Further to what Carlsbad wrote, getting you to sign now is all about retention. Read the agreement carefully...there's probably a clause in there that either allows them to move your kid around to another team or that doesn't prohibit it. If they are having open tryouts in February and are pressuring you now, and telling you at this point they are retaining about 80%, the true number is probably closer to 50%. The hope maybe doing announcements about EA all over the soccer announcement boards might give them enough to do 2 teams...if they get someone better that comes along, they will make room for them...the clubs are masters at easing out people even if there isn't a 2nd team to take up the slack...the only question is how many people come out.This is exactly what I am concern with. It appears that the club wants to maintain at least 80% of the current team. Even a -20 GD would be a surprise for the kids, especially after having a +20 GD. 10 year olds do not have good understanding of the level yet, even after we explain EA, MLSnext, NPL, Discovery,....
I will wait until at least March before signing a new contract to consider all options, I know the club will threaten to give out the place to other people in February. They want to secure players as much as they can before the official tryout in February.