How many teams are in the Southwest Soccer program?

There are typically four Laker boys soccer teams: Varsity, Junior Varsity (JV), 9/10 A, and 9/10 B. 

Tryout numbers ultimately determine the number of teams in the program.

How many players typically try out?

It’s hard to predict accurately, as tryouts are open to anyone eligible to play high school sports (7th - 12th graders). Last year (2023), 86 players tried out for 80 spots on four teams. The program’s expectation is that the tryout numbers will be similar for the 2024 soccer season.

I had a physical last year specifically for Southwest sports. Do I need another physical this year?

No. As long as you had a physical exam in the last three years (incoming 9th graders will likely need a new one) and it is on file with Southwest you do not need to get another one. 

Do I need a physical for tryouts?

Yes. You must have an up to date physical on file with the Athletics Office prior to tryouts. This should be submitted with registration materials and fees online.

Click here to download physical form needed.

Is it possible that a player who goes through tryouts won’t make a team?

Yes. However, coaches will always do their best to find a place for players who try out. After tryouts in 2023, eight players did not make one of the four teams. The expectation this year is that there will be more demand relative to spots available. Unfortunately, this means not every player who tries out will make a team.  

Is there an alternative for players who don’t get placed on a Southwest soccer team?

The Minneapolis Park Board has added rec soccer for high school-age students. In the past, a few Southwest students have participated and had a blast. 

Is there a cost to participate?

Yes. Minneapolis Public Schools charges a sports registration fee for fall sports, which is $75. This fee should be paid prior to tryouts. In addition, the Southwest Boys Soccer Boosters asks all players' families to contribute financially to the booster club so that it can fulfill its mission of providing additional “boosting” to the entire soccer program. Note that the booster contribution isn’t mandatory – no one will be prevented from playing on a team if they are unable to contribute financially to the booster club. 

I’m going to be a freshman. Will I be considered for the Varsity team?

In rare situations, an incoming freshman may be considered for the varsity team.  

However, incoming freshmen will typically participate in pool B (see below) during tryout week. If a player is clearly misplaced in the wrong pool, the coaching staff will adjust the player’s tryout position early on during tryout week.

How are team selections made?

See team structure and tryouts page. 

How will I be told whether I move on to the next day of tryouts and/or make a team?

Results and pool lists will be published every night of tryouts by 7pm on the Southwest Soccer website. Final team roster decisions will be made by Saturday, August 17th by 5pm.

What are the differences between A and B tryout pools?

Pool A tryouts are for upperclassmen and potential varsity players and pool B is primarily for underclassmen and players who are not quite ready for the varsity-level pool. 

The coaching staff determines the makeup of the initial pools and players are assigned to either A or B when they check in on the first day, Monday, August 12th. There is movement between pools throughout tryout week depending on player performance. 

How many players are on the rosters for each team?

As a general rule, there are a maximum of 18 field players and 2 goalkeepers on each team. 

After final team selections are made will there be an informational meeting?

Yes, the SW Men’s Soccer Boosters will host an all teams welcome event at Southwest Stadium (if raining the event will be inside the Southwest High School Commons) on Monday, August 26th from 5-7pm. All players, families/caretakers, coaching staff, Athletic Director, and booster leadership will be expected to attend. This event will provide all the information for the 2024 Fall season. 

How long is the high school soccer season?

About two months from start to finish. The season begins with tryouts in mid-August and the season for the JV, 9/10A and 9/10B teams runs through the first week of October. Varsity follows the same schedule with more games throughout mid-late October after the regular season. The Varsity Section Playoffs, the MN State Soccer Tournament, and the State Championship game start right after the regular season and end usually around Halloween. 

Who are the coaches this year?

Sean Keir, Varsity Head Coach 

James Gagnon, Varsity Assistant Coach

Ryan VanThorre, Goalkeeper Coach

Jordan Block, Junior Varsity Coach

Matthew Larkey, 9/10 A Coach

Mark Jacobs, 9/10 B Coach

When and where are practices?

For Varsity, practices typically occur on non-game weekday afternoons at the Southwest Stadium from 3:30-5:00pm.

For Junior Varsity, practices typically occur on non-game weekday afternoons at Lynnhurst Park from 4:00-5:30pm.

For 9/10 A, practices typically occur on non-game weekday afternoons at Linden Hills Park from 3:30-5:00pm.

For 9/10 B, practices typically occur on non-game weekday afternoons at Linden Hills Park from 3:30-5:00pm.

Coaches will set a practice schedule prior to the start of the season, but you should expect and plan on having a practice or a game after school every day during the soccer season.

Where are Southwest Soccer home games?

All Varsity games will be held at Southwest Stadium.

All JV games will be held at the Nieman Athletic Complex, Southwest Stadium, or Armatage Elementary School.

All 9/10 A games will be held at the Nieman Athletic Complex or Armatage Elementary School.  

All 9/10 B games will be held at the Nieman Athletic Complex or Armatage Elementary School. 

Every effort will be made to host most non-Varsity soccer games at Nieman (instead of Armatage). We requested permits from the MPRB for each of these games and hope that they will be approved. 

Who provides transportation to practices and games?

Transportation to all practices is the responsibility of the player and/or the player’s family. 

Plans for game transportation will be determined closer to the season and is typically decided by each team's families and coaches. Last year, each team set up car pools because of a lack of reliable bussing.  

What’s the best way to keep track of game and practice schedules?

Southwest Soccer uses TeamSnap to coordinate each team’s roster and schedule. At the start of the season players and parents will be invited to their team’s TeamSnap. Coaches and parent-managers will update TeamSnap so everyone will know of any changes to practice and/or game times, which will also be published and updated in a central calendar on the Southwest Boys Soccer website.