MLS Academy Tryouts: How to Try Out for an MLS Academy

Every year, thousands of young soccer players across the United States and Canada try out for MLS academy teams. Some will make it. Most will not. The difference between those two outcomes is rarely as simple as "good enough" or "not good enough" -- it involves timing, geography, preparation, and a clear-eyed understanding of what MLS academies are actually looking for.

This guide is written for two audiences: young players who want to pursue an MLS academy spot, and the parents who are navigating this process alongside them. It covers the mechanics of how MLS academy tryouts work, what evaluators prioritize, how to prepare, what it costs, and -- critically -- what realistic expectations look like. The youth soccer landscape in the United States is full of expensive promises and vague pathways. This is an attempt at clarity.

How MLS Academy Tryouts Work

The Basic Structure

Every MLS club operates an academy, and every academy holds some form of tryout or identification process. However, the specific structure varies significantly from club to club. There is no single "MLS academy tryout" -- there are 30 separate club tryouts, each run according to that club's own timeline, format, and evaluation criteria.

That said, most MLS academy tryouts follow a general pattern:

Open tryouts. Most MLS academies hold at least one open tryout per year, typically in the spring (March-May) for the following fall season. Open tryouts are exactly what they sound like -- any player within the appropriate age range can register and attend. Registration is usually done through the club's website and may require a tryout fee (typically $25-$75).

Identification days. Some clubs use "ID days" or "talent identification sessions" instead of or in addition to formal tryouts. These are structured training sessions where academy coaches observe players in game-like environments. ID days may be invitation-only (based on scouting recommendations) or open to all.

Invitation-only training. After open tryouts or ID days, clubs invite selected players to additional training sessions -- typically 2-4 weeks of training with the academy team. This extended evaluation period gives coaches a much better read on a player's ability, coachability, and fit within the academy's system than a single tryout session can provide.

Final selection. After the extended evaluation period, clubs make roster offers. Players who are offered spots join the academy for the upcoming season. Players who are not selected may be placed on a "watch list" for future evaluation or directed to the club's pre-academy or affiliate programs.

Tryout Timeline

The typical MLS academy tryout cycle follows this approximate calendar:

January-February -- Clubs announce tryout dates and open registration
March-May -- Open tryouts and ID days are held
May-June -- Invited players attend extended training evaluation
June-July -- Roster decisions are finalized and communicated
August-September -- New academy season begins, coinciding with the MLS NEXT competition calendar

Some clubs deviate from this timeline. Clubs in warmer climates may hold tryouts earlier. Clubs that identify talent through scouting rather than open tryouts may operate on a rolling basis throughout the year. A few clubs hold secondary tryout windows in the fall for players who were missed in the spring cycle.

Age Groups

MLS academies typically accept players starting at U-12 or U-13 for formal academy competition, though many clubs operate pre-academy programs for players as young as U-9 or U-10. The age groups that hold tryouts generally include:

U-12 / U-13 -- Entry-level academy. The largest tryout groups and the most spots available.
U-14 / U-15 -- Mid-academy. Fewer spots available as most roster positions are filled by players who entered at U-12/U-13.
U-16 / U-17 -- Upper academy. Very few spots open through tryouts at this level; most additions come through scouting and transfers from other clubs.
U-19 -- Pre-professional. Roster spots at this level are rarely filled through open tryouts; they are typically filled by players progressing through the academy or by targeted scouting.

The practical reality is this: the younger you are, the more open spots exist and the more viable the open tryout pathway is. By U-16, most academy rosters are established, and new additions come almost exclusively through scouting rather than open tryouts.

What Scouts and Coaches Look For

This is the question every parent asks, and the answer frustrates people because it is not a checklist you can optimize for. MLS academy evaluators are looking for a constellation of qualities, and different clubs prioritize different attributes. However, certain traits are consistently valued across the league.

Technical Ability

This is the foundation. Can the player control the ball cleanly in tight spaces? Can they pass accurately over short and medium distances? Can they receive the ball under pressure and make good decisions quickly? Technical ability at the academy level is not about tricks or flashy moves -- it is about functional competence with the ball in game situations.

