ELITE CLUBS NATIONAL LEAGUE AND NATIONAL PREMIER LEAGUE
ECNL & NPL STRUCTURE CONTINENTAL FC BOARD OF DIRECTORS SUSAN HENNELLY ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR PEYE GARCIA DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS SEAN MCCAFFERTY TECHNICAL DIRECTOR KEITH CAPPO ECNL/NPL DIRECTOR JED FISCHER 2004 PRE ECNL JUAN LAZARES 2003 ECNL JED FISCHER 2002 ECNL SHAWN FERRIS 2001 ECNL SHAWN FERRIS 2000 ECNL KEITH CAPPO 98/99 ECNL JUAN LAZARES 2004 NPL TBD 2003 NPL AMY GRECO 2002 NPL JOHN BYFORD 2001 NPL PAUL STINSON 2000 NPL STEVE WEAVER 98/99 ECNL COMPOSITE
ECNL AND NPL MISSION CONTINENTAL FC MISSION Our mission is to create a nationally recognized, community centered, youth soccer club that addresses all levels of soccer. We will strive to maximize the development of every soccer player consistent with their commitment. Continental FC s ECNL and NPL program s goal is to be one of the most competitive girls program both regionally and nationally. Our responsibility as coaches and staff will be to produce high quality players through personal commitment, persistence and teamwork - focusing on the development of the entire player within the team atmosphere. Through the best possible training environment, Continental Football Club girls can grow as both soccer players and young women, while preparing them for the next level in their careers as student athletes. Through the development of individual skill and team tactics, our program will strive to enable our players to compete at their highest level, and assist our female players in achieving their goal of playing collegiate soccer and beyond. Please review these guidelines with your daughter to ensure that they are fully aware of the environment Continental FC ECNL/NPL is establishing to guide their development.
FINISHED ARTICLE PERSON I AM CONFIDENT I AM MATURE I AM INDEPENDENT I AM DISCIPLINED I AM RESPECTFUL I AM DRIVEN I AM POSITIVE I AM RESILIENT PLAYER I AM TECHNICALLY PROFICIENT I AM TACTICALLY ASTUTE I AM ADAPTABLE I AM DECISIVE I AM ENERGETIC I TAKE CARE OF THE BALL I CAN CONTROL TEMPO I AM RESILIENT
CORE VALUES CORE VALUES It is a privilege to be a player/member of Continental FC and to be able to play a sport at such a high level. I understand that I must follow the rules of the club and the league in which my team plays. I further understand that it is my duty to promote the sport in a positive light through my actions on and off the field. Our core values will guide all of our decisions on and off the field in order to be the best player, teammate and person we can be. ACCOUNTABILITY We have collective responsibility and a consistent attitude. We are reliable with our standards in preparation and participation. We are focused on our goals and seek excellence in everything we do. We are coachable and reflective. We will make sure that all of our actions are well thought out and made rationally. COMMITTMENT We are driven to prepare ourselves on and off the field and are passionate about our success. We work to improve ourselves and our teammates - both on our own, and in our team training. We have what it takes to win and always play to win. We are committed to attend, committed to be present, and committed to be our best. We recognize commitment requires sacrifice, and is not a matter of convenience. We recognize self-discipline is difficult for ordinary people; most people would rather be comfortable than be the best. "The vision of a champion is bent over, drenched in sweat, at the point of exhaustion, when nobody else is looking." - Mia Hamm PRIDE We are proud of our culture, who we are and what we stand for. We are proud of our club s history and wearing the Continental Football Club badge. We will have the behavior of a winner and are expected to be a positive influence on our team, our staff, our community, our schools, and most importantly, ourselves.
CORE VALUES RESLIENCE We use no excuses and can handle any situation because we have confidence and elevate one another. We always exhibit poise under pressure and handle both success and failure as learning moments. We are resourceful and handle adversity as a positive. RESPECT We respect ourselves, our coaches, our teammates, our opponents, our parents, the officials and the game. We respect our facilities and the resources we have. We win and lose with humility and grace. We gain the respect of others and hold ourselves to high standards. WORK ETHIC We are dedicated to giving 100% all of the time and we always compete. We will never give up, never stop working for one another. We are winners who never rest on success, we always strive for more. We go above and beyond to achieve our goals and we are never scared. We recognize success requires tremendous levels of work, performed consistently, over long periods of time. We know every day matters in reaching our goals. INNOVATION We are creative on and off the field and allow freedom to make mistakes. We will find a way to solve the problems that the game and life present us. TEAM We take responsibility for our own actions and those of our teammates. We accept our roles for the best of the team, put the team first and play for each other. We leave it all on the field without any regrets. We commit to individual preparation in order to have team success. We communicate honestly with one another and stand up for each other.
