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Tryouts

Join a Stanford Soccer Club Team

All Stanford Soccer teams look forward to meeting potential new players, so even if you do not see an appropriate tryout for your player on the list below, please email the contacts Teams/Schedules or send a message to webmaster@stanfordsoccerclub.org. In your email please include the player name, DOB, sports experience and family contact info (for more information see Contacting the Appropriate Team).

During all tryouts SSC requires that players wear shin guards and bring a signed copy of this tryout form. We look forward to meeting you and your soccer player.

Team Tryouts Listings (Boys & Girls)

Note: Age designations (e.g. U10) are for Fall 2013; Birthdates are shown to help clarify this.

Boys Teams

Stanford United Aftershocks and Rapids, U9 Boys (born after 7/31/04) Our coaching is led by Vava Marques; Manager is Todd Wilde todd.wilde.244@gmail.com. For tryout information see the joint tryout announcement with the U9 Volcanoes/Mirage/Snowstorm Teams (below).

Stanford United Volcanoes, Mirage and Snowstorm, U10 Boys (born after 7/31/03)The Stanford Soccer Club World United U9/U10 boys teams are holding tryouts for 8 and 9 & 10 year old boys for the 2013 Fall season:

May 17th, 4:00-5:30PM at the Cubberley Turf field.
May 23rd, 4:00-5:30PM at the Cubberley Turf field.

Our fantastic group of boys is head coached by Vava Marques, currently a US National Team futsal coach who has coached youth and professional soccer teams for over 20 years. Vava is supported by a quality coaching staff who have 15+ years of youth soccer coaching experience between them. The World United positive coaching style focuses on developing soccer instincts, player discipline and team spirit in a fun environment. We have two competitive U9 teams in the Gold and Bronze divisions, and three competitive U10 teams in the Silver and Copper divisions. Our program has achieved a great level of success with the U10 Volcanoes team winning the 2012 Bronze 2 division of the NorCal State cup last Fall. If your player loves soccer, we might be a good fit! Email team manager, Zeene Ni (zeenec@mac.com) for more information. 

Stanford Meteors U11, Comets U11 (born after 7/31/02), and Thunder U10 Boys (born after 7/31/03). We formed in Spring 2010 and currently play in the CYSA Bronze and Copper divisions. Our goal is to form a Silver/Gold team over the next 2 years.  If your son is committed to playing soccer, wants to join a team that truly loves playing soccer together, and wants to learn from experienced, devoted coaches, then we look forward to meeting him. Please contact Luis Michel <luisdmichel@gmail.com> for more information.

Stanford Lightning U11 Boys (born after 7/31/02). Please contact Pratap Mukherjee <pratapmuk@gmail.com> or Antonio Caliz <acaliz@gmail.com> for tryout and other information.

Stanford United Hurricanes, Blizzards, and Stampede U11 Boys (born after 7/31/02) Stanford United 003 Program (Stampede / Blizzards / Hurricanes) is now holding informal player evaluations for fall 2013 rosters. This program is for boys born between (8/1/2002 - 7/31/2003) We look forward to hearing from you! Please contact: Sabine Nusser at ssph4@yahoo.com, Elizabeth Olson at eaousa@yahoo.com ,Tanya Dargel at tanya36@gmail.com , or "Michael D Greicius" greicius@stanford.edu .

Our program is directed by Vava Marques who is a US Professional (WPSL -FC Gold Pride), US National Team, and College coach who brings 20+ years of coaching experience to our program. Vava is supported by a quality coaching staff who have 15+ years of youth soccer coaching experience between them. We have 3 competitive teams in our program representing Copper, Bronze and Silver CCSL Divisions.

In addition the teams are the NorCal State Cup “Silver 2” Fall 2012 Champions and NorCal State Cup “Bronze 7” Fall 2012 Champions. Our intent is to develop skilled players who will merge into two (class 1), 11v11 teams (CCSL Bronze and Silver Elite or higher) in Spring of 2014.

Stanford Flood, U12 Boys (born after 7/31/01) To schedule a tryout contact manager Kathy Kawakami, ksklusk@gmail.com.

Stanford United Fireballs U13 Boys Silver. (born after 7/31/00 ) We are looking for enthusiastic boys who love soccer and want to develop for Class 1 competition. Our coach Vava Marques is a US Professional (WPSL -FC Gold Pride), US National Team, and College coach. We are holding tryouts for the Fall 2013 season.
Please contact Anne (anne_rerolle@hotmail.com) or Shalina (smmiklos@yahoo.com).

