan and Apple Valley. Visit the tournament page for more details

WSC relies on volunteers to help run the Future Stars tournament. We offer opportunities to our membership to select volunteer positions that best fit their schedules to fulfil the volunteer requirement.

Registration information can be found on the Tournaments page.

Still Have Questions?

Elevate Your Game with Wave Soccer Club