WINTER Tryouts FAQS

Why Join Santa Cruz United?

Santa Cruz United FC is more than a soccer club—we're a community dedicated to helping players reach their full potential in a fun, competitive, and developmentally focused environment. Whether you're just starting or striving for college-level play, SC United offers:

​

• A complete pathway from recreational soccer to elite levels (NPL and ECNL RL)

• A licensed, experienced coaching staff

• A supportive club culture focused on cognition, competence, and character

• Access to some of the most competitive leagues in Northern California

 

Join us and be part of the largest, most comprehensive soccer program in Santa Cruz County.

​

2025–2026 Tryouts FAQ + Player Pathway

 

Welcome to WINTER Tryouts

​

Whether your player is just starting out or striving for the highest levels of competition, Santa Cruz United FC offers a place to play, grow, and thrive. As the largest competitive soccer club in Santa Cruz County, we provide a supportive, development-focused environment for players of all skill levels.

​

We are also one of the only clubs in Santa Cruz County with access to both the National Premier League (NPL) and ECNL Regional League (ECNL RL) — offering a complete development pathway from recreational to elite-level soccer.

​

🔗 Pre-Register Winter Tryout Link  

 

Our Values: Cognition, Competence, and Character

​

At SC United, our mission is to develop players who are not only skilled athletes but also thoughtful teammates and strong individuals. Our values are at the heart of everything we do:

​

• Cognition: Teaching players to understand the game deeply and make smart, independent decisions.

• Competence: Developing strong technical skills and tactical awareness through age-appropriate training.

• Character: Fostering responsibility, resilience, teamwork, and a love of the game.​

 

We provide a fun yet challenging environment where every player can find success in their journey, regardless of starting point or long-term goals.

 

Our Coaches

​

At Santa Cruz United, great coaching is central to player development. All coaches are required to hold coaching licenses through US Soccer or other recognized governing bodies.

​

We provide structured support and training for every coach to ensure consistency across the club and alignment with our player-first philosophy.

​

Our coaching framework includes:

​

• Licensed coaching staff at every level

• Emphasis on age-appropriate teaching, development over results, and creating engaging learning environments

• Ongoing mentorship, professional development, and curriculum support

• Access to high-level training tools, including The Coaching Manual

• A shared club philosophy built on cognition, competence, and character

 

From the Foundation Phase to our top Performance teams, SC United coaches are dedicated to helping players reach their potential—on and off the field.

 

Explore the SC United Player Pathway

​

We offer a complete pathway, from recreational and foundation-level play through to elite competition in NPL and ECNL Regional League (ECNL RL). We are proud to be one of the only clubs in Santa Cruz County that offers access to both of these nationally recognized platforms.

 

One of the key benefits of being part of a larger club like Santa Cruz United is the flexibility and opportunity it provides players. With multiple teams in most age groups, players can guest with other teams to challenge themselves at a higher level or gain valuable playing time at a slightly lower level to support their development. This fluid structure supports the long-term growth and enjoyment of every player.

​

At SC United, we believe every player deserves a place to grow—whether they’re just discovering the game or aiming for the collegiate and professional levels.

​

Key elements of our pathway include:

• Players may move between phases based on development and readiness

• Evaluations continue throughout the year, not just during tryouts

• Every player who wants to play has a place to play

 

Foundation Phase

• Ages U8–U11

• Focused on fun, fundamentals, and social development

• Teams play in developmentally appropriate leagues

• Ideal for players newer to competitive soccer or still developing core skills

 

Development Phase

• Typically U11–U15

• Emphasizes technical refinement and tactical understanding

• Teams compete in NorCal Premier Regional Leagues

• Opportunity for players to grow into high-level competition

 

Performance Phase

• Advanced players with the commitment and ability to compete at the highest levels

• Teams compete in NPL, ECNL RL, and NorCal State Premier divisions

• Provides exposure and preparation for high school, college, and beyond

 

View the Full Santa Cruz United Player Pathway Document

​​