Stanford United Flames U13 Boys Copper. (born after 7/31/00 ) We are looking for a few players to add to our awesome roster. We are a team of great kids who play hard but have lots of fun. We are looking for players and parents who want to join a competitive team that will play and grow together. Our coaching is lead by Vava Marques and Victor Miramontes. Please contact manager Teri Wilde (wilde.teri@gmail.com or call 415-254-2096) if you are interested in joining for the Fall 2013 season.

Stanford Catatumbo, U13 Boys (born after 7/31/00 ) Catatumbo (Norcal Gold) is comprised of a great group of kids and parents that like to have fun and who enjoy competitive soccer. The team won the Norcal Silver division in Spring 2012 and is moved to Norcal Gold in the Fall. We are looking for a few dedicated players to complement our squad. If you are interested in trying out, please contact Manager: Todd Ford, tford@brokenarrowcapital.com or at 650-862-4616. 

Stanford Earthquakes, U14 Boys (born after July 31, 1999) We are a fun group of U13 boys looking for players that are competitive while eager to develop their skills, and who believe in true team spirit. For more information, contact managers Yvonne Baur <yvonne.baur@gmail.com> or Leslie Matlof <lesliematlof@yahoo.com>.

Stanford Vortex, U15 Boys (born after July 31, 1998) We are a family oriented team and interested in boys that have a great attitude and love competitive soccer. For more information contact the manager, Tanna Kienitz, tannak@att.net.

Girls Teams

Stanford Orange, U10 Girls (born after 7/31/03) For tryout information please contact Elliot Singer at elliotsinger@gmail.com.

Stanford Cyclones, U10 Girls (born after 7/31/03) For tryout information please contact MIke Koehler at mftkoehler@gmail.com.

Stanford Twisters, U10 Girls (born after 7/31/03) For further information please contact Susan Bush at susancbush@gmail.com.

Stanford Thunderbolts, U10 Girls (born after 7/31/03) The team will be coached by distinguished head coach Rodrigo Baptista, who also coaches the U10G Inferno. If your daughter wants to play soccer with a great group of girls, and learning the game from a great coach who teaches excellent skills in a fun learning environment then contact Michael Grady <michaelfgrady@stanfordalumni.org> for details or call Mike at 650-704-0958.

Stanford Inferno U11 Girls (born after 7/31/02) The Inferno is looking to add several enthusiastic , talented players. The team is coached by distinguished head coach Rodrigo Baptista. If your daughter wants to play soccer with a great group of girls, and learning the game from a great coach who teaches excellent skills in a fun learning environment, contact Lance Nakamitsu for details.  E-mail: lance_nakamitsu@yahoo.com or call Lance at 650-400-0542.

Stanford Tremors U11 Girls (born after 7/31/02) The coach is Amy Love. Please contact Carola Vasquez cvasquez@gmail.com for tryout information.

Stanford Landslide U12 Girls (born after 7/31/01) The Stanford Landslide, a class 3 U11 girls team in Palo Alto coached by Stephanie Darling and Taylor McCann. Our coaches provide a positive and nurturing environment for the girls, with the goal of helping them develop into well-rounded individuals with an appreciation for good sportsmanship and dedication to the sport. Contact manager Bill Barnett for more information at stanford.landslide@gmail.com.

Stanford Tornado and Heatwave U12 Girls (born after 8/01/01) We are looking for a few girls to join our teams! Tornado and Heatwave teams are holding tryouts for Fall 2013 soccer teams. This a chance for players who want to play on a competitive team, have fun, and to learn soccer skills and strategy by experienced coaches. Many girls on these teams have been together for years and it is a great group of girls and families. There are several spots available. Tornado plays in the Bronze division and Heatwave plays in the Copper division. They are both coached by Juan Mayora.

When & Where:
May 21and 28, 5:30-7pm, at Greer Park Field #2 (1098 Amarillo Avenue)
May 23 and 30, 5:30-7pm, at JLS Field #3 (480 E. Meadow Drive)

If interested please contact: Kristen Andersen kristenandersen@me.com, or 650-796-4546 or Christine Meyer, cjm101@me.com

Stanford Tsunami U13 Girls (born after 7/31/00) is looking for mid/high-level players who want to join a competitive team that continues to develop together over time. The team plays in the Norcal Silver Division. Tsunami Coach Nicole Van Dyke is also an assistance coach for the Stanford University Women's soccer team. For tryout details contact JB Kuppe at jb@kuppe.com, (415) 595-5961.

