U.S. Soccer Association Announces Mandatory Statewide Combines for Youth Players

In a groundbreaking shift for youth soccer in the United States, the U.S. Soccer Association (USSA) has announced that all clubs will now be required to participate in state-by-state combines as part of the player placement process. These centrally located events will feature tryout-style exercises designed to evaluate and rank young athletes, fundamentally altering how players are selected and placed within clubs.

Each state’s combine will bring together players from across various leagues, teams, and levels. Throughout the event, athletes will undergo standardized drills, small-sided games, and full-field matches, allowing a panel of evaluators—including coaches, parents, and USSA professionals—to assess their abilities. At the conclusion of the combine, every player will receive a ranking based on performance, with these rankings determining their availability for club selection.

Following the evaluation period, clubs will have the opportunity to bid on individual players in a structured process managed by the USSA. While details of the bidding system are still being finalized, early reports suggest it will resemble a draft-like approach, ensuring clubs have equal opportunities to acquire talent. Players will then be assigned to clubs based on these selections, rather than the traditional tryout process led by individual organizations.

According to the USSA, this system is designed to increase fairness, transparency, and competition in youth soccer. By centralizing player assessments and removing tryout redundancies, the USSA hopes to create a more merit-based system that provides equal exposure for all players, regardless of club affiliation or financial resources.

However, the announcement has already sparked significant debate within the soccer community. Some parents and club directors worry that removing player choice could disrupt team chemistry and personal development pathways. Others question whether a one-time event can accurately capture a player’s full potential.

Gotcha! There are no mandatory state combines or player bidding wars—just a little April Fools’ Day fun. As always, tryouts will take place as they typically do in May and June, allowing players to choose the best fit for their development.

Our Annual Tryout Guide will be released next week, packed with information on tryout dates, what to expect, and how to prepare. Want to stay updated? Sign up for our email list to get all the details straight to your inbox.

Happy April 1st, and good luck with tryouts this season!