Caddo Bossier Soccer Association / Shreveport United Soccer Club

Transcription

1 Caddo Bossier Soccer Association / Shreveport United Soccer Club COMPETITIVE & ACADEMY PLAYER-PARENT HANDBOOK,

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction 3 Shreveport United Competitive & Academy Club Mission... 4 Club Personnel...5 The Academy/Competitive/LPDL Structure Club Fee Structure Player & Parent Club Agreement Player Code of Ethics...20 Parent Code of Ethics...21 Inclement Weather Training Policy...22 Other General Information

3 Dear Players and Parents: Thank you for your interest in the CABOSA/ Shreveport United Soccer Club. We are proud of our program and feel that we have much to offer to you and to the game of soccer. This booklet contains information about the Club including: Cost and financial assistance information Programming information Player and Parent Code of Ethics Other useful information Please read everything carefully before you commit to the program. If you have any questions, please contact a member of our administrative staff. Sincerely, Gary McCormick Executive Director CABOSA/Shreveport United 3

4 Competitive Vision Statement The vision of the Shreveport United Competitive Program is to develop elite players with the skill set, desire and experience to succeed at the local, state, regional and national level. By providing a progressively regimented and player focused education environment, we empower players to own their development and achieve their individual goals. Our teams strive to compete at the highest state and regional levels of competition, and attend events that provide collegiate exposure and recruitment opportunities. Players, Coaches and Parents are expected to learn and embrace the program s core values: Ø Character: the mental and moral qualities distinctive to an individual. Ø Commitment: the state or quality of being dedicated to a cause. Ø Respect: regard for the feelings, wishes, rights, or traditions of others. Ø Integrity: the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles. Ø Sportsmanship: fair and generous behavior or treatment of others. 4

5 CABOSA/SU Board of Directors: Check our website for the latest contact information for our Board of Directors. Club Directors & Administrative Staff: Executive Director: Gary McCormick ; 8U-12U Director of Coaching & Coach Education: Radi Baltov ; 13U-19U Director of Coaching & Tournament Director: Mark Matlock ; Recreational Director: Mike Aguilar ; Registrar: Renee Eason ; Shreveport United Coaching Staff: Please check the Competitive & Academy Program page on our website for a current list of coaches, contact information and bios. 5

6 The Academy Structure CABOSA/SU s 8U-10U Academy Program is for players who want more than the traditional recreational experience, and who may be considering participation in Competitive soccer when they reach 11U. The program is ideal for those players with a strong desire to increase their technical skills, their knowledge of the game, and who may be considering a serious commitment to the game of soccer. The Academy environment is primarily about TRAINING. The technical focus of our professional training staff is designed to improve all players technique, first and foremost. Without technique, there are no tactics. Possessing greater degrees of technique, the players will enjoy the sport that much more! The training staff features licensed coaches who have many years of experience playing, training, coaching, and working with children of all ages and experience levels. Limited financial assistance will be available. Families of players who receive financial assistance are expected to volunteer extra time to help the Club. Financial assistance forms are available through the CABOSA/SU office. 8U-10U Boys and Girls have two playing options available: 8U-10U Recreational teams - no tryout necessary. Submit an application online during Recreational registration. 8U-10U Academy program - attend evaluations at Cargill Park (optional). We accept all players who wish to participate in the Academy program. 1. Team Formation a. 8U-9U players may attend Academy team evaluations. Only players that are true 8U-9U s with the calendar birth year 2010 and 2011 will be accepted. b. 10U players may attend Academy team evaluations. Only players that are true 10U with the calendar birth year 2009 will be accepted. Academy players wishing to play up will need approval from the Director of Coaching. Players must join the Academy full time. Players will not be allowed to train with the Academy and play with recreational teams. c. Evaluations will consist of a warm up, roughly 2-3 technical skill activities (dribbling, passing, shooting, etc.), small-sided games (3v3, 4v4), and will end with full games (if numbers allow). The evaluation session will be administered by licensed staff coaches. 6