BASIC PLAYER AND STAFF GUIDELINES BASIC PLAYER EXPECTATIONS Attend every training session and be on time, if you cannot be there, it is your responsibility to alert the coaching staff. Be coachable, be receptive, display maturity and dedication to the task at hand. Be fully present physically and mentally. Train on your own, be fit and treat your body properly. Be humble, understand and accept your role in the team and put the team first. Display mental, emotional and physical toughness, competing in everything you do. BASIC STAFF EXPECTATIONS Create an environment where players can improve technically, tactically, physically and psychosocially. Training sessions will be organized, focused and competitive winning always matters. Be completely invested in every player, treat the players with respect and hold players accountable. Help our players be the best they possibly can be and offer support and guidance when possible. Fully support the core values of our program. Encourage fun and a joy of the game. Provide consistent, constructive feedback via After Action. BASIC PRACTICE EXPECTATIONS Arrive 30 minutes before every training session; be prepared to start early. Cell phones should be put away and placed in silent once you enter the field for training. Coaches will have one for emergencies. Players must indicate their availability on Teamsnap at least 1 week prior so that coaches can plan accordingly. If you are unable to make a practice, the PLAYER must communicate this with their respective coach within 48 hours of the designated practice. (Unless emergency, sick etc.) Missing practice and/or repeated tardiness can result in decreased minutes during weekend games and this will be at each coach s discretion. Wear proper training gear and Adidas equipment is always preferred. Warm up, ACL Prevention work and cool down are an integral part of every training session and game. Have the proper means for hydration with you at every training session and game. Respect and care for all Continental FC resources.
PLAYER GUIDELINES BASIC GAME EXPECTATIONS Arrive 1 hour before every game; warm up begins 45 minutes before each game. If you are unable to make any games, there is a minimum two-week notice to let your respective coach know. If you will not be attending a national event or showcase, two months notice is needed. ALL players are expected to wear the designated Club uniform and apparel at ALL league games, tournaments and clubsponsored events. Game footwear is an exception. Always bring all uniform sets to every game and proper attire for the weather conditions [undergarments must match color of jersey]. Have proper pre-game nutrition and post-game recovery meal. Team administrators/coaches will dictate the game day color combination prior to the game according to ECNL and NPL guidelines. All players should arrive for games in the properly selected color and always bring the alternate color jerseys/shorts to the game. CONFERENCE AND TOURNAMENT EVENTS Attendance at all games, showcases and events is mandatory. When committing to play for your team, you are making the commitment to attend every event the team participates in that year, including national events and playoffs. Player selection is based on each player s performance in practices, games and how each player will impact the game the team is participating in. A maximum of 18 players can be on a game day roster and coaches will communicate the rosters ahead of the scheduled events. At times, more than 18 players will be invited to events and rosters will be rotated from game to game. PLAYING TIME AND YOUR ROLE ON THE TEAM Every players playing time and role in the team will be different. If we have selected a player for one of our teams they will have the opportunity to develop as players and contribute to the team. Playing time and a players role on the team will be based on the following criteria: ability as a player, performance in games and training sessions, competitiveness in games and training sessions, leadership ability, commitment to the team, attitude, coach-ability and attendance. Players are evaluated every training session, not just in games alone. Attention to detail and performance in training is just as important as performance in a game.
