We, at Saucedo FC Academy, believe in the importance of player development.  To help our players reach their potential, Saucedo FC Academy coaches combine  technical skill-building, teaching of soccer tactics and strategy, physical conditioning, and healthy competitive mindset-building, all while having fun.   

 

Our expectation is that players will commit for the year, as much as possible.  While we can support players of other sports, we ask that soccer be a priority.  We have outlined more specific coach, player, and parent expectations below.  We believe that individual commitments to each of these principles will help Saucedo FC Academy fulfill its promise.

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Coach Commitment 

• Provide a structured, development-focused training environment

• Plan and run organized, purposeful training sessions

• Prioritize player development over short-term results

• Foster a positive, disciplined, and competitive team culture

• Communicate clearly and consistently with players and parents

• Treat all players fairly and with respect

• Promote teamwork, accountability, and sportsmanship

• Be prepared and punctual for all trainings, games, and events

• Stay after training when needed to ensure all players are safely picked up

• Ensure player safety and well-being at all times

• Provide honest, constructive feedback to players

• Set clear expectations for roles, playing time philosophy, and behavior

• Continue personal education (licenses, courses, ongoing learning)

• Make decisions free from favoritism or bias

• Put the team’s overall needs ahead of individual preferences

• Demand high standards, effort, and commitment from all players

• Strive to create a positive experience for the majority while maintaining fairness and integrity

 

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Player Commitment 

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Team Loyalty & Focus

• Make Saucedo FC Academy your top soccer priority

• Participation with other teams is allowed only if it does not conflict with SFC commitments

• Communicate any additional soccer activities with the coach in advance

 

Attendance & Punctuality

• Attend all trainings, games, tournaments, and team events

• Arrive on time and ready for all team activities (no tardiness)

• Commit to full participation unless injured, sick, or prior notice is given

• RSVP weekly (by Sunday) to confirm availability for the upcoming week

 

Preparation

• Prepare your equipment the night before (cleats, uniforms, water, etc.)

• Arrive properly dressed and ready to train and compete

• Maintain a positive attitude and readiness to learn

• Take care of personal needs (restroom, hydration) before sessions

 

Work Ethic & Development

• Give maximum effort in every training and game

• Be coachable and open to feedback

• Take responsibility for your own development outside of team sessions

• Participate in supplemental training when possible (technical, fitness, position-specific)

 

School & Responsibility

• Maintain passing grades and meet school attendance requirements

• Be responsible and disciplined in both academics and athletics

• Show appreciation to coaches, referees, volunteers, and opponents

 

Behavior & Sportsmanship

• Show respect to teammates, coaches, referees, opponents, and parents

• Put the team before yourself at all times

• Never bully, cheat, or intentionally harm others

• Help and support injured or struggling teammates

• Represent the club with pride on and off the field

• Demonstrate strong sportsmanship in all situations

 

Communication

• Communicate directly with the coach regarding injuries, absences, or concerns

• Take ownership of communication rather than relying on parents

 

 

Parent Commitment 

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Making It All Work

• Support your player in managing responsibilities independently

• Coordinate schedules and transportation without relying on others long-term

• Be respectful and civil, even in disagreement with coaches

• Be prepared for all weather conditions and help your player be ready

• Manage family schedules to meet team commitments

• Notify coaches/managers well in advance of any absences

• RSVP weekly (by Sunday) to confirm your player’s availability

• Support team growth by helping recruit committed players/families when appropriate

 

Drop-Off & Pick-Up

• Ensure a coach is present before dropping off your player

• Arrive on time for all trainings and games

• Follow arrival guidelines (training: ~30 min early, games: ~45 min, tournaments: ~60 min)

• Never leave children unattended

• Pick up players promptly and respect coaches’ time

 

Sideline Behavior

• “They play. I coach. You cheer.”

• Encourage the team, not just individuals

• Cheer effort over results

• Do not give instructions from the sidelines

• Respect referees, opponents, and all participants

• Avoid negative comments, arguing, or confrontations

• Model positive sportsmanship—players learn from you

• Follow team seating guidelines and remain in designated areas

• Do not approach the team bench unless invited

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Communication

• Follow the 24-hour rule before discussing concerns with coaches

• Communicate respectfully and appropriately

• Trust the coaching staff’s decisions and development process

• Allow players to communicate directly with coaches when appropriate

 

Team Environment

• Help create a positive, drama-free team culture

• Supervise siblings during games and events

• Respect training as a focused team environment (observe from a distance)

• Do not enter the field unless necessary or in an emergency

• Be available by phone during trainings if needed

 

Financial & Volunteer Commitment

• Meet financial obligations on time

• Volunteer and support team needs (team manager, setup, events, etc.)

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​TRAINING & WARM-UP ENVIRONMENT:

• Training is private time for the team to bond and grow.  We welcome you to stay, but please watch from afar.

• Before games and training, please do not kick balls at or with players, or join them on the field – this is their time together and the coaches are usually preparing.

• Please do not enter the field during training unless it is vital or an emergency.

• Always have your phone handy during team training in case you are needed or have a situation.

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GAMETIME, POSITIONS & CAPTAINCY QUESTIONS:​

• There are no favorites.  Everyone gets treated equally and must be accountable.

• Playing time and positions are based on ability, merit, hard work, attitude, team need, performance in training, etc.

• Equal time is not guaranteed, but fair time is.

• Soccer is one of the most team-oriented of sports.  We need players to think collectively and self-sacrifice.  The more each one gives back to the team, the stronger the team.

• Instead of a parent asking about time or positions for their player, maybe have the player ask “Coach, I was wondering how I can help the team more?” and “Coach, what should I be working on at-home to improve or to become a desired position?”

 

Please feel free to reach out to the coach or team manager if you have questions on any of the above.

  

We will see you on the pitch!!