Travel Program and Tryout FAQS

We hope you find the answers that you are looking for in our Frequently Asked Questions section below. If not, then no problem. Please feel free to reach out to us at info@sandyspringsoccer.com. And who knows, maybe we will add your question to the FAQs below.

  • At what age can my player join the travel program?

    Our travel program begins at U8 and continues through U19. Beginning with the 2026–2027 season, travel age groups will be based on school years (August 1 – July 31) rather than calendar-year birth years.


    For the 2026–2027 season:


    Rising U8 players will be eligible if they were born between August 1, 2018 and July 31, 2019.

  • Which birthdate ranges correspond to each age group for the 2026–2027 season?

    Here is a clear eligibility chart for each travel age group (U8–U19) for the 2026–2027 season, based on the school-year system (August 1 – July 31):


    2026–2027 Travel Program Age Group Eligibility


    U8: Aug 1, 2018 – Jul 31, 2019

    U9: Aug 1, 2017 – Jul 31, 2018

    U10: Aug 1, 2016 – Jul 31, 2017

    U11: Aug 1, 2015 – Jul 31, 2016

    U12: Aug 1, 2014 – Jul 31, 2015

    U13: Aug 1, 2013 – Jul 31, 2014

    U14: Aug 1, 2012 – Jul 31, 2013

    U15: Aug 1, 2011 – Jul 31, 2012

    U16: Aug 1, 2010 – Jul 31, 2011

    U17: Aug 1, 2009 – Jul 31, 2010

    U18: Aug 1, 2008 – Jul 31, 2009

    U19:Aug 1, 2007 – Jul 31, 2008

  • Can players be assigned to teams outside of their eligible school-year age group?

    Players will register for ID Sessions or Club Tryouts based on their eligible school-year age group (August 1 – July 31).


    Players are allowed to play “up” to an older age group, but cannot play “down” to a younger age group.


    When registering on Playmetrics, players will only see tryouts for which they are eligible by school year and gender.


    If a player wishes to attend a tryout for an older age group, they must email info@sandyspringsoccerclub.org

     after registering to have their registration manually updated so they appear on the correct tryout list.

  • Is anything required for my child to try out or be selected for a team?

    Registration for tryouts is free and open to all players. In many age groups, we form 2–4 teams that compete in leagues across various competitive levels.


    The purpose of our ID Sessions and Tryouts is to place each player on a team that best matches their developmental needs—where they can contribute, be appropriately challenged, and continue to grow.


    To be considered for team placement, all players are required to register for tryouts.

  • Is advance registration required, or can players simply show up for tryouts?

    All players attending tryouts—both new and returning—must register in advance. Registration is the only way to ensure proper evaluation and communication regarding team selection.


    Players are strongly encouraged to register before arriving at the tryout. Those who arrive unregistered will need to complete registration on-site, which may reduce their time on the field and impact their evaluation.

  • Do players need to register for Academy ID Sessions or Travel Club Tryouts?

    ID Sessions are designed for the top-level Academy teams competing in the Academy for age groups U11–U19. These sessions begin in March and are used by staff to identify and evaluate talent—both from within Sandy Spring Soccer Club (current players) and externally (players from other clubs).


    Players should not expect immediate communication about offers, roster spots, or team formation at the conclusion of an ID Session.


    Teams may not be formed immediately after the session; the club will continue hosting ID Sessions in the spring to complete the identification process.


    Returning Academy and Pre-Academy players must register and attend ID Sessions.


    Current U10 players at the green or gray levels should also register, as this age group will move to Pre-Academy in the next seasonal year.


    Other U10 players should discuss their development with their coach before registering.


    For players unsure of their best fit in any age group (rising U11–U19), it is recommended to consult with their coach before registering for ID Sessions or Club Tryouts.


    Club Tryouts are for the rest of the travel program below the top Academy level. These tryouts are organized by age group and occur in April and May.


    Players selected at Club Tryouts are placed on teams according to their current ability, ensuring balanced competition and development opportunities.


    The vast majority of players interested in travel play at these tryouts.


    Players new to Sandy Spring Soccer Club may register for either or both ID Sessions and Club Tryouts.


    Returning travel players are evaluated year-round, allowing staff to accurately place players based on their ongoing development.

  • My child has a conflict with the tryout dates—what are the options?

    We understand that injuries or prior important commitments may prevent a player from attending a scheduled ID Session or tryout. In such cases, please contact Technical Director Justin Reid to discuss the possibility of attending a training session for evaluation.