Youth Academy Tryouts

Try-out dates for the 2019-2020 season will be announced in April 2019.

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Where will tryouts be held?
All tryouts will be held on our turf field at the DOC stadium on the campus of West Carrollton High School.  Address is 5833 Student Street, West Carrollton, Ohio.

What should players bring to tryouts?
Please bring a soccer ball, a water bottle, shin guards, soccer cleats and a positive attitude to play.

Do I need to attend all tryout dates?
No, but you are encouraged to attend as many sessions as possible to ensure a strong tryout.

What are the criteria for player selection?
Each player has the opportunity to be selected for one of our teams, however we do look to ensure that the talent level for each team is within a similar range.  This allows for better player development, training efficiency and game execution.

The criteria we review during tryouts are player attitude, commitment to working hard, athleticism, physical condition, technical and tactical skills as well as overall soccer knowledge.  

How will I know if I made a team?
Team offers will be made via phone and email within 24 hours of the last try-out date for each age group.  We ask that each player accept or decline the offer within 48 hours of it being made.  This gives the Dayton Dutch Lions the opportunity to finalize team rosters in a timely manner.

What should I expect from my DDL FC experience?
A 10 month program that will grow your player both on and off the field.  Along with our soccer training, we provide guidance utilizing our five core values of Respect, Integrity, Proper Communication, Teamwork and Continual Improvement.

The foundation of the Youth Academy is the highly successful and worldwide recognized Dutch Development Philosophy, ranked by FIFA in the highest category of quality. Dutch Lions FC will work with full time experienced coaches and outstanding part-time coaches to guarantee top player development on the technical and tactical level.  We are fortunate to have a pipeline of current or former high level players and soccer coaches who are able to implement the Dayton Dutch Lions Academy Coaching Manual. This Coaching Manual ensures that all coaches train, play and coach their teams the same way as far as game tactics and player development. Thus, the quality of the coaching is maintained and does not depend solely on the individaul coach.

Also integrated in the Academy are video analysis, individual coach-player evaluations, individual coach-parent evaluations and a mentoring program with our Men’s and Women’s team players.

We believe our unique combination of technical, tactical, physical and mental development will give kids (and their parents) the very best chance to reach their potential. And through our academy system, adult teams (Mens PDL/Womens WPSL),  the partnerships with the Columbus Crew (MLS), FC Cincinnati (USL PRO) and FC Twente (Premier League the Netherlands) provide a gateway to professional soccer.

All coaches in the Youth Academy are licensed and have extensive playing backgrounds as well as working towards the highest level of coaching licenses, both in the United States and the distinguished UEFA program.  Many of our coaches who have worked with our youth held the UEFA B or C license.

What will be the focus for my player?
We have one focus for all of our players....we want them to reach their potential.  We do this by utilizing the DDL FC Player Development Model by age group:

  • Age 6-8      Skills/games/fun
  • Age 9-11     Advanced skills and Basic game tactics (introduction video analysis)
  • Age 12-13   Advanced game tactics and learn how to train
  • Age 14-15   Train to grow
  • Age 16-18   Train to excel
  • Age 18+      Train to win

Will my team have a professional or parent coach for the season?
All of our teams will have a professional head coach. Our coaches are licensed and are required to pursue continuing education opportunities provided by the club through US Soccer and the National Soccer Coaches Association of America. Occasionally, we will utilize a parent coach to assist with a team.  They, like our professional head coaches, will be licensed and have a history of soccer experience that qualify them to instruct our players, but are volunteering their time and expertise to DDL FC.  Typically, the child of the parent coach is on the team.

What happens after I join a DDL FC team?
Your family becomes a member of the ORANGE FAMILY.  We will provide you with all the information to select gear, prepare for training sessions and enjoy our summer programs. The club offers many camps and clinics throughout the summer for all players to participate.  You will receive more information about these activities at tryouts.  You also will receive tickets to enjoy our Mens PDL season.

Youth Academy teams (U6-U15) will begin the first week of August.  

Our high school age teams (U15-U19) will begin training the second week of November at the conclusion of the high school soccer season.


IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT BECOMING A DUTCH LION OR REGISTRATON ISSUES ~ Please contact  GM Corey Whisenhunt at c.whisenhunt@ddlfc.com for more information.