7 d. The purpose of the evaluation session is not to gauge the ability of the player, but to allow them to experience typical Academy training sessions before committing to the program. e. Coaches will group players for games and training. These groupings will change several times over the course of the season. Separate girls and boys teams will be formed for each age group. Match play will be 7v7 in accordance with US Youth Soccer recommendations. Each team will have a licensed staff coach. 2. Fee Structure a. Players will be required to purchase their uniform from Soccer.com (approx. $255.00; jerseys, shorts, socks, training kit and bag). Additional optional items may also be purchased. b. Upon registration, parents and players will sign a commitment agreement to play the entire year. The registration fee helps cover the costs of licensed staff coaches, required LSA player supplemental insurance, field usage fees, and referee game fees. c. If the team travels, the traveling players are also responsible for the coach travel expenses, personal travel expenses, referee/field usage fees (if any) and tournament entry fees. 3. Training a. The most important benefit of participating in the U8-U10 Academy is the professional training and guidance players will receive from the Shreveport United Soccer Club coaching staff. b. The focus will be on the development of technical skills with an introduction to fundamental tactics to prepare players for a higher level of soccer. c. 8U-9U Academy teams will have 2 training sessions per week and 10U Academy teams will have 3 training sessions per week. It is important that players attend training sessions on a regular basis. This program is designed for players looking to dedicate a significant amount of time to training and development of their soccer skills. Additional goalkeeper training opportunities are also available to Academy players during the season. d. All players will be evaluated for skill level, tactical ability and physical ability at the end of the fall and spring seasons. A written evaluation will be provided to each player explaining present abilities and targets for future development. 7

8 e. All players and parents will participate in educational programming to help foster positive healthy development. 4. Competition a. U8-10U Academy teams may travel regionally for tournaments or games assigned by the Director of Coaching. b. Teams will register as recreational teams with LSA. Since the teams are technically recreational, no player wishing to participant in the program may be cut. c. To gain tournament experience teams will play in the Fall CABOSA Cup, the Spring Red River Classic, in-house games and festivals. d. 8U-10U Academy teams will be scheduled for games with other in-house Academy Teams during the fall and spring seasons. 8U-10U Academy Teams will NO longer play in the recreational schedule. However Recreational teams may play Academy teams by invitation only. Games may be played on weeknights or weekends at Cargill Park. e. While we do not guarantee equal playing time, the philosophy of the Academy Staff is to manage each game so all players receive significant game time in a variety of positions throughout the season. f. Winning is an important aspect of all competitive sports, however RESULTS ARE SECONDARY to player development in the Academy. We want our players to become decision makers and problem solvers on the field. A key aspect to this development is providing an environment that allows players to both succeed and fail given a variety of challenges. There will be times during games where it looks as if the coach is not coaching while sitting quietly on the bench or is not being directly involved in the decisions of the players. This is INTENTIONAL and is not a reflection of the interest, or knowledge of the coaching staff. Soccer is not like football or basketball with coaches calling plays, etc. It is a free flowing creative game dictated by players, not coaches. Professional training for player development is our primary focus in the Academy. Games scheduled will allow appropriate levels of challenging competition. Academy teams are subject to LSA and CABOSA/SU bylaws and policies. 8

9 Teams will have the full support, supervision and direction of the CABOSA/SU Directors of Coaching, coaching staff and administrators to ensure a positive and successful experience! The Competitive Structure a) 11U and 12U Rosters Teams will be formed based on ability. Multiple teams will be formed if tryout numbers allow. Ideal roster size will be 12/14 players. This will give the players a chance to have more playing time during games in the 9v9 format. b) To play competitive soccer, Academy players with a birth year of 2009 and younger must be approved by the Director of Coaching and by the LSA Technical Director. c) For the 11U teams, the DOC must determine the level our teams will compete within the LCSL. There will be three levels of competition- Competitive 1, 2 and 3. Based on the performance and results, the teams can be promoted or relegated. d) There will be two mandatory tournaments all CABOSA/SU teams will participate in- the CABOSA Cup in the fall and the Red River Classic in the spring. Usually, individual teams travel to two additional tournaments in the fall and spring. e) After tryouts the teams will be divided by strength. The Blue team will be the top team, the White team second, and the Yellow third. 9

10 f) There will be two to three training sessions per week based on the age groups set by the club. 10U Academy and 11U-14U will train 3 times per week. 8U-9U Academy and 15U-19U will train 2 times per week. 8U-14U will now train for 8 months of the year (Aug-Dec & Jan-May). g) All teams will be coached by our professional staff, which is USSF, NSCAA and UEFA certified. h) Play ups will be allowed only if the younger player makes the top blue team at the decision of the Director of Coaching. 10

