Questions Every Soccer Parent Should Ask Before Paying a Try‑Out Fee

CRFC BLOGS

LATEST BLOGS & NEWSLETTERS

Up‑Front Reality Checks

Should a club charge your child just for the chance to be seen?
What does it really cost a club to host a try‑out?
Why are returning players—families who already paid tuition—sometimes asked to pay again?
Did you know many Charlotte-area clubs charge anywhere from $35 to $100 just to register for try-outs?
Do try-out fees make soccer more accessible, or do they build a paywall that filters out talent that can’t—or won’t—pay?
Do fees guarantee better players—or merely those who can afford the gateway?
Are some clubs leveraging a perceived “gateway” status to collect fees first and choose later?
Should a club care more about community and player growth—or about collecting up-front revenue?

Cost Snapshot:

Field rentals, coach stipends, registration software, and insurance place the true per‑player cost of a three‑night try‑out at roughly $5–$15.
When families pay $35, $50, or $100, the extra dollars serve the club’s bottom line—whatever label is used.

Why Rise FC Chooses a Different Path

No try‑out fee—ever. Current players aren’t billed to return; new players aren’t billed to be seen.
Free, four‑week evaluation window.
Prospects train with the squad for an entire month to feel the culture before committing.
Home‑grown registration software—built and paid for by us. We invested in custom coding because generic systems didn’t meet our standards. The platform is tailored precisely to our club’s workflow and your family’s convenience, so everything—from digital waivers to roster spots—just works.

Best-in-Class Uniform Package at a Lower Price Point

3 custom game jerseys
2 pre‑game cover jerseys (not reversible)
1 high-quality practice jersey
2 game shorts & socks
Hoodie with matching pants
Custom quarter‑zip with matching pants
Premium team backpack

We spent an entire year perfecting every detail—down to the placement of each stitch—so players get pro-level quality without the pro-level price.

Every dollar saved is reinvested in coaching education, athlete development, and community outreach—never padded try‑out margins.

Before You Register, Ask Yourself …

Is the try‑out fee truly covering costs, or is it serving another purpose?
Are clubs that charge up-front fees really attracting the best players—or just the players who can afford the fee?
Does paying to be considered align with the values you want modeled for your child?
Which environment will foster authentic growth:
One that charges to set foot on the field, or one that opens the gate first and asks for commitment only after merit is shown?

At Rise FC, evaluation is free, opportunity is earned on the field, and every resource is funneled back into the players.

Come train with us and feel the difference.