How does my child try out for the Firebirds?

We encourage all players interested in soccer to tryout for the Firebirds.  Open tryouts are held in June of each year for the following season which begins play in August. The tryouts are conducted by professional trainers hired by the Firebirds.  They are designed to evaluate individual and team soccer skills and potential. Players trying out for each team are assigned numbers and are reviewed by the professional trainers and coaches. Children are led through a series of drills and mock game situations to assess their skills and determination.   Anyone interested in playing on the Firebirds must attend at least one tryout session, including returning Firebird players.

Roster decisions are not revealed at the tryouts.  Each parent will receive an individual call within a week of the end of tryouts. Look for information regarding specific tryout dates and times in April of each year.   If you cannot make the scheduled tryout, an alternate tryout date and time is available. 

How many kids will make each Firebirds team?

U-9 teams (generally 3rd grade) play with 6 players on the field.  U10 and U11 teams play with 8 players at a time during the games.  These teams may carry rosters of 10-14 children. The U-12 and older teams play with 11 players and therefore, have larger rosters. The Firebirds have at least one boys and one girls team at each level, beginning with U-9 (generally 3rd grade). If enough children try out for a certain level and volunteer coaches are available, the Firebirds may have two teams at that level.  The Firebirds will try and find a place for all individuals who attend tryouts and demonstrate basic skills, a love of soccer, and a willingness to learn.

Does my child have to be an "all-star" player to make the team?

No. If your child enjoys playing soccer and has a desire to improve their skills, he or she will likely become a good traveling soccer player.  The primary emphasis of the Firebirds is to develop soccer skills.

How long does the Firebirds soccer season last?

The Firebirds boys' soccer teams compete in the Northern Illinois Soccer League (NISL).  The girls' soccer teams compete in the Illinois Women's Soccer League (IWSL).  Both established leagues have a two part season beginning with 10 games in the Fall followed by 10 games in the Spring. The Fall season generally begins with practices in early August and ends in early November.  The spring season runs from early April through the end of June.  If you are asked to join a team after the tryouts, you will be expected to participate in both the fall and spring sessions.

How much traveling is involved in Firebirds Soccer?

Each team will play half of their games in Lombard and half of their games on the road.  Opponents often are from area towns such as Downers Grove, Naperville, Elmhurst, Carol Stream, Wheaton, but could be as far away as Rockford. 

What is the time commitment expected of a Firebird soccer player?

Firebird soccer teams generally practice twice a week for about 1 1/2 hours each session. One practice each week is conducted by the professional trainer and a second practice is coordinated by the team coaches. Games are usually played once a week on Sunday afternoons.  Games for the younger players are 60 minutes long (two 30 min halves).  Games for the older players are 90 minutes long.  The total time commitment for most players, including travel time, is about 5-7 hours per week  There are also additional "skills" clinics offered to interested players during the season.

What is expected of a Firebirds soccer player? 

Firebird players play hard and have fun.  Players are expected to commit to their team by attending training sessions and games, and working to improve their skills.  Players are expected to respect coaches, teammates, opponents, officials, and the rules of soccer.  Most importantly, players should enjoy playing soccer and competing.  Remember, "If you have fun, you won!".