With tryouts already in full swing, NC State men’s club soccer is set to begin the 2016 season, seeking to repeat the success of its 2015 campaign. After going unbeaten last fall and appearing in regionals, the team looks to build upon that success with many returning players as well as newcomers who can fill the gaps.
Club soccer President Christian Hall, a junior majoring in German studies, has been a part of the program for three years now. He played varsity soccer at Lake Norman Charter School in Charlotte, where he says “soccer was by far the top sport.” He wanted to keep playing at a competitive level in college, and found that club soccer was a good balance.
“It’s not much of a time commitment,” Hall said. “I don’t have to worry about missing homework to play a game,” citing a schedule that consists of only two practices per week and games on the weekends.
Approximately 130 students showed up to tryouts this year, and since the roster only has room for 35 players, several rounds of cuts must be made. Hall estimates about 20 players are returning to the squad from last year, making tryouts even more competitive. Hall also says chemistry plays an important role in team construction.
“You might have 30 good people, but if they can’t play well together you’re not going to have a good team,” Hall said. “It’s good to keep some returners, because we know they’re good and to keep that chemistry.”
In addition to playing soccer, the organization also participates in community service events throughout the year, such as helping out at Habitat for Humanity as well as the Boys and Girls Club, where they teach soccer to kids twice a week. Events like this help build team camaraderie, which can translate to success on the field.
“It’s a great group of guys,” Hall said, also mentioning many of the teammates are good friends.
The team currently has six games scheduled for this coming fall, with three home games against Davidson College, High Point University and Elon University. While they play club teams for these games, they also square off against the varsity squads of smaller local colleges, such as Shaw University, for scrimmages. The team plays all of its home games in front of friends, family and even some alumni of club soccer that come back to watch in the Wolfpack Training Center.
Club soccer is mainly a student-run organization that operates without coaches. Hall and a team of officers handle the responsibilities when it comes to running the team.
“Being the president, you have to plan practices, what you’re going to do and lineups for games,” Hall said. While it is challenging to manage those responsibilities, Hall says it’s still fun.
Although fall is the main season, there is also another round of games and tournaments in the spring. Hall says that turnout for the spring season is considerably lower, and he encourages everyone to try out.
The team’s first game is on Sept. 10, when it takes on Davidson College at Wolfpack Training Center.
