Tryout season is the worst week of my year.
I'm Coach Rory O'Neill — 14 years in the U.S. youth game —, and in episode 3Four3I pull back the curtain on what parents don't see. Why I'm cutting 10-year-olds in March for an August season. Why are clubs offering roster spots before tryouts even start. Why are so many good young coaches walking away?
We go inside the tryout machine, push back on the media narrative blaming clubs and coaches, and follow the incentives all the way up.
If your kid's trying out this spring, listen before they step on the field.
