What is the tryout procedure?
All players, both new and existing, regardless of age or status, are required to tryout each year. The tryout fee is $10 per player and must be submitted with an application at the time of tryouts. Players will go through evaluations and team selections will be determined. Players are expected to be at designated tryout dates for their age group.

How many sessions does a player need to attend during the tryout process?
Players should attend every possible session to ensure adequate time for proper evaluation.

Which team should my child tryout for?
When possible, HFC strives to offer teams of varying ability and commitment within the same age group. Consult the web for team summaries, basic framework for team structure, and expectations of players.

Can players play up an age group?
We encourage our players to play in the most competitive bracket possible for maximum development. Players can request to be evaluated for an age bracket above their proper group. This request is found on the player application during the tryout process. Any player wishing to play up will be evaluated by the Directors of Coaching Operations and must have his approval to move up.

What is your philosophy on when tryouts should be competitive?
The HFC endorses a strong system of development in the younger age groups. As such, players at the U11 and younger age groups do not participate in a tryout that involves cutting or dropping players. Tryouts at the U12 and above age groups are competitive and do cut and/or drop players to form the best teams possible.

How are teams at U10 and younger formed?
Players will be placed into pools and divided into even teams for the season.  For existing players, this may include team transition during a new seasonal year of play.  The DOC’s will oversee the selection of these players along with the head coaches.  The HFC strongly believes that the youth program is paramount to our long-term success and will make every effort to place young players on a team and to ensure the players participate at the most appropriate level of competition. 

At U10 and below, what is an Academy Team?
The Academy is designed to offer more challenge to the players who need it.  Players are evaluated through practices, games and evaluation dates for placement on the teams.  The Academy teams will compete in play dates with outside clubs and tournaments that will require minimal travel.  There is an extra cost for the Academy to cover referee fees and tournament entry fees.  Academy evaluations are open to everyone.  Players must be evaluated and recommended to the Academy by a Director.

How are teams at U11 formed?
U11 offers challenges to team structure by increasing the number of players on the field at one time. With player development first on the agenda, we will group players with like abilities and commitments. This will provide the opportunity to match players with the right competitive atmosphere while competing in the Division II or III leagues. We will strive to provide the right environment for all players and do what is necessary to make sure that all of our players have a place to play.

How are teams at U12 and older formed?
HFC’s first priority is to form the top team for that division in order to prepare them for competition. Additional teams in each age group may be formed if the players and coaching is available.  We will have enough players to field multiple teams in each division. This will allow a solid system to trade and promote players based on the team’s needs and the player’s abilities.

What factors are the coaches considering when evaluating my child?
There are many factors when forming the upper age group teams. All coaches vary in their exact approach but common factors include, skill, tactical awareness, fitness, coach-ability/attitude, commitment to soccer, interest in the HFC’s complete program and offering, and personality.

Can my child ask to be on a friend’s team?
Coaching and “friend” requests are considered in the younger age groups. We want the players experience in soccer to be fun and understand the need for young players to be with their friends. These requests should be noted on the application for tryouts and we will strive to meet all requests.

Do returning players still have to tryout?
All returning players must tryout regardless of team assignment or age.

Who will coach my child?
Coaches for established teams are announced well in advance of tryouts. The General Manager reserves the right to shift coaches to accommodate the best interest of the players and club. We often have reserve coaches waiting to take on a new or additional team to accommodate any new teams that may be formed. In this case, your prospective coach will be made known to you before asking your intent to play. Some of our coaches also coach High School teams. Soccer is a Spring High School sport. Due to the time commitments of High School soccer, a backup coach may be needed during the Spring club soccer season.

How will I be notified of my child’s status during the tryout procedure?
To Be Posted

Do existing teams stay the same during the next season?
The HFC does not endorse a system of cutting and/or dropping players at U11 and lower. However, team transition in the U9 – U11 age groups may be necessary to keep players of like abilities and commitments together. U12 and older teams are subject to change at each tryout. However, for all age groups - teams formed for the fall season are intact for the seasonal year, which concludes in the spring of the following year. The DOCO’s will aid in formation of any hybrid teams necessary to compete in winter and/or spring leagues.

Can I bring an existing team into the HFC?
The HFC sponsors an open tryout for all age groups. You are welcome to bring a group of players to the tryouts but teams will be selected as described herein.

For U11 - 12 Div II, U13 & U14 Div I teams, how does the State Cup moving to Spring affect HFC's team formation and player selection?
The main motivation of the State moving the tournament date is for two reasons:  1.  It will shift a significant number of players from the already full fall State tournaments to the spring.  2.  Players will hopefully have more opportunity to play all year long.  As a soccer club, we fully support playing all year long.  However, it will not be our policy to restrict participation based on the player's desire to compete in the spring or attend the State cup in the spring.  Players can be added to rosters as late as May so if there are players that wish to compete in the cup - we will make every effort to afford the opportunity.  In essence, we expect to maintain our regular seasons and offer a full year of training and games just as we have always done.

Which age group is my child in? (updated 4/25/2010)
The following table shows each age group by birthday for the 2010-2011 playing season: