Why Join San Diego Soccer Club Competitive teams?
San Diego Soccer Club (SDSC) is a non-profit organization committed to developing players of all abilities to have a lifelong love of soccer, while teaching lessons in sportsmanship, teamwork, fitness, and community. SDSC places the needs of players first and employs the following strategies:
· Selection and assignment of experienced, qualified coaches with a heart for teaching and playing soccer and a legacy of stable operation and success for over 30 years consistently developing players to go on to college soccer.
· A fun and active competitive playing experience. Teams practice at community fields with easy I-15 and I-56 access, participate in Presidio Soccer League competitive play, active tournament play in summer months, and in most instances competing in the Cal South State or National Cup Tournaments.
· Founding member of the Western College Development Association (WCDA) an elite soccer league offering the top teams in the SDSC Boys program the opportunity to compete with other elite soccer programs in the Western United States. Teams participate in exclusive college recruiting soccer showcase events each seasonin addition to WCDA league play.
· In the older age groups our high level Girls teams participate in the US Youth Soccer Far West Regional League (FWRL) where they compete against the top teams in our region. Several girls teams will be applying to the highly competitive Coast Soccer League (CSL) or the Southern California Development League (SCDL) and our high level girls and boys teams are committed to participate in College Showcase tournaments exposing our players to many college and university coaches.
· A player development program offering weekly skill clinics, shooting clinics and goalkeeper clinics, led by professional coaches, free of charge to all players; exclusive SDSC residential camps and day camps are offered in the summer for a reasonable fee.
· In the summer months SDSC offers speed training for the U7 - U14 age groups and a more intense strength, speed, and conditioning training for the U15 - U18 players lead by highly qualified professional coaches. The training for the U15 – U18 prepares players for higher level and more intense play, important preparation for any player interested in playing college soccer.
· College Recruiting Support - we offer college recruiting workshops to all players and families interested in learning more about college recruiting, the recruiting guidelines and how to navigate through the process. SDSC sponsors the cost of team recruiting workshops and maintains a college recruiting coach on staff available to all teams.
· Commitment to developing players at all levels of recreational and competitive soccer. SDSC serves players at all levels with multiple teams forming for every age group from Premier to AA-C to recreational. Our goal is to provide the right opportunity for every player.
· Team-led opportunities for community involvement. Each year the club organizes a fundraiser(s) to support the soccer community. Older players have the opportunity to receive volunteer credits as coaches in our recreational league, and as volunteers in our tournaments and other activities. Older players can also become certified referees through club hosted classes.
· Club leadership by a Board of Directors composed of enthusiastic and dedicated volunteers focused on ensuring the best experience for players and their families.
Our Board of Directors and Coaching Directors have an “open door” policy in regard to any concerns, issues or ideas that parents may have to further enhance our soccer program. Our ongoing goal is to provide a fun, competitive and rewarding soccer atmosphere where players come first.
Experienced, Qualified Coaches
Coaching Philosophy: We provide an environment that is conducive to every child developing as a soccer player within the team structure while also stressing the importance of improving as an individual by practicing soccer skills outside the team setting. By providing age appropriate exercises at each age level, players will be expected to perform to the best of their abilities. As deemed appropriate, our guideline is to rotate coaches every two years to give players an opportunity to learn from different coaches. This provides a new challenge for both the coaches and the players. We are continually striving to improve our coaching ability; all of our coaches are licensed by US Soccer and are encouraged to attend coaching seminars, symposiums and clinics to stay apprised of any new developments within the world of youth soccer.
Coaches: SDSC has a dynamic group of experienced, qualified coaches, most of whom have played professional or college soccer and who have coached elite teams such as Professional Soccer teams, Olympic Development Program teams, Division 1 College teams, CIF Champion High School teams, National Cup and State Cup Champions and Finalists, and Elite Showcase teams.