11 Training Formats (To Be Arranged) (Example) 11

12 Fee Structure Registration Fees: 8U-9U Academy $ UAcademy and 11U-14U Competitive Teams $ U-17U Competitive Teams $ U-19U Competitive Teams $ Amounts to be paid to the CABOSA/SU office by July 7 th. An additional $50 is added if fees are split into two payments. Payment plans are available. 18U/19U Structure LSA has moved the 18U-19U State Cup to March, which now avoids graduation, dances, and the majority of senior trips. Players are able to play Fall/High School/Spring and still enjoy the last few months of their senior year. Teams will train twice per week and participate in the LCSL (typically 6 games over the course of the entire year). They will also participate in tournaments based on player availability. Fees and uniforms will be the same as 15U-17U. Players enrolled in this program may also choose to participate in the Next Level Training Program. Additional playing option for 15U-19U (high school freshman seniors) If we do not have enough players to form a 19U team, we will offer a high school competitive league playing option. 19U players would be grouped together by school and will play games 1 day per week. Players that are registered and participating on a 15U- 18U competitive team and in high school, can also play on these school-based teams as secondary players. This provides additional competitive games for our players as they prepare for their high school and collegiate seasons. Recreational players or players not participating on a competitive team in the 15U-18U program would not be able to play unless we do not have enough players to form a team in a respective age group/gender. Teams would be assigned a volunteer coach to oversee games. Cost for this playing option is $105 for 7 games + playoffs (includes US Club registration). These teams may also have the ability to compete in tournament play based on competitive team schedules. Players registered to 15U-19U teams must fulfill their team obligations first in regards to training and games. 12

13 (Example) Refund Policy: When a player registers, they are committing to a full year of play. No fee payment or part thereof will be refunded or forgiven because of absences, withdrawals, or early release from a team. The only exceptions to this policy would be the player providing documented proof of an injury that prevents them from playing for a full season or a parent job relocation with a completed LSA Player Release form. Uniform Fee: $ approx. Purchased online from Soccer.com Includes: 2 Game jerseys, 2 shorts, 2 socks, + 1 Training jersey, 1 short, 1 sock and bag. Design changes every two years Additional optional items may be purchased online. Team Assessment: TBD A per player team assessment is typically collected by your team manager prior to each season to cover team expenses. Additional team fees may be collected as needed during the year to help cover costs such as additional games/tournaments. Many teams are able to offset a portion of the expenses with fundraisers. 13

14 EXAMPLE of Team Expenses for ONE out of town tournament *Tournament Entry Fee: $ *Coach's Mileage: $ (520 miles x 55 cents per mile/cabosa/su mileage rate) *Coach's Hotel Cost: $ (2 nights) *Coach's Food Per Diem $80.00 (2 days) $40 per day Total Team Cost: $1,016 Total per player cost: $63.50 (based on a team with 16 players) **Tournament entry fees can range from $250 - $750+ per tournament. ** Coach's hotel room will sometimes be comped based on # of rooms booked. Coach's expenses may be split with another team if the coach is traveling with two teams. LOUISIANA COMPETITIVE SOCCER LEAGUE - REFEREE FEES Referee fees are split between the two teams playing. Referee fees are based on the age group of the teams playing. Game fees per team range from $35 to $52.50 per game. * League games may be in town or require one or two days of travel. * The same coach travel expenses apply for league travel as well as all out of town events. Personal Travel Expenses: TBD EXAMPLE of parent/player expenses for ONE out of town tournament Hotel (2 nights): $ Gas: $ Food: $ Total approximate personal travel cost: $ Limited financial assistance will be available. Regular attendance and effort at practices and games are required to continue to receive financial assistance after the initial award. Families of players who receive financial assistance are expected to volunteer extra time to help the Club. Financial assistance forms are available through the CABOSA/SU office. 14

