Frequently Asked Questions About Select/XL Soccer
When are tryouts?
For information on dates, times and locations of XL and Select tryouts, please visit Select/XL Tryout Information
Do I need to register for both XL and Select?
To be considered for XL, please register for select/xl tryout and check the "Consider for XL" box on the registration form. If your player does not make the XL team for their age group, they will automatically be registered for select tryouts. If your player does not make a team, please consider our terrific recreational program.
Can players play-up on a Select/XL team?
Yes. A player may play up one year. For U14 and below, to be eligible to play up, a player must be determined by the evaluators to be in the top five players, unless the player is grade appropriate. No more than five players may be allowed to play up on any one team. There are no playing up restrictions for players who meet the age criteria for U15 and older.
How and when do we find out if my player has made a team?
You and your player will be called or emailed within 24 to 48 hours of the final tryout by a coach with an offer for a team. Players may also be offered a spot on the field at the tryout. If your player did not make a team, we will communicate via email.
What if my player cannot make any of the tryouts or moved here after tryouts?
We encourage players to make as many tryouts as possible but also realize that sometimes there are schedule conflicts. Please contact MIFC Select Registrar and we will get you in touch with the coach to discuss any conflicts. If a player moves into the area after scheduled tryouts, the player may have the opportunity to tryout at informal sessions at the discretion of the Select team coach, assuming the roster is not full. If your player is injured and cannot tryout, please let us know and we will put you in touch with the coach.
Do you have to be a Mercer Island resident to try out for MIFC Select?
Anyone can try out for Select (they don't have to be MI residents). However, the majority of our players do live on Mercer Island.
How often and how long are the trainings?
XL teams will train 2-3 times per week. Select teams train 2 times per week. Generally, trainings are 90 minutes per session. Coaches can make changes to the training schedule at their discretion.
What are the training locations?
XL teams will train in Bellevue or Mercer Island at locations throughout Bellevue (Newport Hills, Wilburton, Robinswood, Chinook MS, Woodridge MS, etc) or Mercer Island (Islander Middle School or South Mercer Playfields). Mercer Island based teams will train primarily at Islander Middle School or South Mercer Playfields. We also use Island Crest Park, Aubrey Davis Park and Homestead Field.
What is the registration fee?
The registration fee for XL is $2000 and for Select is $1350. This covers registration, coaching fees, fields, league fees and all club administrative fees for the respective season.
Are there any other costs?
Yes, other costs include uniforms, team-related fees, tournament registration and travel costs.
Do you offer financial aid?
Yes, we offer financial aid to help cover the cost of registration. Families must apply prior to registration. The forms are located here: Forms
How are the teams formed?
Teams are formed based on ability and commitment, with XL being our top team requiring a year-round commitment. Maroon is the top level select team followed by White. Select teams require an 8-month commitment.
What is the team roster size?
Depending on the age group, teams can have 10 to 20 players per team.
What is the playing time policy?
Generally, players will average at least 50% over the course of the season. Playing time is based on merit and commitment. Playing time may vary during end of season Cup play where emphasis shifts towards outcomes and winning cups.
My player wants to play up, but the system won't allow me to register them because his/her birthday falls outside the age range for the team.
The system is designed this way to flag play ups. You can register your child for an appropriate aged team or tryout. For example, your GU11 child wants to play GU12. Register your player for any GU11 team. Once your player is in our system, please email the MIFC Select Registrar and we will override the age requirement manually and move your player onto the correct roster.