As fall soccer tryouts begin, we thought parents and players would like more information about how Washburn boys soccer tryouts work and what to expect. You can also see basic information about this year’s soccer tryouts and find links to forms you will need to complete before tryouts begin.
How many Washburn Soccer teams are there?
There are four Washburn High School boys soccer teams: Varsity, Junior Varsity, Academy A (Sophomore), and Academy B (9th grade). A fifth team may be added if there are enough players.
How many kids are trying out?
It’s hard to predict accurately, as tryouts are open to anyone eligible to play high school sports. In recent years, we have had about 90 to 100 kids trying out for 80 spots across the four teams. We expect at least the same number of kids to try out this year.
Is it possible I won’t make a team?
Yes. Due to the strength and quality of the Washburn soccer program, it is becoming increasingly more difficult to make a team. In a typical year, around 15 players do not make one of the four teams. We expect this year again to have more demand for spots than are available. Unfortunately, that means not every player who tries out will make a team. The Minneapolis Park Board has added rec soccer for high school and a number of players have played there for fun and or improving their play for the upcoming year. There are also other options right at Washburn with both Cross Country running and football looking for players each year!
Is there a cost to participate?
Yes. The Minneapolis Public Schools charges a sports registration fee for fall sports, including soccer, which is $75. This fee should be paid prior to tryouts. In addition, the Washburn Boys Soccer Boosters asks all players to contribute $150 to the booster club so that it can fulfill its mission of providing funding to the soccer program. This is a suggested contribution – no one will be prevented from playing on a team if they do not contribute to the booster club. But, because player contributions help fund the Washburn soccer program, particularly the coaches and the Sophomore and 9th grade teams, we ask that all players contribute to the soccer boosters. Players’ parents will be contacted after tryouts with more information about the booster club.
I’m an entering freshman. Can I be considered for the Varsity team?
In rare situations an incoming ninth grader may be considered for the varsity team. Ninth graders will typically participate in Pool B during the tryout week. If a player is clearly misplaced, our coaching staff will adjust early during tryout week.
I’m a Goalkeeper and a Field Player. How do I try out for Goalie? Can I also be considered for a Field position?
Coach Garret Olson is our goalkeeper coach who will work with goalies during the tryouts and get an assessment of where each goalie fits team wise. If we have extra goalies the younger teams will possibly carry two goalies and they would split time by half or game. Players interested in playing both goalie and field should communicate that during tryouts and our coaching staff will try and look at both positions.
How are team selections made?
Please refer to Team Structure/Criteria information posted on the website regarding player selection.
What are the differences between A and B Tryout Pools?
Pool A tryouts are designed for upperclassmen and potential varsity players. Pool B is primarily designed for incoming players and players who are not quite ready for the varsity level pool. The coaching staff determines the pools, and players are assigned to the A or B Pool when they check in for tryouts on the first day (August 12). Having said that, we do have movement between Pool B and Pool A each year during tryouts.
I’ll be a senior in the fall. Is my only option to make the Varsity team?
As we are a program that has grown by leaps and bounds the past few years, we have had to make some difficult decisions regarding players. Seniors may be given the option to play JV if they do not make the Varsity team, and that decision will be theirs to decide how they want to approach the season.
How many players are on the rosters for each team?
As a general rule, there are a maximum of 18 players for each team. This number will generally be lower, and most teams will have 17-18 players on the roster.
I had a physical last year for Washburn sports. Do I need another one this year?
No. As long as you had a physical exam in the last three years (incoming will likely need a new one) and it is on file with the Washburn Athletic Department, you do not need to complete another physical exam. You will, however, still need to complete the 2024-2025 Sports Health Questionnaire and submit it to Washburn using the registration link on this site.
How long is the high school soccer season?
Beginning with tryouts, the season for most teams is from mid-August through the first week of October. The varsity team, however, will participate in post-season sectional playoffs and the state tournament, which could last until the end of October. For all other teams, the season will end in early October.
Who are the coaches this year?
- Aaron Percy: Varsity Head Coach
- Steve Alexander: Varsity Assistant Coach
- Damon Shoholm: Varsity Assistant Coach
- Garret Olson: Goalkeeper Coach
- Kelly Keady: Junior Varsity Coach
- Fritz Ettl: Academy A Coach
- Pablo Munoz: Academy B Coach
- Eduardo Romo: Program Director
When and where are practices?
The varsity team typically practices on weekday afternoons or evenings at Washburn Stadium. The Junior Varsity, and Academy teams typically practice immediately after school at Pearl Park, usually starting about one-half hour after the end of school. Coaches will set a practice schedule prior to the start of the season, but you should generally expect to have a practice or a game after school every day during the soccer season.
Where are the Washburn Soccer home games?
Home games for the varsity team are at Washburn Stadium. Occasionally, the junior varsity team will also play at Washburn Stadium. For all other teams, home games are usually at Pearl Park or Nieman Complex.
All teams will play at Washburn Stadium on Super Soccer Saturday.
Who provides transportation to practices and games?
Transportation to all away games will be determined as we get closer to the season. Last year we set up team car pools based on lack of bussing options. This will be set up prior to the season starting.
Transportation to home games and to all practices is the responsibility of the player and/or the player’s family. Practices and home games, however, are typically within walking distance of Washburn High School, if not at Washburn Stadium.
Can I transport my son back home after Away games?
Coaches expect the varsity team to travel together to and from all away games. If there are circumstances that may require alternative transportation after a game, you will need to discuss that with the team coach. JV and Academy teams will coordinate their own transportation as bus transportation has not been reliable in recent years.
What’s the best way to keep track of game and practice schedules?
The soccer program uses TeamSnap to coordinate each of the team’s rosters and schedules. Prior to the start of the season, players and their parents will be invited to join each team’s TeamSnap application. Most club soccer players and parents are familiar with TeamSnap.
Coaches and team parent managers keep players advised of any changes in the practice and game schedules, which are also published and updated in a central calendar on the Washburn soccer website. Each team also has a game schedule, game results, and roster published on the Washburn soccer website.