15 CLUB-PLAYER-PARENT AGREEMENT This agreement provides a set of expectations for all parties relative to participation in the CABOSA/Shreveport United Soccer Club. The purposes are: To inform players and parents of the philosophy, policies and procedures of the Shreveport United Soccer Club; and To serve as a pledge from the CABOSA/Shreveport United Soccer Club to satisfactorily perform the services rendered herein. The Club will: Provide training for field players and goalkeepers in a safe and challenging training/learning environment designed to inspire all players to achieve a high level of success. Generally, all competitive teams will have options to train 2/3/4 times per week. The Club recognizes that U18/19 s teams may be best suited for two training sessions per week. Provide age and competitive level appropriate training curriculum emphasizing technical competence, tactical understanding, soccer-specific physical conditioning, and character development delivered by our highly qualified and committed coaching staff. Provide additional developmental programming to include; college preparation for U14 and older, additional technical and goalkeeper training, nutrition counseling, injury prevention, and speed & agility training. Seek highest quality tournament and league scheduling. Provide players with written evaluations and provide regular updates to team families. Each player will receive a written progress report at the end of each season (fall and spring). The evaluation will rank the player s progress toward preparation for the next level (competitive level and/or upcoming age group), indicate degree of achievement in specific areas within the components of the game, and provide general comments. The Team Coach will also provide regular status reports to the team families via and/or short meetings after games and/or at training sessions. Specific training needs that arise relative to each team s competitive performance are also addressed. Make specific efforts to foster and develop a player s individual responsibilities on and off the soccer field. 15

16 We want our players to become decision makers and problem solvers. A key aspect to this development is providing an environment that allows players to both succeed and fail given a variety of challenges. Soccer is a free flowing creative game dictated by players not coaches. Abide by the Shreveport United Coach s Code of Ethics Select players and form teams relative to the player s existing level of capability and commitment. The Shreveport United Coaching Staff selects the most skilled and committed players in the age group. Multiple teams may be formed in each age group. Develop the skills of each Team Coach All coaches will be kept up-to-date on the game, teaching methods and Club philosophy by means of a series of activities throughout the year; including training conducted by the Club, hosting and/or participating in state licensing courses, match analysis sessions, training conducted by guest clinicians, attendance at state, regional and national conventions. Formally evaluate the Coaching Staff each year. The Directors of Coaching will evaluate all coaches using the following criteria: Being a positive influence on Shreveport United players development of soccer competence and individual responsibility. Providing a competitive, challenging and enjoyable training and match environment. Progressing toward appropriate certification. Teaching the Club curriculum. Support of Club programs. Participating in all meetings. Completing all requested reports. Compatibility with Shreveport United members, players, Board members and committees. Promoting and publicizing the Club. Provide a one-three year coach rotation The basis for this policy is for players to experience a variety of coaching personalities and styles throughout their SU tenure. A one to three-year commitment to a specific team ensures that all parties remain engaged in player development. It is acknowledged that 16

17 there are several circumstances, which could impact this expectation. The Directors of Coaching will consider exceptions on a case-by-case basis. Provide Parental Education Opportunities Inform families about Shreveport United programs, policies and educate families about competitive soccer. The Player Will: Attend all scheduled training sessions and games. Absences due to illness, family functions and school activities should be communicated to the Team Coach ahead of time. Desire high-level competition in a competitive training environment. Participate in all activities with appropriate concentration and focus. Perform to the best of their ability in training and games. Report to training and games in a timely fashion with appropriate attire and gear. This is an important part of individual responsibility. Shreveport United acknowledges that timely attendance is often dependent upon the parent and parents should recognize the importance of this aspect of team/club participation and make every effort to comply. Training shirts are provided to players and will be worn for training and pre-game warmups. Shin guards covered by soccer socks will also be worn for all training sessions. The player is responsible for having the correct attire and gear in place at the start of the training or warm-up session. Communicate with the Team Coach about any problems, concerns, or questions relative to the player or the team. Players are encouraged to have open dialogue with their Coach. 17

18 The Parent(s) will: Read the Competitive Handbook By completing the player s online registration, you are acknowledging you have read and agree to the terms of the Competitive Handbook. Commit to a full year with a team in the club. (Refunds will not be issued) Pay registration fees on time; purchase uniform; participate equally in other teamrelated expenses (i.e. tournaments, league travel, etc). Assist Shreveport United s efforts in developing player decision-making abilities by not offering instructions from the sidelines during any match or training session. Appropriate spectator behavior on the sidelines is very important to the Shreveport United Soccer Club. Sideline behavior should be enthusiastic; supportive of players on both teams; and accepting of referee and coaching decisions. Adherence to designated spectator area is expected. Policy: For individuals who consistently ignore this expectation, coaches will make every effort (personal meeting, phone call, , etc.) to assist them to modify their behavior. If the behavior continues, the individual will be informed of the following procedures from that point forward: 1. One verbal warning (meeting or phone). 2. The next occurrence will result in the parent s child being substituted. It will then be at the coach s discretion when the player returns to the game. 3. If the parent participating in sideline coaching is undeterminable, the coach will simply select one or more players to come off the field and will play short. 4. If warranted the behavior will be brought to the attention of the age appropriate Director of Coaching (final/written warning). 5. Any further action taken will be done so at the discretion of the Club Directors. Abide by the Parent s Code of Ethics and support their child(ren) in abiding by the Player s Code of Ethics. Assist the players in reporting in a timely fashion to training and games with appropriate attire and gear. If the player depends upon you or other adults for transportation to training and games, recognize the importance we place on timely arrival. If you have 18

