PLayer pathway

a complete player pathway: from foundation to performance

our development philosophy

At Santa Cruz United, our goal is to provide a place for every player to play, learn, and grow — no matter their current level or long-term goals.

We believe true development is not defined by winning, but by progress, learning, and love for the game.

By having multiple teams at each age group, we create an environment where players can advance at their own pace, guided by our core values of Cognition, Competence, and Character.

santa cruz united's competitive pathway

The Santa Cruz United Player Pathway is built on three connected phases — Foundation, Development, and Performance — ensuring every player has a clear route for growth. Players can move between phases as they develop, with placement each season based on effort, readiness, and progression.

commitment & Season comparison

*Schedules vary slightly by age group, coach, and facility access.

Key Takeaways:

Performance = 10-month program
Development & Foundation = Fall and Spring only
Player movement between phases is supported based on effort, readiness, and growth

Every player in Santa Cruz County has a place to play and a pathway to grow

foundation phase - building fundamentals & a love of the game

Mission:

Teach essential soccer techniques, teamwork, and social development in a fun, inclusive environment.

Key Goals:

Introduce players to the joy of soccer
Build fundamental skills and confidence
Provide competition at an appropriate level
Support new players' transition from recreational to competitive soccer

Competition:

NorCal Regional Leagues

Typical Travel:

Games are primarily played within Santa Cruz County, with occasional travel to nearby areas such as Morgan Hill, South San Jose, and Almaden depending on NorCal league scheduling.
The league strives to group teams geographically to minimize travel at this level.

Season & Commitment:

Fall and Spring training and games only (no Winter/Summer training).

Ideal For:

Players newer to competitive soccer or transitioning from recreational play.

Goal:

Build confidence, fundamental skills, and a lifelong love of the game

DEVELOPMENT phase - PATHWAY FOR GROWTH & SKILL DEVELOPMENT

Mission:

Provide player-centric coaching and structured competition to strengthen technical and tactical understanding.

Key Goals:

Support player growth, development and game understanding

Provide structured, competitive training

Develop positional awareness and teamwork

Prepare players to advance to the Performance phase
Encourage leadership and teamwork

Season & Commitment:

Fall and Spring training and matches; with breaks during Winter and Summer

Typical Travel:

NorCal Premier aims to place Development teams regionally, but competition can extend across the Central Coast, South Bay, and greater Bay Area.
Typical travel includes Monterey Bay, Gilroy, Morgan Hill, Salinas, and South San Jose.

Ideal For:

Players growing technically and tactically, ready for increased challenge and responsibility

Goal:

Build strong habits, confidence, strengthen understanding of the game and readiness for the demands of higher competition.

performance phase - competing at the highest level

Mission:

Develop elite players in a high-performance environment that refines technical, tactical, and physical ability - preparing them for high school, college and beyond.

Key Goals:

Compete in top-tier NorCal, NPL, and State Premier leagues
Implement advanced training and tactical systems
Provide exposure to college and showcase events
Build leadership, resilience, and responsibility on and off the field.

Season & Commitment:

Full 10-month program — Fall, Winter, and Spring, with optional Summer programming.

Typical Travel:

Regular regional travel across Northern California, including Bay Area, Central Valley, and NorCal showcase events.

Ideal For:

Players aiming to compete at the highest level and represent Santa Cruz at regional and state events

Goal:

Compete with purpose, represent Santa Cruz, and prepare for the next level of play.

how we support player growth & Mobility

At Santa Cruz United, every player is part of one united club, not just a single team.

This approach ensures that development always comes first, allowing coaches to place players in the environment that best supports their progress and confidence.

Annual Team Formation

All teams are reformed annually at our official May tryouts, following NorCal Premier guidelines.

Evaluations from the season — including training effort, attitude, and match performance — guide placement decisions for the following year, ensuring competitive balance and continued opportunity for every player.

Movement During the Year

Because we operate as a collaborative club system, movement between teams can occur during the year when it supports a player’s development.

This flexibility allows us to:

Challenge players who are ready for higher levels
Provide additional playing time opportunities
Support balanced competition and growth across age groups

Player progression is determined by ongoing evaluation of:

Technical ability (control, dribbling, passing, finishing)
Tactical understanding (shape, spacing, awareness)
Character and effort (attitude, teamwork, leadership)
Commitment and consistency (attendance, focus, effort)

A Flexible, Development First-Based Model

Player movement is guided by growth — not fixed rosters.

When a player demonstrates readiness, effort, and maturity, our staff facilitates opportunities for them to train or compete at the next level.

This ensures development - not selection - drives placement, helping every player progress through the pathway.

a pathway that grows with you

Whether your player is learning to master the ball, developing into a well-rounded competitor, or preparing for college soccer, Santa Cruz United provides the coaching, structure, and community to help them reach their potential — right here in Santa Cruz County.

Program Overview