When do tryouts start?

 

Tryouts start on July 15th every year. Details like exact times can be found on the calendar.

 

What if I cannot make tryouts?

 

Since we start team practices as soon as tryouts are over, we ask that every player please be available for tryouts. However, if a player must miss tryouts our policy is that every player must be officially evaluated in a tryout before being selected for a team. This applies even to returning players. Typically this will consist of the player attending practice with the appropriate team as an evaluation. We will do our best to make up the fitness assessment outside of normal practice hours. Please contact the coaching staff for further details.

 

What do I need in order to tryout?

 

First, register for tryouts online. Online registration will be posted once available. Second, a completed registration packet and a filled out KHSAA physical form are a must! These forms can be found under the Documents tab. Middle school students (7th and 8th graders) will also need a completed middle school participation form. Players will also need proper equipment (shinguards and shoes), water, a properly inflated soccer ball, and running shoes for the first day.

 

How many days are tryouts?

 

Tryouts typically last 2-3 days. Players must attend all tryout dates unless told otherwise. A first round of selections may be made if numbers make it necessary. Further tryout days may be scheduled if bad weather requires make up days, or if the coaching staff believes it is necessary for further evaluations.

 

When and where will teams be posted?

 

Teams will be posted as soon as possible, usually the day after the last tryout. Team selections will be posted on a Tryout Results page on the website.

 

How many players are selected?

 

We pick up as many players as we possibly can. For the JV Academy, this is around 36 players total (i.e. two teams of 18). The varsity roster is typically comprised of around 25-30 players - note that only 24 players can dress for the postseason.

 

How are minutes managed with such a big varsity roster?

 

Our goal at Lafayette is to give as many players as we possibly can the opportunity to be a part of the program that want to be. However, at the varsity level the normal game to game rotation will probably only be 15-18 players, sometimes less. This means if we pick up a full roster, there will be several players who may not see much time, or no time at all, during games. However, even if players do not play in games they are still extremely important to the team success as they help make their teammates better, prepare the rest of the team for games, impact team chemistry, and may be needed to step in during a big game due to a card or injury.

 

What is the JV Academy?

 

Initially we formed a freshman and JV team. We then moved to two JV teams for various reasons. For 2022 we are moving to one JV Academy player pool in which players will be placed in different game tiers. More about this approach can be found on the Academy Model page which is linked on the homepage.

 

What is a swing player?

 

Swing players are players who spend time with both the JV and varsity groups. Each player will be managed on a case by case basis dependent on what is best for the individual. Some swing players may train exclusively with varsity, and only play some games with JV. Or a swing player can spend more time with JV both in training and in games, but also find time to play with varsity.

 

How are swing players selected?

 

Swing players are selected at the discretion of the coaching staff and may be selected at any point in the season. The purpose of a swing player is to help both the varsity team and the development of the individual player. Training and playing with better players is a great way to develop, and this experience can be very beneficial for a high level JV player. Also, keep in mind that swing players may be used to fill in for injured or suspended varsity players.

 

How long is the season?

 

Preseason lasts about a month until the second week in August. The regular season ends in early October. Varsity can play up to 4 more weeks in the postseason.

 

When and where are practices?

 

Practices are usually in the evening and held at the Lafayette High School stadium. There may be some practices held in the gym. A full practice schedule can be found on the master calendar once developed.

 

Is transportation provided to away games?

 

Transportation is not provided to any away games. The players are on their own to get to all games during the season. Directions to away games can be found on the website. The only exception to this is if bus transportation is purchased for a special event (e.g. overnight trip, long postseason travel, etc.).

 

Can middle school players play high school soccer?

 

Yes! 7th and 8th graders are more than welcome to tryout for the boys soccer program at Lafayette. Middle school students must live in the Lafayette attendance area and be enrolled in a public school.

 

If my middle school player plays club in the fall can he still play for the high school team?

 

Yes! If your player makes a team we do our best to work with everyone's club schedule and we will not penalize players for missing Lafayette training or games for club events. Choosing between the two is a personal choice so we leave that up to the player and family. We understand that players may get higher level competition playing with their club teams, especially at the highest club level. However, players and families should understand that game roles may be affected due to missed practice in order to be fair to all players.

 

Does it cost anything to play?

 

Player insurance is required for each player (usually $25). There is no other required cost but we do ask for all families to make a donation to the program's "Spirit Fund" to cover season expenses. Without these donations we cannot cover our annual costs and we would have to do far less as a program. Among other things, these donations cover equipment, uniforms, referee costs, tournament fees, team events, and travel expenses for any program trips. The program receives very minimal financial support from Fayette County Public Schools and is almost entirely self financed. Spirit Fund donations can vary for each family based on individual circumstances.

 

What if I can't make a donation?

 

Players who may have trouble making the program donation will need to talk to a coach or booster club board member. We will work with players in any type of financial situation and can offer scholarships of various amounts.

 

So if we donate to the program, that means we don't have to do anything else, right?

 

We wish but we also need your time! Donations only cover a small percentage. It also takes a lot of volunteers to make a season go! We need all players and families to help in fundraising and fill all of our annual volunteer positions. The more people that help out, the less each has to do. We want to give our players the best, but we need the resources to make it happen

 

Are there scheduled events during fall break?

 

While it depends on the exact dates for fall break, the answer is almost always yes, especially for varsity. Fall break typically falls at the end of the regular season or at the beginning of the postseason. While JV could be wrapping at that time depending on their schedule, varsity will likely be preparing for the postseason which is a very important time. All players need to plan to be available during fall break.

 

Are there practices in the offseason?

 

Yes! Or at least we can. The soccer season runs from July 15 until the last varsity game. In the offseason coaches are allowed to work with players whether it be through individual or group training sessions. Team practices will not be mandatory and will be open to all Lafayette students. Since many players will be playing on spring club teams, practices will be limited, especially during the spring months. Any practice dates will be posted on the calendar as they are confirmed.