SAMPLE SEASON SCHEDULE SAMPLE ECNL NPL ANNUAL PLAN ECNL Train NPL Train League Functional Tournament Futsal Ju l-1 6 Au g-1 6 Sep -1 6 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 TEAM CAMP TEAM CAMP 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Labor Day 31 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 KOC at FC Bucks KOC 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 at MFA 28 29 30 31 25 26 27 28 29 30 Oc t -1 6 No v-1 6 D ec -1 6 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 CASL CASL CASL 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 WAGS vs PDA BETHESDA vs PDA 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 WAGS at PDA vs WC vs MFA BETHESDA vs WC vs MFA 16 17 18 18 20 21 22 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 at WC at Stars COLLEGE Thanksgiving 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 27 28 29 30 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 at Boston vs EMSC Christmas 30 31 Halloween Jan -1 7 Feb -1 7 Mar-1 7 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 APC 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 at Albertson APC at Albertson 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 at EMSC at EMSC 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 JEFF CUP JEFF CUP 29 30 31 26 27 28 26 27 28 29 30 31 JEFF CUP Ap r-1 7 May-1 7 Ju n -1 7 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 at FSA vs Stars at FSA vs Stars 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 at CFC vs Boston at CFC vs Boston EDP CUP 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 at Bucks at Bucks EDP CUP NPL PLAY 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Easter vs WNY at PFSA ECNL PDA ECNL PLAY ECNL PLAY ECNL PLAY at PDA S at PFSA PDA NPL PLAY 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 28 29 30 31 25 26 27 28 29 30 vs Breakers ECNL PDA ECNL PLAY ECNL PLAY ECNL PLAY PDA 30
PARENT GUIDELINES PARENT GUIDELINES The following are some basic guidelines to follow as a parent. Expect frustration and disappointment, ups and downs from the player at times. Be positive and supportive to the players and coaches; never coach from sidelines, do not allow your behavior to affect the players performance. Foster player maturity, accountability and responsibility; not blame, communication should come from the player first, then the parent. Frequently remind the player of the long-term goal, and the expectations to which they are held. ECNL and NPL managers are not sounding boards for complaints and issues. They are a valuable asset to each of our teams and should be treated as such, as they are not making any decisions about anything on or off the field. We must realize that managers have their own children on the team and should be afforded the opportunity to enjoy their daughters experience at games and training sessions Any questions should be directed to the Head Coach first, and then to ECNL NPL Director if more direction is needed. Never approach the coach in an emotional state immediately following training or games; allow 48 hours before communicating your concerns to the coaching staff. Always communicate with the coach first, then the ECNL/NPL Director if further assistance is needed. Do not interact with the referee or other fans in a negative manner. Player Success Parent Coach
COLLEGE RECRUITMENT GUIDELINES Continental FC strives to help all players reach their goals in the game, and one of the biggest goals of our players is to play collegiately. These goals must be relative to the individual ability of each player and this level of ability is different for every player. Each individual involved must play a role in the process of college recruiting but it is ultimately the player s responsibility to be the driving force in the process. CONTINENTAL FC S ROLE IN RECRUITING Provide an environment that fosters development and preparation for the next level. Provide guidance/education to families about the recruiting process and act as an advocate (within reason) for the player with college coaches. Provide players feedback and guidance when making a choice on the proper college. Individual meetings with families and players to assist in college planning process (families/players need to take responsibility on setting up meetings with our staff). Assist in creating player profiles, utilize SoccerRecruits.com; as well as run College Night & ID Camps where we will have the chance to bring in college coaches from NCAA Division I, II, III schools as well as NAIA programs. PLAYERS ROLE IN RECRUITING Make a commitment to reach a level as a player that will allow them to play soccer in college. Maintain a proactive role in the college recruiting process, initiate and maintain communication with college coaches, consistently update college lists and profiles on SoccerRecruits.com; be realistic in your college goals. Copy CFC coaches on correspondence to colleges and keep them updated on any visits/camps/clinics you attend. Remain realistic about your place and appropriate level in college soccer. PARENTS ROLE IN RECRUITING CONTINENTAL FOOTBALL CLUB COLLEGE RECRUITMENT Support the efforts of the player and the coach in college recruiting. Hold player accountable for being the driving force in college recruiting. Understand the colleges are recruiting the players, not the parents.
