New Canaan FC Travel Program Information Meeting 2020

New Canaan FC Travel Program Information Meeting 2020 Fall & 2021 Spring Soccer Seasons

AGENDA Welcome Travel Program Overview - Program Philosophy, Parent Roles & Responsibilities On the Field - Coaching Philosophy, Team Formations Player Evaluation & Tryout Process CT Soccer Landscape How to get involved? Soccer Season Info – 20/21 Seasonal Key Dates Other Initiatives - Friends of NC Soccer, Rivals United, Team Genius Q&A

New Canaan FC Travel Program Overview

NEW CANAAN FC MISSION STATEMENT • The mission of the New Canaan FC is to provide the youth of New Canaan, from the grades of Pre-K thru 8 th grade, with organized soccer programs that are designed to allow all participants to learn and develop in a positive environment. • All soccer programs are to be designed to follow a New Canaan FC Board approved curriculum, under the guidance of professional coaches, which will teach age appropriate skill development, foster a joy for the game, create positive team dynamics, and provide a path for advancement as players achieve appropriate levels of skill. • The New Canaan FC program is committed to developing the highest potential skill level in all players, and to creating teams that will be competitive at the highest possible level of placement.

TRAVEL PROGRAM PHILOSOPHY • The Travel Program goal is to develop players and form teams to compete at the highest level in the CT Junior Soccer Association (CJSA). • The program will require a significant commitment from players for practices and games all of which will be mandatory • Any team the New Canaan FC enters into the Travel league will go into every game with the express purpose to win the game • Coaches hired by the New Canaan FC will be advised of this philosophy and be expected to adhere to it.

PLAYER CODE OF CONDUCT This Code of Conduct applies to all practices, games, tournaments and any other CJSA and New Canaan FC events. Players are expected to: Represent New Canaan FC in the best possible light on and off the field. Display good sportsmanship at all times. Respect and listen to all New Canaan FC coaches. Be a team player. Work with teammates and understand that together we form a team where every player is valued equally. Show commitment to their teammates and coaches. Wear appropriate practice and game day uniform.

PARENT CODE OF CONDUCT The number one role for parents is to support their player in maximizing their soccer enjoyment & potential. • Ensure your players are properly dressed & prepared for practices and games. • Be a role model for your child. • Demonstrate good sportsmanship to both teams and encourage fair play. • No coaching from the sidelines. • No yelling at the referees. • Keep your playing opinions to yourself. No criticizing or permitting my child to criticize any persons including players, managers, coaches, referees or spectators at any practices, games, tournaments, or New Canaan FC events. • All positive, general statements of encouragement & support. Studies have shown that the number one reason kids quit youth sports is because of the ride home. Please don’t be part of that statistic.

TRAVEL TEAM PARENT ROLES Each team must assign one of these five key roles to individual parents on each team. Key Roles: Team Manager Sideline Assistant (includes responsibilities for Treasurer) Tournament Coordinator/Equipment Manager Publicity Manager Team Social Coordinator Volunteer Online at: https: //clubs. bluesombrero. com/Default. aspx? tabid=920105 New Canaan FC Board Members (including spouses of Board Members), where possible, should not hold any of these positions

SUPPORT WORKSHOPS Team Manager Workshop August - TBD • Learn some simple tricks to make the website easy to use. • Communicate directly with your team with one click. • Mentoring manager program for new teams' managers. Sideline Assistant Workshop August - TBD • Learn the value of this role for your team. • Identify the partnership formed with the teams appointed coach.

New Canaan FC Travel Program Overview On the Field

TRAVEL PROGRAM OVERVIEW - PRACTICES Team Practices • 3 hours of practice time per week • 2 x 90 minute sessions • Practice 1: Technical Focus, Practice 2: Game Based Focus • Skill level, effort and attitude in practice will directly affect the level of playing time in games Practice Uniform: • White t-shirt • Black shorts • Black socks • New Canaan FC pinney • Wear shin guards, bring water and a ball (ball size: #4)

NEW CANAAN FC PRACTICE UNIFORM

PRACTICE SCHEDULE 2012 TEAMS GIRLS 1 ST PRACTICE TIME FIELD 2 ND PRACTICE GIRLS Tuesday 4: 00 -5: 30 Saxe 4 Thursday TIME FIELD 5: 45 -7: 15 Farm Rd 1 SAMPLE – NOT ACTUAL SCHEDULE BOYS 1 ST PRACTICE TIME FIELD BOYS Monday 4: 00 -5: 30 Saxe 4 2 ND PRACTICE TIME FIELD Wednesday 5: 45 -7: 15 Farm Rd 1

TRAVEL PROGRAM OVERVIEW - GAMES Game Day • • One game per week, Sunday, between 12: 00 PM & 6: 00 PM Objective is to players in the positions that will give the team the highest probability of winning • Players are not guaranteed equal playing time in either individual games or over the course of the season • The amount of time a player will play will be dependent on the coach’s judgment and the game situation Game Day Uniform: • Game Jersey Red/Black • Black shorts • RED socks • New Canaan FC pinney • Wear shin guards, bring water and a ball (ball size: #4)

NEW CANAAN FC GAME UNIFORM

PLAYING RULES & TEAM SHAPE U 9/U 10 • 7 v 7 • Size 4 Ball • Half Length – 25 minutes • Build Out Line • Modified Games Rules • Modified Field Dimensions U 11/U 12 • 9 v 9 • Size 4 Ball • Half Length – 30 minutes • Modified Field Dimensions U 13 / U 15 • 11 v 11 • Size 5 Ball • Half Length – 35/40 minutes • Full field dimensions

