This is for all NEW players (2019-2007 Birth Years).
Club team evaluation and formation schedule:
- Youngers (2019-2012)- February/March
- Olders (2011-2007)- March/April *dependent on the conclusion of State Cup and High School Soccer
Santa Barbara SC
- Boys & Girls 2012-2007 Schedule
- NOTE: Boys & Girls: 2012 & older please register below for evaluations and dates/details will be announced shortly.
Coaching Assignments (Coming in March)
Eligibility:
- Boys and Girls U7- U19 (Birth years 2007-2018)
- Evaluations are open to all players who demonstrate the ability and commitment required for competitive soccer
Evaluation Dates and Times:
Tryouts will take place over a two-week period in Goleta, CA. Specific dates and times are communicated in the confirmation email when evaluation registration is complete.
Registration:
Registration is free and all participants must register online prior to the evaluations.
What to Bring:
- Cleats
- Shin Guards
- Water
Process:
Check-in: Arrive 15 minutes early to check-in
Evaluation: Players will participate in technical exercises, small-sided games, and scrimmages to showcase their technical, tactical, practical, and mental abilities.
Communication: Coaches will evaluate players based on performance and team needs. Final rosters will be communicated after the evaluation period.
- Team Placement: Selected players will receive an email with team assignment details, practice schedules, and registration instructions.
- Acceptance: Players must confirm their spot and complete the team registration within the specified deadline.
- Non-Selection: Players who are not selected are encouraged to continue developing their skills and attend future tryouts.
- Click HERE for the Youngers Schedule (2018-2012)
- Evaluations for birth years 2012 and up will be announced shortly.
Click here to register for Boys and Girls 2018 to 2006
- Ensure your child is fully prepared by:
- Having all necessary equipment.
- Eating a good meal beforehand.
- Arriving on time.
- Avoid putting pressure on them by emphasizing the “make or break” aspect of tryouts; coaches just want to see them be themselves.
- Remember, it’s their tryout, not yours.
- Refrain from coaching your child.
- Avoid gossiping on the sidelines, as it doesn’t have any positive outcomes.
- Remember, parents can’t influence the tryout process from the sidelines.
- Our suggestion: Drop off your player and enjoy local shopping and cuisine at Camino Real Marketplace!
FAQs
How do I register for evaluations?
Players can register for evaluations online. Registering online is MANDATORY and allows us to both prepare for expected numbers and keep you informed of any changes. It also expedites the check-in process when you arrive. Players should register a minimum of 24 hours prior to the first scheduled tryout.
Do current SBSC players need to participate in evaluations? Register online?
No and No
Should players attend all evaluation sessions?
Yes, players are expected to attend all sessions for their age group if and when at all possible. If you cannot attend all the dates then have your child communicate to the age group coach at evaluation session.
How do I determine the correct team and age group for a player?
Age groups are based on birth year.
Evaluations start with the U8 (2018) age group and my child is U7 (2019). Can he/she still play on a team?
Yes, 2019 players are encouraged to attend 2018 evaluations. We also have a Pre-Club program for 2019’s that begins in the Fall. Reach out if interested.
How many teams will there be in each age group?
Generally there are 2 teams in each age group.
What is the club’s policy on roster size?
Santa Barbara SC will strive to keep teams to a size that allows sufficient numbers for training and maximized playing time. As a general rule we keep squads of 7v7 soccer to 10 to 12 players; 9v9 we will keep squads of 11 to 13; and, 11v11 teams to 16 to 20 players depending on the age group. Individual teams will have different needs based on schedules, physical demands, and potential conflicts – all of which can influence the size of a team roster.
Can my player try out for an older age group or ‘play up’ a year?
Players should attend age appropriate evaluations to ensure proper team placement. The Director of Coaching has the final say whether a player may ‘play up’ an age. For the full policy click here.
My child is younger than 2018 birth year and just wants to train. Can he or she do that?
Yes, Santa Barbara SC offers several age appropriate player academy developmental after school programs throughout the year. Information on the clinics are available by clicking here.
What should players wear and bring to the sessions?
Players must wear a White T-shirt or Jersey, proper soccer cleats, shin guards and bring a ball and water. Any color shorts are acceptable.
What if it is raining the day of evaluations? Will you cancel?
It is unlikely we will cancel sessions. We will e-mail all registered participants by 2:00 pm on the evaluation date only if the session is canceled. If no email is sent, evaluations will be conducted as scheduled.
How are players evaluated at the sessions?
Players will be evaluated as an age group and placed appropriately on a team based on assessed experience level. Our professional and knowledgeable coaching staff will evaluate players based on Technical, Tactical, Physical, and Psychological components of the game.
What if a player is injured or cannot attend the evaluation session for the team he or she is interested in?