Competitive Playing Experience
League Play: SDSC is a member of the Presidio Soccer League. League play begins in mid-August and runs through November. League games are played on Saturdays and some Sundays. Additional information on the Presidio League can be found at their web site at www.presidiosoccer.com
Tournaments: To experience the broadest level of game play, SDSC teams participate in a number of soccer tournaments throughout the year. The exact tournaments your team will attend are determined by your coach with input from player families. Teams that play at the higher levels will participate in tournaments that are beyond San Diego county and Premier teams will at times compete in other States. Younger teams such as U8 and U9’s generally play in fewer tournaments. A goal for every team is to play in the Cal South National or State Cup Tournament.
Standards of Behavior: SDSC has standards of behavior for all coaches, players, and parents. These standards promote respect, good sportsmanship, and composure on the field and off. Coaches sign this agreement as part of their contract with our club; players and parents will be asked to sign the Standards of Behavior Agreement at registration.
Player Development Program
Western College Development Association - The WCDA is a premier youth soccer program focused on established, elite clubs delivering consistent, high-quality competition and college readiness services. 24 soccer clubs across the western United States have formed the WCDA. WCDA provides consistent high-quality competition and enhanced college readiness opportunities. The Association provides an improved scouting environment for college coaches by bringing all of the teams together for showcase events. The WCDA has a College Advisory Board composed of coaches from Division I, II and III soccer programs who will provide guidance and direction. The WCDA is a supplemental program, member teams will continue to play in other leagues, tournaments and State Cup competitions.
Skills Clinics: Skill clinics are held twice a week starting June and ending in November. There is no charge for these clinics, and it’s highly recommended that each player attend these clinics at least once per week to strengthen his/her soccer skills.
Shooting Clinics:Shooting clinics will be held every Friday, free of charge, starting in July and ending in late August. Each player is encouraged to attend these clinics to strengthen his/her individual shooting skills.
Goalkeeper Clinics: Goalkeeper clinics will be held twice weekly starting in the summer and though the league season. Clinics are free of charge and are highly recommended for all SDSC goalkeepers.
SDSC Summer Camp:Each team will be required to attend their team camp during the summer months. Your team’s coach, the SDSC Coaching Directors, and additional SDSC professional coaches will lead your team through a 4-day intensive clinic to improve individual soccer skills and team strategies. U12 and above teams have the opportunity to attend an SDSC Residential Camp.
Speed and Agility Clinics: SDSC offers speed and agility clinics presented by the professional instructors of local speed and agility organizations for all interested members. Speed and agility training enables all players to get the most out of their athletic ability by focusing on proper running form, conditioning, and speed techniques.
Strength, Conditioning and Speed Training – This challenging training program is offered to all U15 and older teams presented by professional instructors focusing on developing players for higher level soccer and ultimately college level soccer.
College Recruiting Support. – College recruiting workshops are available to all players, families and teams. We have partnered with Letics Inc. a highly experienced firm specializing in helping athletes through the recruiting process. Letics staff is available to meet with our teams to provide more specific college recruiting preparation and more personalized help. San Diego Soccer Club sponsors the cost of developing electronic player profiles and team recruiting workshops with Letics.
Other Club Information
Pegasus Cup, Presidents Cup and San Diego Premier Classic: Our club’s three annual tournaments are highly regarded in the soccer community and are the clubs largest fundraising activities providing substantial revenue to support team operations. All SDSC families are required to volunteer their time to help with these tournaments.
Opening Day: At the start of League season, SDSC hosts an opening day celebration. Opening Day activities include a 3v3 tournament, team and individual picture sessions and team fundraising opportunities. Each year’s highlight is the SDSC Coaches’ game.
SDSC Banquet: At the end of League season, SDSC invites all of its members to attend an awards banquet. Each team recognizes a player of the year, and the club recognizes Coaches of the Year, Team Managers of the Year and Overall Players of the Year. Presidio League winners and runners up are recognized on stage and awarded their trophies.
