A look forward to FC Monmouth 2023 tryouts

Written By Chris Dailey

FC Monmouth will be holding their annual tryouts on Sunday, March 5 from 10 AM - 12 PM at Count Basie Park in Red Bank. Sign-ins will be at 9:30 AM

FC Monmouth, who kicked off their first season in 2018, has since developed a well-established reputation as one of the most well-run clubs in the Keystone Conference, and second-year Head Coach, John Killick, is ecstatic about what is in store in the season ahead.

“FC Monmouth is back and we want the players to be part of the community, tryouts are the unofficial kickoff to the season. We want to see who returns and also see if there are any players here in Monmouth county who can contribute,” said Killick concerning the tryout.

Killick and company are hoping to improve upon an up-and-down season in which Monmouth picked up 1 win, 5 ties, and recorded 4 losses. Perhaps the most important point of the season came in an away game at Montclair State University in which the Blue and Gold finished with a 1-1 draw against eventual Champions, FC Motown. 

“We had five ties and those results can punish you. However, it’s very rewarding when you’re in charge; it was very interesting. Recruiting is also huge, trying to bring players who don’t know each other is a challenge. It’s not just about what we know about soccer but about player management and getting these guys to work together as quickly as possible. Last year we had six days to get practices in and hopefully, that can change this year and we have some more time to get ready,” stated Killick.

Team bonding is a staple at FC Monmouth, and the club works relentlessly on getting the players to mesh together as quickly as possible in preparation for the lightning-quick NPSL season.

“We reminded them why they started to play soccer, because it was fun and because they enjoyed it. If you enjoy it you tend to do it better. No matter the level you play, one thing is common, you all started to play the game because you enjoyed it,” said Killick and how he goes about trying to mesh his team and get them on board with the FC Monmouth philosophy. 

Killick plans on using this philosophy to enjoy a successful 2023 season and capitalize on his plans of sending ‘shockwaves’ through the league.

FC Monmouth has seen players such as Daniel Vicente climb to the professional ranks, and this Sunday, local players from  Monmouth County have the chance to follow his path, and take the next step in their respective careers and help continue to write the story of FC Monmouth throughout the 2023 season.