Evaluators watch for:

First touch quality -- Can the player control the ball in a way that sets up their next action?
Passing range and accuracy -- Can the player execute the passes the academy's tactical system requires?
Dribbling under pressure -- Can the player maintain possession when challenged, not in open space?
Weak foot competence -- Can the player use both feet functionally, even if one is clearly dominant?

Game Intelligence

This is harder to measure and harder to develop, which is why evaluators value it so highly. Game intelligence -- sometimes called "soccer IQ" -- is the player's ability to read the game, anticipate what will happen next, and make decisions that reflect an understanding of space, time, and positioning.

A player with high game intelligence will:

Position themselves where they can receive the ball effectively, not just where they happen to end up
Recognize when to play forward and when to maintain possession
Anticipate defensive movements and exploit gaps before they close
Communicate with teammates and organize play around them

A technically skilled player with poor game intelligence will look good in drills and bad in games. A player with strong game intelligence but average technique may look unimpressive in isolation but consistently makes the team better. Evaluators know the difference.

Athletic Attributes

MLS academies are looking for athletes, not just soccer players. The physical demands of professional soccer are extreme, and evaluators are assessing whether a young player has the athletic foundation to meet those demands as they mature.

Important: evaluators are not looking for the biggest, strongest, or fastest kid on the field. They are looking for athletic potential -- qualities that suggest a player will develop into a capable athlete as they grow. Specifically:

Speed and acceleration -- Not just straight-line speed, but the ability to change direction quickly and accelerate over short distances
Coordination and balance -- Can the player maintain body control while executing technical skills at speed?
Endurance baseline -- Does the player maintain their performance level throughout a full session, or do they fade?
Physical courage -- Is the player willing to compete physically, win 50/50 challenges, and play through contact?

Early physical maturation can be misleading. A 13-year-old who dominates because they are a foot taller than their peers may not be developing the technical and tactical skills they will need when their peers catch up physically. Good evaluators account for relative age and maturation when assessing athletic attributes.

Coachability and Character

This is where tryouts can be deceiving, because these traits are difficult to assess in a two-hour session. But evaluators are watching for signals:

Does the player listen to instructions and implement feedback?
How does the player respond to mistakes -- with frustration or with composure?
Does the player compete throughout the entire session, or do they coast when they think no one is watching?
How does the player interact with teammates they have never met before?

Extended evaluation periods (the invited training sessions that follow initial tryouts) exist precisely because these qualities require time to observe. A player who is technically excellent but uncoachable is a worse academy investment than a player who is technically good and responds well to coaching.

Position-Specific Attributes

Evaluators assess players relative to their position. A center back is evaluated differently than a winger. A goalkeeper is evaluated on an entirely different set of criteria. Here is what matters by position:

Goalkeepers -- Shot-stopping reflexes, distribution quality, command of the penalty area, communication, positioning
Center backs -- Defensive reading, heading ability, composure on the ball, ability to play out from the back
Fullbacks -- Speed, endurance, crossing quality, defensive discipline, ability to overlap
Central midfielders -- Passing range, game intelligence, ability to receive under pressure, defensive work rate
Wingers -- Speed, 1v1 ability, crossing quality, goal threat, work rate off the ball
Strikers -- Movement in the box, finishing technique, hold-up play, ability to create chances from nothing

How to Prepare for MLS Academy Tryouts

Training Preparation (3-6 Months Before)

The best preparation for an MLS academy tryout is consistent, high-quality training. If you are currently playing competitive club soccer, your regular training should be providing the foundation. Beyond that:

Individual technical work. Spend 20-30 minutes per day on ball mastery, passing accuracy, and first touch exercises. This does not require a partner or special equipment -- a wall and a ball are sufficient for most technical development.

Small-sided games. If possible, participate in pickup soccer, futsal, or small-sided games beyond your regular club training. Small-sided games develop decision-making speed and technical ability under pressure more efficiently than 11v11 matches.

Physical conditioning. You do not need a formal fitness program at U-12 or U-13, but general fitness matters. Running, agility work, and core strength exercises will ensure you can maintain your performance level throughout a tryout session. By U-15 and above, structured physical conditioning becomes more important.

