SPORTING ST CROIX

Expectations for Players

SCA Core Values

  • We unconditionally support each other
  • We display individual leadership
  • Our commitment is the foundation of our success
  • We do something every day to improve ourselves or our team
  • We work harder than any team in the region
  • We are accountable for our actions

Playing Style

All teams within the SCA program will play the same style of soccer

  • Zonal back four with a holding midfielder(s)
  • Pressing defense that can adjust to the appropriate situation
  • The ability to build from the back and incorporate the goalkeeper into maintaining possession
  • The ability to link with the target to gain the final third
  • The attacking style of play that emphasizes combination play and individual creativity

The system of play may vary based upon the unique ability of the players in the age group

The individual abilities of the players will be the biggest determinant of their role. Leading players will be those who:

  • Demonstrate skills relative to the various positions
  • Demonstrate an understanding of their on and off-field role within the team and its structure
  • Demonstrate the appropriate mentality

SCA Cultural Expectations for Players

  • Attend every training session and game
  • Display coach-ability 1) Be receptive to information 2) Apply information 3) Retain information
  • Be fully present physically, mentally, and emotionally
  • Train individually (pre-training, post-training, off days)
  • Be fit and treat your body properly (nutrition, regeneration, sleep, choices)
  • Understand and accept your role in the team
  • Put the team first
  • Display mental and physical toughness
  • Complete
  • Be humble – respect the game, your teammates, your coaches and your opponents

Playing Time and Your Role in the Team

Every player playing time and role in the team will be different. If we have selected a player for one of our teams they will play and have the opportunity to develop as players and contribute to the team. Playing time and a player’s role on the team will be based on the following criteria:

  • Ability as a player
  • Performance in games and training sessions
  • Commitment to the team
  • Attitude, personally and coach-ability
  • Attendance

Creating the Proper Daily Environment

Professionalism

  • Training sessions will be tight, quick and tossed
  • Players must display maturity and dedication to the task

Competition

  • Winning matters – compete in every activity to be the best
  • Respect your teammates. Your opponents and the game

Fun

  • Display a personality – express yourself
  • Share a joy for the game

Family

  • Every success and failure we experience will bring us closer together
  • No experience will come between us

Requirements for Personal and Team Success

Commitment

  • This includes to 1) Attend 2) Be present 3) Excel
  • This is a commitment that requires sacrifice, not a commitment of convience

Work Rate

  • Success requires tremendous levels of work, performed consistently, over long periods of time
  • Every day matters – Do the work!

Self-Discipline

  • Self-discipline involves a mental, physical, and emotional component
  • Real self-discipline is difficult for ordinary people, most people would rather be comfortable than be the best

Quality

  • Train with quality in all aspects of the game
  • Commitment, work rate and self-discipline will take you a long way, but at some point you have to have quality

Communication

  • Take personal responsibility for communicating with Head Coach
  • Hold teammates and self accountable for on-field decisions and play

Program Basic Expectations for Players

  • Arrive early for every training session … be prepared to start
  • Wear proper training gear
  • No non-SCA gear or high school apparel
  • Warm up and cool down are part of every training session
  • Arrive on time for games (team specific warm up time)
  • Always bring all uniform sets to every game
  • Have the proper tools for hydration with you at every training session and game
  • Have a proper recovery meal (post game)
  • Respect and care for all SC A equipment
  • Eliminate distractions (ie., cell phones)