TRAVEL GUIDELINES TEAM TRAVEL GUIDELINES Continental FC ECNL and NPL will strive to make travel as affordable and organized as possible: Continental FC s Director of Operations, Peye Garcia, will secure hotel accommodations for all ECNL/NPL national events and ECNL/NPL conference away fixtures, and will communicate these accommodations to your team administrator. Your team administrator will communicate the accommodations to the team. Individual team members are not to contact the hotel directly at anytime unless otherwise directed by Peye Garcia or your team coach. Players will be expected to arrive at all events at the Team s Head Coach s designated arrival time. The designated arrival time will be set well in advance of all events to allow families time to book travel and meet club expectations. A light training session will be held in the evening prior to the first day of national events. All individual travel to and from each event is the responsibility of the team members unless otherwise noted. Parents may use frequent flyer miles, credit, and discounts to ensure affordable travel, but the players must arrive on time. Coaches and families are encouraged to communicate their travel plans so that players travelling by themselves can plan their travel accordingly. It is mandatory for players to stay at the team hotel. We will try our best to ensure all of our teams stay in the same hotels, and players are required to stay in rooms with their teammates. It is mandatory for all players to follow the team itinerary for the duration of the trip. Players are responsible for coaches travel expenses; this includes flights, rental car, hotel and per diem. Coaches of the same sex should share rooms and managers/chaperones should share rooms if possible. All Continental FC players are expected to travel in team gear. Footwear will be running shoes; Adidas is always preferred. CHAPERONES Each team will have chaperones (including the manager) for national and showcase events with significant travel. Chaperones will be required to travel and stay with their teams, and the chaperones accommodations will be subsidized by the teams. Chaperone responsibilities will include: Coordinating meals, study hall, curfew, laundry, medical/general care, hotel check-in/check-out, rental car transportation, coordinate with parents traveling separately, game check-in process, confirm schedules, and bus driver liaison if applicable. Any parent interested in chaperoning an event will communicate with their manager prior to the scheduled event and the chaperones will then be selected by the staff. Chaperones are expected to share rooms.
TRAVEL GUIDELINES Player Travel Expectations The ECNL/NPL program offers female Continental FC players a tremendous opportunity to play against top clubs from across the country. In order to maximize the performance of the players during the road trips and to ensure that all players are in a safe environment, the following behavior guidelines should be discussed by players and their parents. While on the trip, the chaperons and the coaching staff are the authority figures for the team. All players should respect the chaperones and coach as they would their own parents. The players will travel to all games, meals, and team activities as a team. If a player s parents are attending the tournament weekend, the player should remain with the team and not go off to meals or visits away from the hotel unless the coach gives prior approval. Players must also wear the appropriate club apparel or follow the dress code provided by the staff. Please know that at most events, coaches will be with multiple teams and in the end, the parents of each player are responsible for that child, and making proper arrangements to support the player on the road. Chaperones do not take the role of parent while at the events. Being a chaperon can be stressful at times, and help from everyone involved will be an important aspect of allowing these events to run smoothly and allow the girls and coaches to focus on their performance on the field. No cell phones permitted at team meals; coaches and chaperones will have one if needed The coaches or chaperons will set a curfew time and players will respect it. Room checks will be done by the chaperones. Late night behavior or leaving the room will not be tolerated (except for an emergency). In order to perform to their best ability, all players need adequate rest and food. Players must be responsible for their diets and take advantage of meal times and times to relax. Each player may bring some money to spend on snacks for their room or during the trip, such as at the airports (and more may be needed for travel time when players are on their own for meals this will always be announced pre-trip). Team managers and the coaches will make room assignments. Each room will have three/four players with one player designated as the room lead. If needed, chaperons will move players if problem behavior arises. Inappropriate behavior is not acceptable and coaches will be informed. Study time will be provided during the school year trips. It is the player s responsibility to use the time for study. If players do not have homework, they must be quiet and relax during the time to allow their teammates to complete assignments. Parents will have the cell phone numbers of all chaperons should they need to contact them and vice versa. If your daughter has any allergies or medical needs, please let the chaperons know in advance and send any medicine authorized for the player with the player as carry-on and advise them on use (this includes all over the counter drugs as well). The chaperones will not dispense any medications to players and the players are responsible for their own pain management and needs. This includes any anticipated feminine needs.
ACCOUNTABILITY COMMITTMENT PRIDE Winning is the object of playing any game. Never set out to lose. If you do not play to win, you are cheating your opponents, deceiving those who are watching, and also fooling yourself. Never give up against stronger opponents, but never relent against weaker ones. It is an insult to any opponent to play at less than full strength. Play to win, until the final whistle. But remember nobody wins all the time. Learn to lose graciously. Do not seek excuses for defeat. Genuine reasons will always be self-evident. RESLIENCE RESPECT Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan Press On! has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race. - Calvin Coolidge WORK ETHIC INNOVATION TEAM