Video study. Watch MLS and international matches with an analytical eye. Pay attention to how professional players in your position move off the ball, how they receive passes, and how they make decisions in different game situations. This builds the game intelligence that evaluators value.

Tryout Day Preparation

Arrive early. Check in, warm up on your own before the organized warmup begins, and get comfortable with the field and the environment.

Bring the right equipment. Clean boots appropriate for the surface (firm ground or turf), shin guards, appropriate clothing for the weather. Bring water. This sounds obvious, but players showing up unprepared creates a negative first impression.

Play your game. Tryout anxiety tempts players to either play conservatively (afraid to make mistakes) or play extravagantly (trying to impress with flashy moves). Neither approach works. Play the way you play when you are at your best -- confident, composed, and competitive.

Compete on every ball. Evaluators are watching effort as much as skill. A player who competes for every loose ball, sprints on every transition, and communicates throughout the session will be noticed positively, even if their technical ability is not the highest in the group.

Recover from mistakes quickly. You will make mistakes during a tryout. Every player does. How you respond to those mistakes tells evaluators more about your character than the mistakes themselves. Reset, refocus, and move on.

What NOT to Do

Do not have your parents coach from the sideline. This is the single most common behavior that creates a negative impression at MLS academy tryouts. Evaluators are watching family dynamics as well as player performance. A parent shouting instructions, criticizing officials, or visibly reacting to their child's performance signals a potential management issue that academies want to avoid.

Do not specialize too early in a position. At U-12 and U-13, evaluators want to see versatile athletes who can play multiple positions. A player who insists "I only play striker" is limiting their own evaluation. Show that you can defend, that you can play in midfield, that you are a soccer player rather than just a position.

Do not compare yourself to other players during the tryout. Focus on your own performance. The player next to you might be faster, taller, or more technically skilled -- that does not determine whether you will be selected. Evaluators are assessing individual development potential, not ranking players against each other.

Costs and Financial Considerations

Tryout Costs

Most MLS academy tryouts charge a registration fee, typically $25-$75. Some clubs offer fee waivers for families who demonstrate financial need. The fee covers facility costs and administrative overhead -- it is not a revenue source for the club.

Academy Participation Costs

Here is where the financial picture gets more nuanced. If a player is accepted into an MLS academy, the cost of participation varies significantly by club:

Fully funded academies. Many MLS clubs cover all costs for accepted academy players -- training, equipment, travel, and competition fees. The club absorbs these costs as an investment in player development, with the expectation that successful academy graduates will generate value as Homegrown Players. Clubs like FC Dallas, Philadelphia Union, and LA Galaxy are known for covering most or all academy costs.

Partially funded academies. Some clubs cover training and competition costs but ask families to contribute to travel expenses, equipment, or supplementary training. Annual family costs in this model might range from $1,000 to $5,000.

Pay-to-play elements. A few MLS academies, particularly at younger age groups or in pre-academy programs, still require families to pay participation fees. These fees are typically lower than competitive club soccer fees but can still reach $2,000-$4,000 per year.

The trend across MLS is toward fully funded academy models. Clubs recognize that financial barriers exclude talented players from lower-income families, and the competitive incentive to access the widest possible talent pool pushes clubs toward covering costs. But the transition is not complete, and families should ask directly about costs during the tryout process.

Hidden Costs

Even at fully funded academies, families may face indirect costs:

Transportation -- Getting to and from daily training (typically 5-6 days per week) requires time and vehicle access. For families without reliable transportation, this can be a significant barrier.
Time commitment -- Academy training schedules may conflict with after-school activities, part-time jobs, or family obligations. The opportunity cost is real.
Academic impact -- Missing school for travel to away matches, showcases, and national events is common at upper academy levels. Some clubs provide academic support; others leave it to families.
Equipment -- While many clubs provide training gear and match kits, players may need their own boots, shin guards, and practice equipment.

