Excel Soccer Club was founded in 1990 by a group of parents who wanted their kids to play soccer for fun, not just for competition. Excel Soccer is a non-profit organization, with an all-volunteer Board Of Directors. The purpose of Excel Soccer is to develop, promote, and administer the game of soccer for the benefit of the youth of Santa Cruz County.

The Excel Emphasis

The emphasis of Excel Soccer is on sportsmanship and the development of soccer skills. Excel is a recreational league, as opposed to a competitive league. Our coaches are encouraged to emphasize player development and the building of player self-esteem.

The Co-Ed Rule
Several years ago the Co-Ed rule was adopted and has resulted in more girls playing the sport in Santa Cruz County. Under this rule, coaches of Under-8 teams are required to field a minimum of two players of each gender; coaches of Under- 10 and above teams are required to field a minimum of three players of each gender.

It is important that coaches and ref's understand that this is a flexible rule. Prior to the game the coaches should meet together with the referee to discuss their respective roster status. Example of rule application: Coach A's team is short on boys or girls. He or she requests the rule be waived or relaxed. Coach B assents, on the proviso Coach A pull back if the game should develop in a lopsided fashion. Coach B may invoke the rule at halftime if Coach A has not shown restraint.
The idea is to encourage equal participation, not less soccer playing. Keep it friendly; keep it fair.

Those who think these rules solely concern females may be surprised. The strongest U-14 teams this year were teams with a majority of female players.

Coaching and Parental Emphasis
A word to coaches: Please remember you are coaching children, many of whom have never played a sport before and who vary greatly in their rate of development. Therefore, loud scoldings or reproofs are more likely to result in the child becoming discouraged, rather than improving. For this reason, Excel does not approve of negative coaching techniques. We believe that positive encouragement is far more effective than criticism..

As to strategy, the stress of youth coaching should be towards the future of the players, opposed to the score of the present game. Example: Rather than teaching a conservative, near goal defense, train the backfield to be part of the attack as in modem soccer. Don't fret over a resulting breakaway score by the opposing team.

Parents and coaches are expected to be exemplary in their treatment of referees and others. Verbal abuse of the referee is unacceptable. Coaches are held responsible for all behavior on their sidelines.

Many of our coaches have learned new and effective coaching skills by attending the Positive Coaching workshop. See http://www.positivecoaching.org for more information.)

Communications with the Excel Board

In the event of questionable weather on a game day, coaches should call the Excel number for information. Coaches then get word out to their team. Players and parents need not call the Excel line directly.

If you should have a complaint concerning a coach or referee, please communicate with the Board immediately, preferably in writing. Include specifics. The person named in the complaint will be permitted to read the complaint and respond in writing to the Board.

Spread the joy of soccer!  (Click here for details)