Sundogs does not hold tryouts. Having tryouts disadvantages younger, smaller and less physically developed players in favor of larger and older players and those who have physically matured at an earlier age. Holding tryouts to select players to join teams then becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. Those players who make the team eventually will be better players because they are getting extra coaching and playing time - not because they are more naturally talented at soccer. A younger, smaller or less physically mature player who gets cut from a team at a tryout could have eventually developed into a top soccer player for their age - all it would take is more time and training for them to realize their potential. That is what Sundogs is about - helping kids realize their potential as soccer players through training and competitive playing experiences.
In Sundogs, we take a group of players and we train them to become the best that they can be. While we do not hold tryouts, we do emphasize the need for good behaviour, a positive attitude, good attendance and full effort. Players do not get cut from Sundogs because of their playing ability but they can get cut if we consistently see poor behaviour, attitude, attendance or effort.
While we do not hold tryouts, we do still develop high quality players and teams. We are a developmental program that focuses on skill and player development. There are soccer options available in Yellowknife for the purely recreational player like the Aurora Minor Soccer League (AMSL). We have had many players who want to play more soccer play with both Sundogs and AMSL. Our schedules typically do not conflict for those players who want to do both.
We train to be able to compete at a high competitive level. When we go south we routinely play in Tier 1 and Tier 2 (AAA and AA for those of you more familiar with hockey) and get positive results. We also have had many good results playing at the U15 and U17 National Championships when playing against provincial champions. To enable us to achieve these results, travelling to Edmonton for tournaments for U9 and older is a necessary part of being in Sundogs.
We take in new players as we have openings in our various groups. While our groups are sometimes full we usually have space each year for another few players to be added to each group through players deciding to focus on other activities or moving away from Yellowknife.
If you have any questions about joining Sundogs, then please send an email to ybsc_registrations@yellowknifebaysoccer.ca.