Tryout Process 11U-14U
Apex Soccer Academy was created to give players in Norwalk, Indianola, Carlisle and nearby communities an alternative option for a higher level of play focusing on player development through professional coaching. Apex Soccer Academy also offers a 9U-10U Academy option. Apex will create select teams 11U-19U to compete in the Iowa Soccer League, Iowa Developmental League, other midwestern leagues and tournaments.
TRYOUTS : WHAT TO EXPECT
We encourage the players to attend each night of tryouts. The more time we have with the players the better we can evaluate them. Your player will have a t-shirt with a number on the back.
The player should wear this shirt to each tryout.
We will have several coaches evaluating the age groups.
We ask that the kids play hard and listen to the coaches and have fun.We want this to be a positive experience. They should treat it as a practice. We may do a little less coaching than we would at a normal practice. We ask that you watch from behind the fencing and do not engage with your player during the tryout. Please let this be their experience.
We are evaluating these main areas.
Technical (dribbling, passing, receiving, shooting)
Tactical (attacking awareness and decision making, defensive awareness and decision making)
Physical (speed, strength, endurance, balance, agility)
Psychological (attitude, effort, competitiveness, response to coaching)
Transition to Attacking and Transition to Defending which incorporates all 4 areas above.
We include the goalkeepers in some of the activities, but in some activities all the players will be considered field players. Goalkeepers need to be able to receive back passes with their feet, distribute the ball to their teammates, take their own goal kicks, etc.
LEVEL 1 SELECT SOCCER
The Select program consists of the fall and spring seasons for each school year for 11U-12U and 13U-15U. Players are selected via tryouts and invitations. Once a player accepts a bid from Apex Soccer Academy the player is committed for both the fall and spring seasons. We will have some team training and other programming opportunities during the winter months.
Teams will train 3 times per week in the spring and fall. Players are expected to attend at least 2 sessions per week.
Fees 11U-15U
Total fee is $1,430
This fee includes:
The Fall & Spring Regular Season (6-8 league games per season)
Professional Coaching
Winter Training
Specialized training for Goalkeepers
At least 4 tournaments during the regular season
Additional discounts for enhancement programs during, fall, winter and spring.
*If your team does not participate in 4 tournaments during that seasonal year, each player will receive a refund of $60 per tournament. These refunds would take place towards the end of the spring season. Apex does not refund individual players who do not attend tournaments.
**If your team decides to do a 5th or 6th tournament, those will be billed separately to your Playmetrics account.
Uniform
Decker Sports is our uniform supplier. The uniform is an additional cost. We will send details and instructions in late June after your bid/invitation.
Ball bags, warmup jacket, pants are an additional charge. These are not required or expected.
COACHING
Apex has a great group of coaches with playing and coaching experience. Apex encourages our coaches to seek out additional professional development opportunities for licenses and diplomas through U.S. Soccer, United Soccer Coaches ( formerly NSCAA), TOVO Academy and Coerver Coaching.
After tryouts are finished the Apex Soccer Academy coaches will compile their evaluations and discuss team selection. Several alternate players may be identified. Depending on which players register for Apex Soccer Academy and the results of our evaluations at tryouts, we will form teams and place them at the appropriate division within the appropriate league. Please understand some coaches are familiar with the players from running practices, observing games, and skills sessions. All of this information will be considered.
EXPLANATION OF THE BID PROCESS AND ALTERNATE SELECTIONS
Based on the rules of invitations (bids) for Level 1, the bids will go out on the date set by Iowa Soccer Association.
For 11U-14U players on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 after 8:00 am the bids will be sent to the email provided on the tryout registration.
For 15U+ players on Wednesday, June 18, 2025 after 8:00 am the bids will be sent to the email provided on the tryout registration.
The players/parents have 12 hours to respond.
Alternate selections: An Alternate player was evaluated and deemed to be very close to that level. If an invited player(s) elects not to accept the bid, the alternate player(s) are then offered a spot and should respond to the club within 24 hours. Declination notices will be sent 2 - 4 days after the bid date. Local Soccer Clubs hope to have level 3 teams for those that do not make a Level 1 team. The local clubs will also work with other nearby clubs to try and find a spot for a player. Apex believes any player that would like to play should get a chance to enjoy soccer.
Note: While at first receiving an alternate bid may be disappointing, the tryout and evaluation process is not perfect and there is a chance that the player will still be able to play with the team. We understand players and parents need to make decisions. However, based on bid acceptance and timing, an invitation to a team could be sent 2-3 days after the initial bid date.
PLAYER DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM AND SUMMER OPPORTUNITIES
Player Development Program
Sessions will contain thousands of touches in a very short amount of time providing a wonderful training tool for anyone looking to increase their speed of play.
These sessions have a strong emphasis on technical skills, finishing, goal keeping, ball possession, speed of play and game awareness.
The main goal is to create a strong competitive environment, but fun to highly increase all players' technical skill level so they will be prepared and ready to meet the standards of playing at the next level.
Read the details and testimonials
Summer Programs
We have Technical sessions (ball mastery, 1v1s, Passing/receiving, combination play), Keeper sessions, striking/finishing sessions with flexible registration and session packages.
Offering programs for ages 3U-19U!
Learn more or register: https://www.apexsocceracademy.com/summer-programs
*The sessions are for any area player interested. These programs are not a tryout. This is not a recruiting tool for Apex Soccer Academy. This is an educational soccer experience for all area soccer players.
Summer 5v5 League
Fast, Fun, competitive 5v5 League on turf under the lights!
Wednesday nights starting June 18th through August 6th
Gregg Young Sports Campus (Fareway Fields) in Norwalk
Food trucks, concessions, music!
Divisions 7U-Adult
Summer 5v5 Tournaments
Fast, fun, competitive 5v5 soccer tournaments coming to Des Moines area. Two options for this one day tournament: June 28 or July 26. All teams will play 5v5 soccer format, 4 players + GK with a four game guarantee. Teams finishing 1st, 2nd, and 3rd will receive medals and qualify for the 5v5 Soccer National Championship.
Learn more and register. https://www.apexsocceracademy.com/events
If you have any questions regarding Level 1 or the tryout process, or any of our programs please do not hesitate to contact us.
Kris Ray
Technical Director
kris@apexsocceracademy.com
423-240-5737
Mark Gavin
Director of Coaching
mark@apexsocceracademy.com 515-556-1073
Tim Hugunin
Executive Director
Tim@apexsocceracademy.com 515-491-0174