Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Association started a "Kids First Tryout Commitment" this year and have more than 50 soccer clubs who have already agreed to the May 1st Try-Out Initiative. This initiative provides the opportunity for all EPYSA travel soccer players to participate and develop for an entire season, August through May, and not worry about early tryout dates or being released from their clubs.
The coaches, parents, and administrators who commited to this intiative continue the effort to provide what is best for every child playing soccer. Early try-outs, ID clinics or so-called kick arounds for the purpose of identifying players creates undue pressure on a child and in many instances the parents as well.
This initiative has also brought clubs together. Clubs who approved of the initiative have united and see themselves as supporters of a child’s best interests rather than adversaries who compete against each other.