PROGRAM overview

a complete player pathway: from foundation to performance

What we offer

Santa Cruz United FC is Santa Cruz County’s premier competitive soccer club.

We provide a clear pathway for players of all levels — from grassroots development to elite NorCal, State Premier, and NPL competition — supported by licensed coaches and a shared development philosophy.

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, helping every player reach their full potential while developing a lifelong love of the game.

league participation

Santa Cruz United FC is an official NorCal Premier Soccer and NPL member club, providing both boys’ and girls’ teams with access to the prestigious National Premier League (NPL) beginning at the U13 level.

As part of NorCal Premier Soccer’s elite competition pathway, our top teams compete against the strongest clubs in Northern California and have opportunities to advance to regional and national NPL showcases through US Club Soccer.

Foundation and Development teams play in NorCal Premier’s regional divisions, keeping travel primarily within Santa Cruz County, the South Bay, and nearby Central Coast regions.

Performance teams compete at the State Premier and NPL levels, facing top competition across Northern California and beyond.

Playing in NorCal Premier gives our players the opportunity to grow through appropriate competition and experience high-quality soccer outside of traditional recreational leagues.

program structure

Our competitive program is organized into three phases — each designed to meet players where they are in their soccer journey.

Foundation Phase:

Competes in NorCal local or regional divisions during Fall and Spring seasons.
Offers seasonal training focused on teamwork, enjoyment, and mastering core skills.
Designed for players newer to competitive soccer or building fundamental confidence.

Development Phase:

Competes in NorCal Regional Leagues during Fall and Spring seasons.
Provides seasonal training with breaks in Winter and Summer.
Emphasizes technical improvement, tactical awareness, and readiness to progress to the Performance Phase.

Performance Phase:

Competes at the highest levels of NorCal Premier, including ENCL RL, NPL and State Premier divisions.
10-month program with Fall, Winter, and Spring training and competition (plus optional Summer programming).
Focuses on advanced tactical understanding, technical refinement, and preparation for high school, college, and showcase play.

player pathway

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

Coaching philosophy

Developing the Whole Player — Cognition, Competence, and Character

At Santa Cruz United FC, we believe great soccer players aren’t just built through repetition — they’re developed through understanding, decision-making, and love of the game.

Our coaching philosophy is rooted in the U.S. Soccer Player Development Framework and the “Santa Cruz United Way,” emphasizing three key qualities:

Cognition

We teach players to read the game, anticipate, and make smart decisions under pressure.

Coaches use guided discovery, video feedback, and game-based learning to help players understand why they act — not just what to do.

Competence

Through structured, age-appropriate training cycles, players build the technical foundation and tactical understanding needed to succeed at higher levels.

Our coaches plan sessions using shared club frameworks so every player experiences consistent development across teams and age groups.

Character

We believe that effort, humility, and sportsmanship are as important as skill.

Coaches model and teach respect, teamwork, and resilience — traits that serve players both on and off the field.

our coaches

Santa Cruz United’s coaching staff includes a mix of professional and volunteer coaches, all holding U.S. Soccer Federation licenses or working toward them.

Coaches receive ongoing education and support through:

Club-led coaching workshops and mentorship
Access to The Coaching Manual and shared training curriculum
Feedback and evaluation focused on continuous growth

Our unified approach ensures every coach, from Foundation to Performance phase, teaches the same core principles — providing consistency for players as they grow within the club.

our coaching culture

Joyful Football. Hard Work. United by Effort.

We foster an environment where players are encouraged to take risks, express themselves, and develop a lifelong passion for the game.

what families can expect

Professional, age-appropriate training environment
Transparent communication and club support
Player evaluations and development feedback
A community that values sportsmanship, teamwork, and effort
Local access to high-quality soccer without leaving Santa Cruz County

how to join

Players can join the Santa Cruz United competitive program through:

Annual Tryouts (May): Open to all age groups per NorCal Premier guidelines
Winter Tryouts: For players not currently registered with another competitive club
Spring/Fall Development Pathway Programs: For younger players bridging from recreational to competitive soccer

winter tryouts

Spring pathway

why join santa cruz united

Complete local pathway from Foundation → Development → Performance

Access to the highest levels of competition right here in Santa Cruz

Licensed, experienced coaching staff
Year-round and seasonal options for every commitment level

Aligned curriculum across all age groups

Focus on player development — not just results

Unified philosophy built on cognition, competence, and character