REAL SACRAMENTO FC: U8-U19 TRYOUTS

AGE GROUP CHART: 2026/27 SEASON

In alignment with US Club Soccer and major national youth sanctioning bodies, Real Sacramento FC is transitioning back to a school-year–based age group system. As we continue to develop the next generation of elite athletes, this shift ensures our players remain in the most competitive and developmentally appropriate environments.

At its core, this transition is about making the game more intuitive and aligning our development pathway with the everyday lives of our athletes. By returning to the school-year structure, we are prioritizing the social and competitive health of every player in the club:

Classroom to Pitch Connection: Players will now be grouped by school year (Aug 1 – July 31), ensuring they develop alongside their classmates and peers.
Eliminating the "Trapped Player" Gap: This change significantly reduces the number of athletes separated from their grade level due to previous birthdate cutoffs.
Academic & Social Synergy: Stronger alignment with the academic calendar fosters deeper team chemistry and supports long-term social development.
Proven Developmental Roots: A return to the pre-2017 structure—a system widely recognized for better supporting sustained player participation and elite growth.

Please refer to the Age Group Chart to determine your placement for the upcoming 2026/27 season.

COMPETITIVE: U8-U19 TRYOUT CALENDAR

THE HOME OF REAL SACRAMENTO FC

O'Neil Park "The Proving Ground"

This isn't just a park; it's our fortress. Under the Sacramento lights, we sharpen our skills and build the future of the game. Respect the pitch, embrace the grind, and leave everything on the grass.

TRYOUT ATTENDANCE

"Every Minute Counts"

Excellence isn't a one-day event. To provide our scouts with the best look at your technical skill and tactical intelligence, we recommend attending all scheduled tryout sessions.

We are committed to keeping premier soccer accessible by maintaining industry-low fees. All we ask is that our athletes bring elite-level effort and dedication in return. This begins with a total commitment to the clock: showing up to every session, on time, and ready to work. At REAL SACRAMENTO FC, being present and prepared is the first step toward being elite.

TRYOUT LOGISTICS

Arrival at "The Proving Ground"

Evaluations are held at O’Neil Park. To ensure a professional environment for our athletes, please adhere to the following check-in procedures:

Professional Preparation: Arrive at least 15 minutes early to complete the check-in process. Being ready to play at the designated start time is a baseline requirement for elite development.
Check-in: Provide the following information
1. Athlete Information: Provide staff with the athlete’s full name, birth year, and Primary Field Position.
2. Club History: All athletes must provide their Current Club and Soccer Experience to ensure proper placement and scouting context.
3. Emergency Contact: Provide the name and contact information for a Parent or Legal Guardian who will be reachable throughout the session.
Field Entry: Once checked in, players will be directed to their assigned technical station or match-play field.

EXPECTATIONS & STANDARDS

To maintain the professional integrity of The Proving Ground, every athlete is expected to uphold the following standards throughout the evaluation process:

Elite Readiness: Bring the necessary tools for excellence—full soccer attire (cleats and shin guards), a properly inflated ball (U8-U12 = Size 4, U13-U19 = Size 5), and adequate hydration. Your gear reflects your preparation.
The Growth Mindset: Demonstrate an eager hunger to learn. Be coachable, listen intently to staff instructions, and apply feedback immediately to your play.
Athletic Intensity: Compete with a relentless work rate and high intensity while maintaining the highest level of sportsmanship toward teammates and opponents.
Mental Fortitude: Maintain positive body language and stay focused under pressure. We scout for leaders who encourage those around them, especially when the game gets difficult.
Respect for the Badge: Show total respect to all coaches, staff, and fellow athletes. How you carry yourself off the ball is just as important as how you perform on it.

THE REAL STANDARD: Evaluation Criteria

At Real Sacramento FC, we aren't just looking for the players you are today; we are looking for the elites you will become. Our coaching staff evaluates every athlete through a professional lens, anchored by our Four Pillars of Excellence:

Technical Precision: Mastery of the ball under high-pressure, game-speed conditions.

Tactical Intelligence: The "Soccer IQ" to read the game, anticipate plays, and execute under stress.

Athletic Dominance: The speed, strength, and relentless work rate required to outlast any opponent.

The Growth Mindset (Psychological Grit): This is the heart of our club. We scout for coachability and an eager hunger to grow. We want players who listen, adapt instantly to instruction, and view every challenge as an opportunity to level up.

The eyes of our staff are always on you. We don't just watch your highlights; we watch how you respond to a lost ball, how you treat your teammates, and how quickly you apply a coach's feedback. If you have the talent and the "REAL" eagerness to learn, you belong here.

THE REAL COMMITMENT: Elite Talent, Accessible Path

We believe that financial barriers should never stand in the way of elite development. REAL SACRAMENTO FC is dedicated to keeping soccer focused on what matters—developing passion and skill, not driving up player fees. Our mission is to provide a high-performance environment that remains cost-effective, ensuring that every athlete with the grit to compete has a place on the pitch.

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