At NWU we have national level programming, and distinguished coaching to foster long term player development. As a club, we strive to provide Skagit County and surrounding areas youth with the highest quality soccer training and development. Players born in 2018-2007 are eligible to tryout for our club for the 2025/26 season. Our club teams are formed based on birth year. Tryouts are hosted over two days at each age group.
JOIN NORTHWEST UNITED FOR THE 25/26 SEASON
WHAT ARE TRYOUTS?
Every soccer club that plays in a competitive league host tryouts at the beginning of every season. Tryouts are a process ran by Northwest United to ensure that every player wanting and interested in playing premier soccer are identified and coaches and directors can provide appropriate placement of players onto teams that will help accelerate and benefit their development. Our mission at Northwest United is to provide high level support to players that will facilitate the technical, tactical and mental developmenf of all players. By placing players onto teams during tryouts, this ensures players are in an environment suitable to support their growth. Washington Youth Soccer mandate the tryout dates and schedule.
WHAT TO EXPECT AT NWU TRYOUTS
To participate in NWU tryouts players need to register online by creating an account through the information above. Players need to register 1 hour before tryouts start for their age group, but we will accept walk on's if you miss this deadline. Each age group hosts 2 tryouts, so we encourage you to make both!
Plan to arrive 30 minutes before the tryout starts, and you will need to bring confirmation and check in at the Skagit Park pavilion at the south side of Skagit River Park playfields, or at the check in at SVC for High School Boys. Also bring water and appropriate clothing, shinguard's are mandatory. NWU players are to wear non branded playing clothes. Here you will be given a jersey with a number. This jersey number is how coaches identify you throughout the process, and you will the same jersey on both days.
Each age groups head coaches will introduce themselves to the group and our club trainers will then deliver tryouts while the head coaches evaluate. Players will complete a ball mastery warm up, followed by small sided 1v1 and 2v2 attacking practices. This will then progress to small sided games and age format games to finish. Tryouts last for 90 minutes.
Following tryouts the coaches will meet and place players onto teams, the number of teams depend on the number of players available to each age group. Players will receive a phone call offering a spot on a team within 48 hours of tryout as well as jersey numbers posted on our results page. Players will have 24 hours to accept a position on respective team, or be offered a number of different programs our club has to offer.
HOW ARE NWU TEAMS STRUCTURED?
ECNL-RL Teams - Our ECNL-RL teams are the highest level of play within the club and compete year-round in the Elite Clubs National League- Regional League.
Premier Teams – There are 1-2 premier teams at each age and gender, though the number of teams will depend on number of players attending tryouts and overall quality of play. Our premier teams play at the highest applicable WYS league (currently, the RCL).
WHAT IF I DO NOT MAKE A TEAM? WHAT ARE MY OTHER OPTIONS?
Unfortunately, not all players will make a team. There are plenty of options available to those that do not. At all age groups, the SVSA rec soccer program is a fantastic way to stay involved and hone your skills. At the younger age groups, Northwest United's NEXT GEN program is a great way to stay involved with the club and work on your development. We encourage players that are interested in other opportunities to contact your age group head coach.
WHAT IF I AM SICK OR IF I HAVE TO MISS TRYOUTS?
In the case of all unavoidable conflicts, please contact the age group director and the head coach of the team for which the player is most likely trying out. He/she will advise you on how best to proceed.
WHAT DO THE COACHES LOOK FOR DURING TRYOUTS?
All players will be evaluated based on their technical and tactical ability as well as their physical abilities. Players who exhibit a strong work ethic and who display a respect for the game, coaches and fellow players will show well.
I AM INTERESTED IN PLAYING FOR NWU BUT I CANNOT AFFORD IT. IS THERE A SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM OFFERED?
Yes. Details are on our Parents Resource page.
HOW MUCH WILL IT COST IF I MAKE A TEAM?
This varies by team. All fees are published each year on the our Parents Resource page.