Georgia Express Academy Tryouts are designed to help place players in the best developmental environment for the upcoming soccer year. Whether you are a returning player or attending for the first time, we want every family to feel prepared and informed before arriving at the field.
⚽ Before Tryouts
Register Online Before Arriving
All players must complete online registration prior to attending tryouts. If you haven't already, please use the link below.
Players who are not registered may experience delays at check-in.
📍 Location
Cauley Creek Park
7255 Bell Road
Johns Creek, Georgia
Please arrive 20–30 minutes early on the first day to allow time for parking and check-in.
🕒 Check-In Process
When you arrive:
- Proceed to the Georgia Express check-in area
- Players will receive a tryout number/shirt if applicable
- Staff will confirm registration and age group placement
Parents should remain available during check-in.
Uniform sizing kits will be available on-site during tryouts. Parents are encouraged to document sizing information for future ordering through Aretyn.
🎒 What Players Should Bring
Players should arrive ready to train.
Required
- Soccer cleats
- Shin guards
- Water bottle
- Soccer ball
Recommended
- Light snack before training
- Extra water during hot weather
- Goalkeeper gloves (for goalkeepers)
Players should wear comfortable athletic clothing appropriate for outdoor training.
☀️ Weather & Field Conditions
Tryouts are held outdoors.
In the event of severe weather:
- Updates will be communicated by PlayMetrics and social media
- Makeup dates are built into the tryout schedule when possible
Unless otherwise communicated, players should assume sessions are proceeding as scheduled.
👀 What Coaches Evaluate
Georgia Express Academy focuses on long-term player development. Coaches evaluate much more than goals scored.
Areas of evaluation may include:
- Technical ability
- First touch and ball control
- Athleticism and coordination
- Decision-making
- Workrate, effort and competitiveness
- Coachability
- Attitude and teamwork
- Confidence on the ball
- Positional understanding (older ages)
For younger players, evaluations place strong emphasis on:
- Comfort with the ball
- Coordination and movement
- Listening skills
- Positive attitude and energy
📅 Attend All Tryout Sessions
Attendance at all scheduled sessions is strongly recommended.
Why?
- Coaches evaluate players across multiple days
- Different training activities reveal different strengths
- Consistency and effort matter
All teams are being newly formed due to the updated U.S. Soccer age group changes, making attendance especially important this year. Missing a session may impact team placement, so be sure to communicate with coaches any anticipated dates you will miss.
📬 After Tryouts: What Happens Next?
Following evaluations:
- Coaches and directors meet to discuss player placement
- Offers and invitations are sent through PlayMetrics and email
- Some players may be invited to additional evaluations if needed
Families should monitor:
- Email inbox
- Spam/junk folders
- PlayMetrics notifications
🔵 Possible Outcomes After Tryouts
Players may receive:
- Academy team offer
- Pre-Academy invitation
- Recommendation for additional development opportunities
- Recommendation for Rec Soccer placement
Georgia Express aims to place every player in an environment where they can grow, develop confidence, and enjoy the game.
✅ Next Steps After Receiving an Offer
Congratulations! If your player receives an Academy or Pre-Academy invitation, here are the next steps for families.
1. Verbal Acceptance
After receiving an offer, families may first receive:
- A verbal conversation from a coach/director, and/or
- An official email invitation
We ask families to communicate their intentions as quickly as possible so we can continue finalizing teams and player placements.
2. Complete Registration Through PlayMetrics
Official acceptance occurs through PlayMetrics registration.
Families will be able to:
- Select a payment plan, or
- Pay in full and receive the applicable pay-in-full discount
Registration instructions and deadlines will be included in your offer email. Families are encouraged to complete registration promptly, as roster spots are limited and some teams may fill quickly. This also helps us finalize coaching assignments.
3. Order Uniforms Through Aretyn
All Academy and Pre-Academy players will order uniforms through our official uniform partner, Aretyn.
Additional information will include:
- Uniform ordering instructions
- Sizing information
- Player number assignment process
- Fan gear options
Our new Georgia Express uniform reveal is expected by Memorial Day.
4. Prepare for the Fall Season
Summer development is important for long-term player growth.
Players are encouraged to continue developing during the summer through:
- Georgia Express Summer League (June 1-July 27; practices Monday/Wednesday 6:00-7:30PM and games Saturday mornings)
- Camps and small group training
- Individual ball work and fitness
- Informal play with friends and teammates
Georgia Express Summer League is strongly recommended for Pre-Academy and Academy players if you are in the area. Consistency during the summer helps players arrive confident and prepared for the fall season.
5. Communication Throughout the Summer
Families should continue monitoring:
- PlayMetrics notifications
- Georgia Express social media
Additional information regarding:
- Team formation
- Practice schedules
- Coach introductions
- Season calendars
- Uniform ordering
- Parent meetings
…will be communicated throughout the summer.
We are excited about the future of Georgia Express and look forward to helping players develop confidence, skill, and a lifelong love for the game.
❓ Questions Before Tryouts?
Craig Cunningham
craig.cunningham@georgiaexpressfc.com
(973) 727-0065 (text preferred)
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