1. What is City SC Southwest?
City SC Southwest is the largest youth soccer club in the Temecula Valley, serving players ages 4-18 throughout Murrieta, Temecula, Lake Elsinore, and Menifee. With accessible programs for players of all skill levels—from recreational to elite—it was formed by the merger of Murrieta Soccer Academy, City SC Temecula, City SC Lake Elsinore, and City SC Menifee Valley.
2. When will tryouts be held?
Tryouts for the 2025-26 season are scheduled as follows:
- 2019, 2018, 2017 birth years: Week of December 9-12, 2024
- 2016-2011 birth years: Week of February 10, 2025
- 2010-2007 birth years: Week of April 21, 2025
Elite-level tryouts for MLS Next, GA, DPL, and EA teams may vary by age group and will be communicated separately.
3. How do I sign up for tryouts?
You can register for tryouts at: cityscsouthwest.com/join
4. Where will tryouts take place?
Tryouts will be conducted at Murrieta, Temecula, and Lake Elsinore locations. Players should attend the combined sessions at the Murrieta/Temecula hubs and have the option to participate in regional tryouts at the Lake Elsinore location.
5. How will teams be formed?
Teams are created based on skill level and geographic residence. Players may try out for any location or level of their choice, specified during registration.
- Elite Pathway Teams (U13-19 MLS Next/EA/GA/DPL): Teams will be formed with the best talent from across all regions.
- SoCal-Level Teams: Teams are formed by skill and location, with existing teams being maintained where possible. Expanded player pools allow for the formation of additional teams and new opportunities.
- City SC Southwest Futures Program (U7-U12): Teams are formed based on skill and geography. The best players will also have access to special training and games under a “Centre of Excellence” model.
6. Where will teams train and play?
- Elite teams: Training will continue at Los Alamos Sports Park, with matches in Murrieta and Temecula.
- Local SoCal teams: Teams will train and compete at the four regional hubs: Lake Elsinore, Menifee, Temecula, and Murrieta.
7. Which leagues will the club participate in?
City SC Southwest will compete in MLS Next, EA, GA, DPL, NPL, and SoCal leagues.
8. What does the player pathway look like at City SC Southwest?
Our comprehensive player pathway covers every skill level, from recreational and competitive to elite programs. Detailed pathway information can be viewed on our website.
9. Are there opportunities to try out for Elite teams?
Yes, every player is welcome to try out for any program within the club.
10. When will my team become a City SC Southwest team?
Teams for the 2025-26 season will form according to the tryout schedule. Current 2024-25 teams will complete their seasons before transitioning to the new structure by spring or summer 2025.
11. What will fees be for participation?
2025-26 season fees are being finalized and will align with current market rates in the Temecula Valley. They will be announced before tryouts.
12. What about club tournaments?
Current club events across the regions will continue and be integrated into a unified City SC Southwest events calendar.
13. What is the City SC Futures Program?
The Futures Program is for U7-U12 players, offering special training and games to prepare them for the Elite pathway (starting at U13). Select U11 and U12 boys will participate in EA teams.
14. Will I need to purchase new uniforms?
2025-26 marks the second year of the City SC uniform cycle. New players must purchase the City SC Southwest uniform package.
15. What branding will be used for the new club?
City SC Southwest branding will be used across the entire club. Regional branding may still appear in recreational soccer but will transition to the uniform brand starting in 2025-26.
16. Will the birth year/school year format change?
Any changes will likely occur in the 2026-27 season. The club will work to ensure a smooth transition.
17. How does a bigger player pool benefit the club?
A larger player pool strengthens our elite teams, positions City SC Southwest as a national powerhouse, and creates more opportunities for players across all levels.
18. How can I get information about City SC Southwest?
Visit cityscsouthwest.com for information. Social media channels will also transition to a unified platform.
Tips for Parents and Players for a Positive Tryout Experience
We realize tryouts can be a stressful time for both players and parents. Below are a few things to keep top of mind to help prepare your child for a stress free and fun tryout experience:
- The goal of the tryout process is to place players with the team and in the environment that will be best for their continued player development: physically, mentally, emotionally, socially. This is a positive thing!
- Kids grow and develop at different rates.Players grow and develop at different rates. Successful development is not always a straight line. What each player needs each season may vary. Some players may need to be challenged, some players may need to develop more confidence. All of these factors play a role in the team selection process.
- For returning players, your child has been trying out all year. Their team selection is based on their body of work over the entire season, not just tryout week. Coaches at their age group have watched them play and train, discussed their development, and have their best interest in mind when placing them on a team. We want the best for YOU!
- We take a holistic approach to player development. Some of the characteristics we are looking for in a City SC player include:
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- Technical skills
- Movement skills
- Attitude
- Speed of decision-making
- Focus & Engagement
- Communication
- Game Intelligence
- Game Awareness
Tips to help your child have a positive tryout experience:
- Let your child drive the process and set their own goals. Most parents want their child to make the highest team.That’s normal. But that may not match what your child wants from their soccer experience at this stage. Playing in an environment where they love to play is a key aspect of the player development process. Allow them a voice in what kind of environment brings them joy and fosters that love of the game right NOW.
- Our kids feed off our emotions, so don’t stress!If you project as a parent that there is nothing to be stressed about, your kids are more likely to adopt that same mentality and attitude towards the tryout process.
- Remind kids to focus on the things that they can control.You can’t control which coach picks you or what other players can do. You can control your own effort, attitude and mindset.
- Remind kids to be themselves!Tryouts are about showcasing your strengths. Talk to your child about what they think their strengths are as a player and encourage them to go out and show off their best stuff! Are you a good dribbler? Take players on! A good passer? Distribute! A strong leader? Be vocal and encourage the players around you! Fast? Make runs! A strong defender? Win tackles and pick off passes!
- Have fun! Don’t worry about who is on which field, if you get moved fields, who is watching or not watching… go out and enjoy the opportunity to just PLAY!
Post Tryouts. If your player doesn’t get what they want…
We get it. It’s tough to watch your child experience disappointment if their best effort does not get them what they want. As a parent, consider how you can use this opportunity to teach valuable life lessons through soccer. If your child’s team selection does not match their tryout goal, help them focus on the positives.
- Celebrate their effort!It’s a brave thing to put yourself out there for others to evaluate in pursuit of a goal. Remind them that you are proud of them for that! The outcome is secondary.
- Remind them that the coaches have placed them on the team that they feel will help them reach their long-term goals as a player. This is just one stop along that journey.
- Talk about the positive things from the team selection. Will you be a top player on the team? Have an opportunity to be a leader? Play a specific position? Get to play with a friend from school?Do you like the coach?
- Ask the selecting coach any questions you have about how your child’s team placement will help their long-term player development.Share this with your child.
- Involve your child in the decision-making process and help them feel good about their decision.
