Format

Our evaluation process is designed to be simple, game-like, and focused on real decision-making. We believe players are best assessed in natural playing environments.

We begin with small-sided games (such as 4v4) to maximize touches and evaluate individual technical ability. We then transition into age-appropriate formats (like 8v8 or 9v9) to assess tactical awareness, physicality, and in-game adaptability.

Players are evaluated within the context of the group’s overall ability level to ensure a fair and accurate assessment. For this reason, all current Greenburgh United players are required to attend evaluations.

For more advanced teams, players may also be invited to join an actual team training session for further assessment.

Organization

Each evaluation session lasts one hour. Players will spend the first 25–30 minutes in small-sided games, followed by 25–30 minutes in age-appropriate/full-sided games.

There will be no goalkeepers during tryouts. Players will wear numbered pinnies for easy identification, and balls will be placed around the field for quick restarts.

Assessor’s Instructions

Players will regularly rotate through both fields and positions to ensure fair comparison. If numbers don’t allow everyone on the field at once, rotations will happen every few minutes to keep playing time balanced.

Independent evaluators will score players impartially using the club’s standardized system.

Evalutation Criteria

Players are evaluated across five key areas:

• Individual Possession – Dribbling, turning, shielding, and comfort on the ball

• Group Possession – Passing, receiving, and positioning for support

• Attacking – Finishing ability and attacking mindset

• Defending – Positioning, tackling, and ability to close down space

• Physical & Psychological – Speed, strength, effort, attitude, and focust

Placement/Acceptance

After tryout sessions, player evaluations are reviewed by the club’s Director of Coaching, Red Bulls staff, and Greenburgh United coaching team. Placement decisions are based solely on performance and evaluator feedback. For current Greenburgh United players, input from their trainer is also considered.

We do not factor in where a player lives, personal relationships, or parent input when forming teams. The only exception is when evaluating a player to potentially play up in age—in those cases, parents may be consulted.

Once teams are finalized, all players will receive an email with their placement. While space is limited, we do our best to place each player on a team that aligns with their skill level.