Stanford Wildfire, U14 Girls (born after July 31, 1999), The Wildfire are a high performing Silver Division team coached by Ross Ireland. For tryour information please contact team managers Andrea Fish at andreafish@sbcglobal.net or Christy Wolf at 650-906-2050.

Stanford Supernova, U14 Girls (born after July 31, 1999), Copper CCSL. We are a team of great friends who focus on playing our hardest, trying our best and having lots of fun. We have just finished our third winning season. For more information on tryouts, please contact our managers, May Herr at: mayherr14@gmail.com and Don Darby at dwdarby@gmail.com. Coached by Stephanie Darling. Our team site is http://sscsupernova.teamsnap.com

Stanford Heat, U14 Girls (born after July 31, 1999), Bronze CCSL. Heat is led by a fantastic head coach, Morgan Redman, from nationally ranked Stanford Women's Soccer team, 2006-2010.This competitive team provides experienced, professional coaching with an emphasis on team-building, improving athletic skills and character development. For any questions or more information please contact managers Molly Goodman woof222@aol.com or Brian Goncher bgoncher@deloitte.com.

Stanford Avalanche, U15 Girls (born after July 31, 1998), We are looking for girls who love soccer, and want to join a competitive team that plays together for many seasons. We are looking for a couple players. Tryouts occur during our regular practices; please contact Keith Ferrell: ferrell.keith@gmail.com or 650-321-6933. Coach Ross Ireland.

Stanford Firestorm, U16 Girls (born after July 31, 1997) Website: http://stanfordfirestorm.org/. For tryout information please contact Maggi Smeal, maggianded@gmail.com, 650-303-8499 or Rebecca Wedl, rwedl@stanford.edu, 650-218-8160.

Stanford Storm, U16 Girls (born after July 31, 1997) Please contact Ed Feitzinger at 650-743-2281 or feitzinger@gmail.com to coordinate a tryout.

Stanford Explosion, U16 Girls (born after July 31, 1997) is looking for one to two more players, especially a girl that would enjoy playing goal keeper and in the field half and half. Explosion formed in the summer of 2011 under Coach Kim Limbrick. The girls, parents, and coaches are having a lot of fun, we all feel fortunate to be part of this team and group of people! For tryout information, please contact Diane Greene at dianebgreene@gmail.com or (650) 704-8746. Web site: http://explosion.teamsnap.com/

Stanford Typhoon, U18 Girls (born after July 31, 1995) The Stanford Typhoons are a competitive Class I soccer team and are looking to add motivated & skilled players with a love for soccer to our current roster. The Stanford Typhoons are the Fall 2012 CCSL Silver A Coast Division winners, with a fall record of 8 wins, 2 ties and 0 losses. The Typhoons are coached by Ernesto Cruz, we are a fun-loving group of hard-working, enthusiastic young athletes. If you know of a girl who loves soccer and wants to have a great time on a supportive team, please contact team manager Cathy at abmaharaj@comcast.net and for additional info check out the team website: http://www.ciro-home.net/Typhoons/

Stanford Tidal Waves, U18 Girls (born after July 1, 1995) . For tryout information please email manager Robin Boselli, reboselli3@gmail.com. Coach Juan Mayora.

What is CYSA?

CYSA is a youth soccer association in California that is generally much more competitive than AYSO, attracting youths who excel in soccer. Is your child interested in playing CYSA soccer? If so, this background information about the Stanford Soccer Club could allow your daughter or son to gain much benefit and pleasure from competitive soccer in the Palo Alto area.

CYSA teams play official soccer games in the fall and spring of each year; in addition, many Stanford Soccer Club teams offer team soccer and social activities for their players between seasons.

Player Recruitment

The Stanford Soccer Club offers teams in various stages of progression:

  1. More established teams, whose player rosters are quite full

  2. New teams, whose rosters need to be built from scratch or a small core of excellent players

  3. “Open team slots,” for parents and coaches who want to start or bring over a team in an age group that is currently not represented in the club (for example, a boys' or girls' team for a younger age group, or for a gender where the club has an age-group opening)

These various kinds of teams all have the same recruiting objective: to make their team as competitive as possible by adding kids with optimal mix of talent, skill and attitude.

Even a well-established team with a nearly full roster will normally be willing to add an extremely capable player. Less established teams will be more flexible in their recruitment expectations, perhaps underscoring ability and attitude more than experience.