19 difficulty in delivering the player(s) by the assigned time, it will be necessary for you to establish a time with the Team Coach by which you will deliver the player. Encourage the players to take personal responsibility for arriving at training and games with the appropriate attire and gear in place. Assist the player in communicating with the Team Coach to address any questions or concerns about playing time, positions, status on the team, club rules, etc. Recognize that the Club is coaching your child not you. Help the player to develop the confidence to confront uncomfortable situations successfully by guiding the player to get his or her own answers from the coach. Entrust soccer decisions to coaches. One of Shreveport United s goals is to promote the open flow of communication among all players, staff and parents. Shreveport United has knowledgeable and experienced coaches and it is vital in building a strong and healthy club to not allow individual agendas to interfere with club coaching philosophies and decisions. Examples of coaching decisions include, but are not limited to, player selections, positions, playing time, system of play, style of play, substitution format and instruction. If you have questions or concerns about coaching decisions, you should first address them to the Team Coach at a time that does not interfere with training or games. Please allow 24 hours to pass prior to any complaint related communication. If the information you receive from the Team Coach does not answer your questions or concerns, the next step is to address them to the age specific Director of Coaching. Acknowledge that competitive soccer requires a commitment to travel throughout the state and to participate in tournament play. Competitive soccer involves competition against teams throughout the state and the region. Travel is a valuable learning experience, and in some cases a necessity, depending on the availability of teams of similar capability. Most of the travel expenses are borne by the families. Every effort is made to reduce these costs. Fundraisers and sponsorships are continually being pursued. Nonetheless, the family must make a commitment to ensure that the player will attend games outside of Shreveport/Bossier City. 19

20 Player s Code of Ethics While I am playing for a team in the Shreveport United Soccer Club, I will do the following: 1. I will do the best I can for my teammates and myself. 2. I will remember that the game is supposed to be fun, and I will tell my coach and parents when it is not fun for me any longer. 3. I will be a good sport. 4. I will play by the rules. 5. I will ask my parents to help my coach when asked. 6. I will listen and learn from my coaches. 7. I will not lie to my coaches or officials. 8. I will at all times show respect to coaches, parents, officials, teammates, and opponents. 9. I will be at every practice and game that I can and tell my coach when I cannot. 10. I will be responsible for my own actions. 11. I will not swear or use bad language. 12. I will try to do my very best at school. 13. I will be humble when we win and graceful if we lose. 20

21 Parent s Code of Ethics I hereby pledge to provide positive support, care, and encouragement for my child participating in the Shreveport United Soccer Club by following this Code of Ethics: 1. I will support the mission of the Shreveport United Soccer Club. 2. I will remember good sportsmanship is not just for players and I will demonstrate a positive attitude toward all players, parents, coaches, opponents, and officials. 3. I will encourage my child to always play by the rules. 4. I will remember the game is for my child and not for me. 5. I will place the emotional and physical well-being of my child ahead of any personal desire I may have for my child to participate. 6. I will try to help my child enjoy the youth sports experience by being a respectful fan, providing transportation, or doing whatever else I am able to do. 7. I will not interfere with the coach s directions to my child s team. 8. I will notify the coach of my child s team about any family activities or disciplinary actions at home that would affect the team. 9. I will support the coach s efforts to provide a perspective on competition by stressing humble winning and graceful losing. 10. I understand that the Shreveport United Soccer Club is a volunteer-based organization and that my family will volunteer when asked. 21

