tryouts

2026 tryout schedule

All tryouts held at Wilder Sports Complex, Field 4
101 Wilder Road, Orinda, CA 94563

Check-in: 30 minutes before your session start time

Warm-up begins: 15 minutes before session start time

Ages U9 - U14 - players attend BOTH tryout dates

Ages U15 - U18 - returning players attend Date 1, new players attend BOTH tryout dates.

tryout FAQs

why did eclipse change the age group system?

Starting in 2026, youth soccer is transitioning to an age-based system (rather than birth year) to better align with player development stages and school year peers. This change affects all clubs nationwide.

what if my child's birthday falls right on the cutoff date?

If your child is born on August 1st, they fall into the younger age group. For example, a child born August 1, 2017 would be U9 (not U10) for the 2026-27 season.  If you are a late birthday in the class above, you can email eclipse@eastbayeclipse.com for discussion.

what if my player can only attend one tryout date?

All players should attend both tryout dates for their age group. If your player has an unavoidable conflict, please email eclipse@eastbayeclipse.com before tryouts to discuss options.

what if my player is unable to attend either tryout date?

If your player is unable to attend either of the tryouts scheduled for their age, please email eclipse@eastbayeclipse.com to be added to our alternate tryout list. While attending our normally scheduled tryout dates is highly encouraged, we will make our best effort to set up alternate tryouts for players with conflicts.

what if it rains on tryout day?

Tryouts will be held rain or shine. If there is a lightning storm or if one of our grass locations gets closed, we will need to reschedule to keep kids safe. If this occurs, we will contact all registered tryout participants via email.

how many teams will you have in each age group?

As tryouts near, we will post our projected teams and coaches based on the registrations we have received. Historically, we form one team in every age group and have a second and/or third team in age groups with large tryout attendance. Since many registrations come in last minute, it is difficult to determine exact numbers ahead of time.

can my child try out in a different age group?

No players are allowed to "play down" per US Soccer rules. All players must play in their designated age group based on their birthdate. In rare instances, players may be allowed to "play up" in an age group older than their birth date range for developmental reasons. These rare instances must be approved by the club directors via email ahead of tryouts.

do players try out for specific positions?

No, we don't have players try out for specific positions at Eclipse. We want to evaluate each player's overall development and potential rather than pigeonholing them into one role at a young age.  However, if a player also plays goalkeeper, we do mark them during tryouts (with a red "X") so coaches are aware of their goalkeeper skills. This allows us to see their abilities in that position while still getting a complete picture of them as a developing athlete.

how are teams selected?

We have our coaching staff evaluate players during tryouts. At the conclusion of tryouts, a compiled evaluation and rating is made for each player based on feedback from all coaches. The club's directors then meet with the head coach of each team to review the ratings and make final decisions.

when will we know if we made the team?

The club will notify families of team selections within one week (typically quicker) of tryouts concluding. Notifications will be sent to the email addresses that accompany the online tryout registration.

how fast do you need to know if we accept our spot?

We ask that you let us know as soon as you are able to. About 90-95% of our players respond to accept their spots within 24 hours. If you need more time to decide, please communicate your situation to us. We don't want anyone to rush into a decision they're not ready for.

what if my player does not make a team?

Players who are not selected for teams after tryouts will also be notified by the club via email. Players may be invited if spots become available. If the waiting list does not work out, the club offers summer and seasonal programs open to all players in the community.

what if my kid is new to competitive soccer and is nervous about trying out?

Every year we have kids trying out for competitive soccer for the first time. We run our tryouts in line with our club philosophy—kids generally have a lot of fun. If your child is particularly nervous, let us know ahead of time. One of our club coaches or directors will introduce themselves to help your child feel more comfortable upon their arrival.