While the club assists all Stanford teams with player recruitment, each team is responsible for creating and implementing its own evaluation process.

Evaluation Process

New players usually join a team between seasons, that is:

  • Between Dec. 1 and Mar. 31
  • Between June 1 and Aug. 31

While you should definitely contact a Stanford Soccer Club team whenever your interest points you in this direction, the above two periods are the best times to contact a new CYSA team of interest to your child.

Please understand that it can take a month or more to register a player with CYSA and receive an official player card (this requires photos, birth certificates and other official documents); moreover, a CYSA team's roster is usually set at the season's start, making it more complicated to add new players during the season. Most established teams will not add a new player unless he or she would rank in the top half of the team, since players at the bottom half will hopefully improve over time.

To evaluate candidates, some teams hold open tryouts on weekends, whereas other teams ask prospective players to participate in normal practices both during the regular season and between seasons.

The club places more emphasis on quality than quantity, also because the “process” of “mass tryouts” is often arbitrary and disappointing when dozens of kids show up who aren't CYSA-caliber soccer players. Therefore, a pre-evaluation discussion usually takes place between the team's manager and prospective player's family to determine if the player is in the ballpark of eligibility.

Contacting the Appropriate Team

In light of the above information, please go the Teams/Schedules page to determine the Stanford Soccer Club team responsible for your child's age group and gender.

To improve the accuracy of the recruitment process, please send an email to the team manager including the following details about your child:

  1. Name and date of birth
  2. Soccer and other sports experience
  3. Family's contact information (parents' names, address, email, home and cell phone numbers, etc.)
  4. Other details that you feel are important, such as how you heard about the Stanford Soccer Club

If you do not receive a response within a day or two, please feel free to email the club president, Juan Mayora at jmayora@sbcglobal.net or send an email to webmaster@stanfordsoccerclub.org repeating the above details.

You should soon hear back from the appropriate team's manager or coach to exchange more specific information, also about the team's tryout plans.

New Team Formation

The Stanford Soccer Club welcomes parents who want to start a new team, or bring a Palo Alto-based team from another club.

To form a team, active parent leadership is required by the club. Parents who are unfamiliar with CYSA yet wish to start a team may turn to club leaders for guidance regarding practice expectations, game schedules, recruitment, the logistics of CYSA, and other aspects of creating and sustaining a successful soccer team. To be accepted by the club, a new team's leaders must present themselves and their objectives at a monthly club meeting.

Existing teams associated with other clubs may apply to join the Stanford Soccer Club, especially if a team for a particular age group and gender is not already represented within the club.

If you wish to create or register a new team within the Stanford Soccer Club, please send a mail to recruiting@stanfordsoccerclub.org.

Financial Parameters

Each Stanford team sets its own budget so seasonal fees vary. Fees for younger teams typically range from $200 to $400 per season (other clubs may charge over $1,000 per season); if equipment or uniforms must be purchased, or if the team participates more heavily in tournaments, fees may increase.

In general, the Stanford Soccer Club has lower-than-average fees because the community-minded club charges only a small amount for providing its largely volunteer-provided services. In addition and in exchange, the club's teams rely on parent volunteers to manage the team, set up the fields, assist with team and club functions, purchase items, organize social activities, coordinate tournaments, lead conditioning or off-season sessions, and so forth.

Coaches are typically paid professionals with impressive soccer credentials and the desire to help children develop a passion for soccer. They must be licensed by an appropriate professional soccer association. The Stanford Soccer Club features some of California 's best coaches.

Age Group Definitions

The cut-off date for each CYSA age group is July 31. A child's age on July 31 determines his or her CYSA age group. For example, if a boy is 12 years old on July 31 then he must play in a U13 (or older) age group. The 'U13' designation means "under 13 years of age as of the end of July 31."

Any player is eligible to play in any older age group, skill and team permitting. A player can play in any geographical area of choice, regardless of CYSA District or league boundaries. Longer travel distances often apply to older age groups; younger players usually stay closer to home.

Teams may have a maximum of 18 players. Most teams have 15 or 16 players to allow sufficient playing time for most players; the rules, however, require no minimum amount of playing time for any player.

Other Questions?

Navigating through the CYSA labyrinth can be challenging, since good information is hard to find. Your best way to get straight answers is to call the manager of the team that interests you, at Teams/Schedules.

We at the Stanford Soccer Club wish you much luck in your search for an appropriate CYSA team!