About SANTA CRUZ
UNITED F.C.
Developing the whole player - Love of the game - joy in training - united in purpose
WHO WE ARE
Santa Cruz United FC is Santa Cruz County’s premier competitive soccer club, providing a complete pathway for players of all levels — from grassroots development to elite NorCal, NPL, and higher-level competition.
​As an official NorCal Premier Soccer and National Premier League (NPL) member club, Santa Cruz United provides both boys and girls with access to top-tier competition beginning at the U13 level and beyond.
This membership allows our players to develop locally while competing against the strongest clubs across Northern California — gaining exposure to elite environments without having to travel outside Santa Cruz County.
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We believe in developing the whole player — one who excels in Cognition, Competence, and Character. Our goal is to create a dynamic and engaging learning environment that is both fun and challenging, enabling players to reach their highest potential while fostering a lifelong love of the game.
Santa Cruz United was founded with a shared vision: to unite the soccer community of Santa Cruz under one club and create greater opportunities for every player to develop, compete, and excel in the game — while proudly representing Santa Cruz close to home.
OUR MISSION
The mission of Santa Cruz United FC is to develop, promote, and encourage opportunity in the game of soccer — for both players and coaches — at the developmental and highest competitive levels of play, without regard to race, creed, gender, or economic advantage.
We are dedicated to nurturing players who excel in Cognition, Competence, and Character, guided by a commitment to excellence both on and off the field.
OUR player pathway
At Santa Cruz United, every player has a place to play. Our structured Player Pathway ensures that each player develops at the right level for their growth and ambition:
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Performance Phase – Competing at the highest level in NPL, ECNL-RL, and State Premier leagues
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Development Phase – Focusing on technical improvement and tactical growth through NorCal Regional play
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Foundation Phase – Building core skills, teamwork, and joy in a fun, inclusive environment
This structure allows players to move fluidly between levels as they progress — ensuring development, not selection, defines their journey.
Coaching Excellence
Our coaching staff includes a blend of professional and volunteer coaches — all licensed through the U.S. Soccer Federation and trained in our unified United Coaching Philosophy.
Through a shared curriculum and consistent methodology, every player benefits from expert instruction, collaboration, and continuity across all age groups.
We believe great coaching extends beyond tactics — it’s about mentorship, modeling character, and helping each player reach their potential.
our community
Santa Cruz United FC is more than a soccer club — it’s a community built on connection, collaboration, and opportunity.
We take pride in representing the diverse families of Santa Cruz County and providing local access to top-tier soccer experiences.
Our club fosters an environment of belonging where players grow in skill, confidence, and love for the game — all while being part of something bigger than themselves.
join the santa cruz united family
Whether your goal is to develop your skills, compete at the highest levels, or simply continue growing in the sport you love, Santa Cruz United provides the coaching, culture, and community to help you reach your potential — right here in Santa Cruz County.