22 Inclement Weather Training Policy: Every effort is made to hold practices and games as scheduled. In the event of inclement weather, the following procedures will be used: If fields are unplayable and the weather is poor, teams may meet at their scheduled times at a pre-determined location for a tactical session involving a chalk-talk and/or a videotape analysis of a game. All rights of liability are waived in the event of this as it is not a CABOSA/SU or LSA sanctioned event. If fields are unplayable and the weather is poor, teams may meet at their scheduled times at a pre-determined training facility which must be insured through LSA CABOSA/SU will update parents and players within our club about possible cancellations via one of the following three methods ( , text alerts & website). A decision to close the practice fields will be made by 3pm daily. Weather at 3pm may not be the same at 5pm or 8pm, sometimes resulting in a later notification. Check the website for updates accordingly. Field Status can be located on CABOSA/SU will update field status as each operating facility determines availability of fields. Louisiana weather is unpredictable and may change rapidly which may result in late notification and/or on field decisions by the DOC s. CABOSA/SU will provide a safe training environment based on current and/or forecasted weather conditions. Lightning and proximity of storms will be a contributing factor to not train, along with flooded and saturated fields. If a session is cancelled or postponed due to lightning, all players and parents must go to their cars immediately and wait for CABOSA/SU notifications. 22

23 GENERAL Other Information of Interest Teams and Membership: CABOSA/Shreveport United Soccer Club policy is not intended to preclude a player from participating in other sports or activities, but the player is expected to make very effort to attend all games and practices when possible. Play-Up Policy: All play up decisions will be handled on a case-by-case basis and will be based solely on the ability of the player. A player will only be allowed to play up if their ability will allow them to be an impact player within the age group. Play ups will not be approved in order to avoid a particular coach and or parent/player group. Play up requests are designed for players that are not being challenged at the level of play in their own age group. Play up requests must be submitted in writing via the Play Up Request Form (located in the forms section of our website) and approved by the age specific Director of Coaching. The Registrar will not add a player to the roster until a completed Play Up Request Form has been received. Uniforms: A new club uniform is generally selected every other year, as manufacturer changes in uniform designs make it difficult for the Club to keep the same uniform style longer. TRAINING Facilities and Equipment: CABOSA/Shreveport United and SPAR are committed to providing first class facilities and equipment to players in their programs. We are proud of the lighted Cargill Fields. TOURNAMENT PARTICIPATION Tournament play is exciting and provides competitive opportunities to play other teams outside of the state, region and country. Every effort is made to complete a tournament schedule for each team prior to the start of the season. All players are expected to participate in the tournaments that the team enters. Please note that tournaments may fall on a holiday weekend, i.e. Labor Day, Spring Break, Easter, etc. PLEASE NOTE: While Recreational CABOSA games are played on Sunday afternoons, tournament games are scheduled for all day Sunday. Competition: When a CABOSA/Shreveport United team attends a tournament, it does so with the intent to be as competitive as possible. It is important to the team that each 23

24 player prepare for a tournament by eating properly during the tournament, by getting adequate rest before, between, and after games and by focusing on the upcoming competition. Demeanor: When a CABOSA/Shreveport United team attends a practice, game or tournament, it is representing the Club. It is important that each player and all people associated with the team be aware that their behavior and appearance reflects on the entire club and they should behave accordingly. They should be respectful and courteous to other participants, officials and hotel guests at all times. VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES CABOSA/Shreveport United Soccer Club is a volunteer-based organization. All board positions are manned by volunteers. There is and must be a strong tradition of volunteerism in Club operations. Most families can perform their volunteer service to the Club by working Club-sponsored tournaments. Other ways in which the families can volunteer for the Club include serving in a position in the governance of the Club, serving as a team manager, representative or volunteer coordinator, assisting in the office, or helping with the year-end banquet. CLUB FUNDRAISING Fundraisers: CABOSA/Shreveport United Soccer Club will generate fundraising events throughout the year. Each player is required to participate in the Kick Off Fundraiser or Raffle (whichever event is conducted that year). Your participation is greatly appreciated in all Fundraising events and ideas for additional events are always welcome. Sponsorships: CABOSA/Shreveport United Soccer Club recognizes the need for business and other sponsorships to subsidize the costs of operating and being a member of a youth soccer organization. To this end, the Club is looking for leads to seek business, individual, and public support for diverse club needs from player financial aid, to uniforms and equipment, to field acquisition and development. Other Fundraising Activities: Team fundraisers MUST BE APPROVED by the Executive Director to ensure that the activity is appropriate for a youth-oriented, nonprofit organization and that it does not conflict or compete with Club fundraising efforts. 24