Realistic Expectations

This section is the most important in the guide, and the one most people skip. So here it is, plainly stated:

The Numbers

A typical MLS academy tryout at the U-13 level might see 200-400 players attend. Of those, 20-40 will be invited to extended evaluation. Of those, 5-15 will be offered roster spots. Some of those spots will go to players who were already identified through scouting before the tryout even happened.

The acceptance rate for open tryouts is roughly 3-7%, depending on the club and the age group. At older age groups (U-16+), the rate is even lower because fewer spots are available.

What "Not Making It" Actually Means

Not being selected for an MLS academy at age 12 or 13 does not mean a player cannot reach professional soccer. Development is nonlinear. Players mature physically, technically, and psychologically at different rates. Some of the best players in MLS history were not in elite academy programs at 13.

Alternative pathways exist and are legitimate:

ECNL clubs -- The Elite Clubs National League offers a parallel elite youth pathway with strong scouting visibility
Competitive club soccer -- High-level club teams in state and regional leagues can still produce professional players
College soccer -- The NCAA Division I pathway remains a route to professional soccer, particularly for late developers
USL academies -- USL Championship and League One clubs operate academies that can serve as stepping stones
International pathways -- Players with dual nationality may have access to academy systems in other countries

The Parent's Role

Parents play an enormous role in the academy tryout process, and the most important thing a parent can do is manage expectations -- their own and their child's.

Support the player's effort and development, not the outcome. If your child does not make the academy, it is not a failure -- it is feedback. If your child does make the academy, it is the beginning of a demanding journey, not the end of one.

Do not invest your identity or your family's financial stability in your child's soccer career. The percentage of academy players who reach MLS first teams is small. The percentage who earn a living from professional soccer is smaller. Pursue academy soccer because the player loves the game and wants to compete at the highest level available to them, not because you are counting on a professional contract.

Finding MLS Academy Tryouts Near You

How to Find Tryout Information

Every MLS club publishes tryout information on its official website, typically in the academy or youth development section. Here is how to find it:

Identify the MLS club(s) geographically closest to you. Visit our teams page to see all MLS clubs and their locations.
Visit the club's official website and navigate to the "Academy" or "Youth Development" section.
Look for "Tryouts," "Open Tryouts," "Talent ID," or "Player Identification" pages.
Register during the open registration window and confirm all required documentation.

Geographic Considerations

If you do not live near an MLS club, your options for academy tryouts are more limited but not nonexistent:

Some MLS clubs conduct regional scouting events or satellite tryouts in cities outside their immediate area
MLS NEXT includes non-MLS clubs that may be closer to your location
Attending an MLS NEXT showcase or tournament as part of your current club team can provide scouting exposure even if you cannot attend a specific club's tryout

The geographic barrier is one of the most significant equity issues in American youth soccer development. A talented player in Portland, Oregon, has direct access to the Portland Timbers academy. A talented player in rural Montana does not have the same access to any MLS academy. The system is improving but remains imperfect.

After the Tryout: What Comes Next

If You Are Selected

Congratulations. Now the work begins. Academy soccer is a multi-year commitment that demands daily training, weekend competition, academic balance, and personal sacrifice. Before accepting an offer, understand what the commitment entails:

Training schedule (typically 5-6 days per week)
Competition schedule (MLS NEXT matches plus showcases and tournaments)
Travel requirements for away matches
Academic expectations and support structures
Financial obligations, if any
The club's player development philosophy and how it aligns with your goals

If You Are Not Selected

Take the feedback, if it is offered. Some clubs provide individual feedback to tryout participants; others do not. If feedback is available, listen to it objectively and use it to guide your development over the coming months.

Continue to develop. Train daily. Play competitive club soccer. Attend future tryouts -- many MLS academy players were not selected on their first attempt. The player who does not make it at 12 but continues to develop may be exactly what the academy needs at 14.

Consider the alternative pathways mentioned above. An MLS academy is one route to development, not the only route. Find the best competitive environment available to you and commit to improving within it.

Browse MLS players and their backgrounds to see the diverse pathways that professional players have taken, or explore team rosters to understand the mix of academy products, college players, and international signings that make up MLS squads. The path to professional soccer is rarely a straight line.