Please email the Director of Coaching prior to evaluations for alternative options to be evaluated. Players must register for sessions even if you cannot attend in order to be considered.
Who will coach the team?
Coaching assignments will be announced in March.
When and how will players be notified if offered a spot on a team?
Player placement will be communicated via email after the evaluation process is completed.
How soon do we need to reply to an offer?
We ask that you accept the invitation within 5 days.
If I am offered a roster spot on a Santa Barbara SC team and wish to accept the offer, what’s the next step? How do I register for the team?
You will be notified of how to register in the invitation email. Registration occurs online via Playmetrics.
CLICK HERE
What will the cost be to play on a Santa Barbara SC team for the 2025-2025 season?
What do my dues cover?
- Fall League
- State Cup
- Spring League
- Facilities
- Trainings
- Licensed Coaching
How much do uniforms and training kits cost?
Uniforms are approximately $350 while training kits are approximately $60. This is in addition to your competitive program subscription fees.
Who is responsible for Referee fees?
Referee fees are a team level expense except for our Academy Level teams (MLS Next and Development Player League).
What are my fundraising obligations?
- Each player must sell a minimum of 25 raffle tickets in the Fall for All Club Night
- Each team must contribute to the Holiday Auction
Are their any other financial requirements?
- Every family must volunteer a minimum of 4 hours each program year.
- There are other opportunities throughout the year for players and teams to participate in additional fundraisers
Club Policies
Evaluation procedures and movement of players within the club.
Players will be evaluated in their correct, age-appropriate age group unless they have permission from the Developmental Director and signed off by the Director of Coaching. The only exception is if they currently already play within an existing Santa Barbara SC team in a different age group (previously signed off on by DOC) within the club.
The primary goal of Santa Barbara SC is to develop each and every player within the club to the best of their abilities. To achieve this goal, it is the club philosophy that players develop best playing in their appropriate birth year age groups. Therefore, all players will register in their birth year age group unless explicitly notified by the Director of Coaching prior to registering.The Coaching Advisory Board, however, also recognizes that there are sometimes exceptional circumstances where a player may possess any combination of technical, tactical, psychological or physical abilities that are superior to their peers in their age group. In order for that player to properly develop, a decision may be made to have that player play in a different age division.
The Director of Coaching, whose responsibility is to oversee the development of players in the club, will make the final decision on the appropriate placement of players. As part of the decision-making process, the Director of Coaching will consult with Developmental Directors, Age Group Coordinators, coaches, parents, and the player. If the decision is made to move a player to a different age group than an explanation of the decision will be made to the Coaching Advisory Board, the coaches, players, and the parents of those directly affected by the decision.
Consistent with club philosophy, the emphasis in league and tournament play is player development whereas the focus for State, Regional, and National competition is the success of our Santa Barbara SC teams. To this end, the Director of Coaching has the authority to move players for State, Regional or National Competitions in order to provide teams the best opportunity for success in the tournament. As an example, players who have been moved up for developmental purposes during league play may be placed back in their respective birth year age division in order to improve the opportunity of a particular team to succeed in the tournament. As with any player movement between the teams in the club, the Director of Coaching will consult with the Coaching Advisory Board, Developmental Directors, Age Group Coordinators, coaches, parents, and the player affected in the decision, but the final decision on which team any player plays will be made by the Director of Coaching.
Decisions will be communicated in advance of the upcoming season i.e. decisions for spring (2017-2009) will be made in March & (2008-2005) in April/May. This policy has been formulated by the Coaching Advisory Board of Santa Barbara SC and approved by the Executive Board.
PLAYING TIME POLICY
(Match Play)
‘Balancing time to nurture development’
Leagues & Tournaments
Playing time is an important factor in player development, the table below outlines the minimum amount of playing time that Santa Barbara SC deems correct to aid development. Please note at the older ages, 2009 & above, players enter the Zone 3, ‘competing to win’ phase. Santa Barbara SC deems that this is the time when players are mentally ready to understand that they are competing for playing time, thus there is no guarantee of playing time. Please see below the playing time (minimum minutes) chart:
Age Groups | Game Time | (Leagues & Tournaments)* | (State & National Cup)*
2017 to 2012 age groups | 50 minutes games (25 minutes) | (20 minutes)
2011 to 2010 age groups | 60-70 minutes games (30-35 minutes) | (25 minutes)
2009 to 2006 age groups | 80-90 minutes games | No guaranteed playing time
*MLS & DPL Platform rules are provided in the player and parent packet.
California State & National Cup
Santa Barbara SC understands that the above tournaments are prestigious tournaments, which if we win, will elevate and give the club recognition within the Cal South soccer community. In addition, players also need to be placed in an environment, which creates competition and adversity. Thus, for our 11-a-side teams (2009 & above) there will be no guaranteed playing time. The players who demonstrate the consistently higher levels of competitive match play will earn playing time.