1. Do the simple things exceptionally well Most players try to impress. The ones who stand out execute. - First touch away from pressure - Pass and move (don’t admire your pass) - Keep possession when it matters - Make the extra run defensively 👉 A clean, simple player is remembered more than a flashy one who loses the ball. 2. Your work rate is non-negotiable You can’t fake effort. - Sprint both ways - Recover immediately after losing the ball - Press with intent, not jogging pressure - Track runners even when you’re tired Coaches notice who still runs in the last drill. 3. Play with purpose, not panic Tryouts make players rush. Don’t. - Scan before receiving the ball - Take a breath — one extra second changes everything - Choose the best option, not the fanciest Calm players look confident. Confidence stands out. 4. Communicate like a leader (even if you’re quiet) You don’t need to shout nonstop. - Call for the ball early - Give quick, positive info (“man on”, “time”, “turn”) - Encourage teammates after mistakes Coaches value players who elevate the level of those around them. 5. Understand your role and own it If you’re a winger → stretch the field. If you’re a defender → organize and win duels. If you’re a midfielder → connect the game. Trying to be everything makes you nothing. 6. Body language matters more than you think This is huge. - No head drops - No blaming teammates - No walking after mistakes Mistakes are expected. Reactions are evaluated. 7. Be coachable in real time This is a separator. - Listen when instructions are given - Apply feedback immediately - Make eye contact, acknowledge coaching Coaches love players who improve during the tryout. 8. Arrive early. Leave last. Look prepared. Before you touch the ball, you’re already being judged. - Warm up properly - Proper gear, clean boots - Hydrated, focused, respectful Professional habits stand out instantly. One last truth Tryouts don’t always go your way — even when you play well. What you control is effort, attitude, decision-making, and consistency.

Center backs don’t get applause for step-overs or goals. They earn respect by making the game look easy. A great center back doesn’t chase —he anticipates. What a Center Back Is Really Responsible For - Protecting the goal first - Organizing the back line - Winning first contact (ground & air) - Staying calm under pressure - Making others better defensively Your job is to remove danger before it becomes danger. What Coaches Look For - Positioning over pace - Timing over strength - Composure over panic Anyone can tackle. Top center backs don’t need to. What Makes a Center Back Stand Out - Constant communication (“step”, “drop”, “man on”) - Reading passes before they’re played - Winning duels without fouling - Playing simple when pressed - Taking responsibility after mistakes The best compliment a CB can hear: “We felt safe back there.”

A goalkeeper can play 89 minutes perfectly…and be judged on 1 moment. That’s why this position isn’t about reflexes alone —it’s about mentality. Great keepers: - Stay locked in when nothing happens - Communicate constantly - Decide early: stay or go, catch or punch - Recover instantly after mistakes At a tryout, one keeper stood out. Not because of flashy saves — but because when the moment came, he stayed calm, stayed big, and saved the game. The coach said:“You didn’t just stop shots. You controlled the game.” Goalkeepers don’t hide. They lead. They reset. They protect the team. 🧠 Confidence 🗣️ Communication 🧤 Courage That’s what makes a goalkeeper stand out. #Goalkeeper #SoccerMentality #LastLine #MarenahFC

Most players think coaches write: ❌ goals ❌ skills ❌ fancy moves Reality? Tryout notes look more like this: - Reliable / Unreliable - Good decisions under pressure - Poor body language - High work rate - Stops playing after mistakes - Coach-able - Communicates - Switches off defensively - Competes - Team player Very rarely do coaches write: “Great stepovers” They write: “Can I trust this player in a game?” That’s the filter. If you want your name circled, show: - Consistent effort - Simple, smart decisions - Positive reactions - Willingness to defend 💬 Question:If a coach wrote one word next to your name today, what do you think it would be — and what do you want it to be?

Happy new year and thank you for being apart of this journey. #marenahglobalclassroom