DEVELOPMENT & PLAYING STYLE What are we trying to achieve? Individual Player Development • Problem Solving Soccer Players • Technically Competent Team Development, Cohesion and Performance • Competitive & Supportive Teams Long Term Player Development • Continued Development through to 9 th grade

DEVELOPMENT & PLAYING STYLE

New Canaan FC Player Evaluations & Feedback

PLAYER EVALUATION & TRYOUT PROCEDURE Players are evaluated throughout the year by New Canaan FC Coaching Staff. Including qualitative discussion on player attributes & development. Only New Canaan FC Coaching Staff have input on player rankings, evaluations and players placement. 3 quantitative scores taken throughout the year • Fall Team Rankings • Spring Tryouts • Individual Score from 2 x Tryouts Dates (3 for U 9 where possible) • Evaluated Objectively by Age Group Coaches & Non-Age Group Coaches Fall & Spring Team Rankings • Age Group Rankings of ALL Players • Compromising of Coach Feedback, Age Group Coach Discussion & oversight from club Directors of Coaching

PLAYER EVALUATION & TRYOUT PROCEDURE What are we looking for? Technical • Ball Manipulation (both feet), First Touch, Ball Control, Awareness, Ball Striking (inside, laces, outside), defensive principles. Tactical • Game Understanding, Attacking, Defending & Transitions Physical • Physical Literacy (Agility, Balance, Coordination), Endurance, Strength, Speed Attitude/Mental • Positivity, Integrity, Effort Social • Teamwork, Respect • Enjoyment, Fun

TRAVEL TEAMS & COACHES New Canaan FC Travel Teams New Canaan FC will form teams that are Travel League ready & appropriate • Traditionally 2 to 3 Teams per gender • Maximum roster sizes of 12 • Red, Black, White New Canaan FC Coaching Staff • Coaches are assigned by New Canaan FC Directors of Coaching, upon approval from the New Canaan FC Board • Will focus on age appropriate technical & tactical skills through their first year in the travel program. • Remain as Head Coach for 2 years (4 seasons)

New Canaan FC CT Soccer Landscape

NATIONAL & CT SOCCER LANDSCAPE National Regional State County Local DA ECNL NPL EDP NYCSL CJSA Town Travel & Recreation Leagues Town Programming 3 – 16 Years old

New Canaan FC 2020/2021 Dates

2020 FALL SEASON KEY DATES DATE • August 17 -21 • August • September • August • Sept 5 & 6 • September 13 • September 20 • October 11/12 • November 14/15 EVENT NCHS Booster Club Camp NCPS – First Day of School Travel Season Begins Pre-Season Kick Off Party Labor Weekend Tournament CJSA SWD Games Begin for Travel CT CUP Games begin (U 11 & Older) Columbus Day Weekend Tournaments SWD Travel Playoffs (U 11 & Older)

2021 SPRING SEASON KEY DATES • April 1 -7 • April 7 -15 • May/June EVENT Pre-Season Kick Off Party Travel Season Begins CJSA SWD Games Begin for Travel NCPS – Spring Break Memorial Weekend Tournament Parent Information Meeting Tryouts

STAY CONNECTED 3 Ways to Stay Connected to New Canaan FC www. New. Canaan. FC. com Our homepage is the BEST way to secure up-to-date information: • Key Dates: Games, Tournaments, Directions to other town fields • New Canaan FC Upcoming Programs & Events • Team Information: practice schedule, rosters, coach & team manager details • Field Status: updated daily (field hotline as back-up) Facebook & Instagram @New. Canaan. FC Email info@newcanaanfc. com

New Canaan FC Other Initiatives

FRIENDS OF NC SOCCER The primary function of the Friends of NC Soccer group is to advocate for the sport of soccer above all others to help support the growth and development of the sport in the Youth Program & the High School

FRIENDS OF NC SOCCER Advocacy & Events • Coaches Classic • Seasonal Kick Off Events • High School Tailgates • Youth Night Program Provisions • Nets, Goals, Equipment How to get involved? Email: friendsofnewcanaansoccer@gmail. com

RIVALS UNITED • The youth soccer landscape has changed drastically and we have seen a proliferation of premier programs • In response, Darien and New Canaan are collaborating to create a program that will allow our players the opportunity to experience premier level competition with the affordability, convenience and flexibility of playing locally • Foster a spirit of friendly rivalry that’s lost in todays premier landscape • Promote community collaboration as a pathway to further advance both High School programs • Friendship and fun!

TEAM GENIUS What is Team Genius? A powerful yet simple software tool for managing tryouts, camps and player development in youth sports. How will we use Team Genius? 1. Travel Team Tryouts 2. Players Evaluations & Feedback

FAQs & SUPPORT 2020/2021 Age Group Coordinators (AGCs) 2012 – TBD 2011 – Megan Baroni - mbaroni@rc. com 2010 - Tom Joyce - tom. joyce@db. com 2009 - Jude Cooney jude. cooney@gmail. com 2008 - Patrick Quill - patrickjquill@gmail. com 2007/06 – TBD Board Members Uniforms & Equipment – Jess Huetter – uniforms@newcanaanfc. com Junior Rams – RP Beuerlien - rpbeuerlein@gmail. com Technical Director– Dan Clarke – danielclarke 25@hotmail. com Director of Coaching – Luke Green – Coaching@New. Canaan. FC. com Academy Director – Ryan Fairhurst – ryanfairhurst 88@hotmail. co. uk

WANT TO GET INVOLVED? Friends of New Canaan Soccer New Canaan FC Team Positions • Team Manager • Sideline Assistant & Treasurer • Social & Team Coordinator New Canaan FC Board Positions • Social Media Manager • 2012 AGC

QUESTIONS? www. newcanaanfc. com