Philosophy

Eldorado Soccer Philosophy

Playing soccer should be fun! For the properly trained athlete, soccer can bring about many years of enjoyment. Our soccer field is to be an extension of the classroom. While our athletes will learn physically healthy habits, we also teach sportsmanship and develop a respect for others and competition while at the same time build positive character in each individual.

Methods

The coaching staff will be implementing practice sessions designed to teach individual players the many skills needed to play soccer at a high level. As the player moves from the C-team towards the Varsity level, the focus will shift from individual technique to team tactics and improving physical fitness.

Winning

Emphasis will not be placed solely on winning, but rather on developing players physically and psychologically. When players make advancements in these areas, and they execute what is taught in practice, winning will follow. More importantly the players will become better young men prepared for the “real world.”

Player Expectations

Our young athletes will respect their administration teachers, teammates, opponents, officials, and coaches. Unruly behavior, poor grades, foul language and any form of drug abuse will not be tolerated. Our athletes are expected to follow set guidelines concerning nutrition, curfews, and general behavior. Failure to comply with any of the above will result in the player’s termination from the team.

Playing Time

Practices are mandatory! Any player who misses practice, or fails to maintain program values, or carries poor grades, forfeits his right to any playing time. C-team – all players will usually play a portion of every game. JV - not all players will see playing time in every game. Varsity – at times only 11 players will see playing time.

Grades

Emphasis will be placed on players being good students. As stated earlier, the soccer field is an extension of the classroom and it is our intention to develop students who perform highly in academics and who also play soccer. Traditionally, Eldorado teachers want soccer players in their classes due to our reputation of helping build a positive culture. Players are expected to maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5. Any player who has an F, in any class on game day, will not be allowed to participate in the game.

Soccer Potential Risks

Participation in soccer brings about many inherent risks. As players work hard toward higher levels of fitness, stress injuries become a concern. There is also the potential for broken bones, torn ligaments and injuries to the various joints. If not properly hydrated and following a proper nutritional diet, there is also a risk of heat exhaustion, or heat stroke. The coaching staff will make every effort to minimize these risks, but ultimately the parent and athlete need to make an informed decision about participating in any sport.

Parent/Coach Relationships

The coaching staff will do all we can to ensure a positive experience for your athlete. It is our goal to provide your athlete with many rewarding and memorable experiences. In order to achieve this, open lines of communication need to be developed. As a parent you have a right to know what we expect from your athlete. We would like to share these expectations with you but in an appropriate setting. We ask that parents refrain from approaching a coach during or after a game. In addition the following guidelines should be followed in resolving any concerns you may have.

Coaches Expect & Welcome

Emails and phone calls from the athlete’s family. Concerns expressed directly to the coach first directly from the player. Notification of schedule conflicts well in advance. Specific concern in regard to philosophy and expectations. Concerns regarding the treatment of your athlete. Concerns regarding the improvement of your athlete. Concerns about your athlete’s grades and behavior. Conferences between immediate coach and parent. Conferences between head coach and parent. Conferences between the athletic director or administration and parent.

Coaches do not Welcome Discussions on:

Playing time, player positions, team strategy, play calling, & matters concerning other student athletes.

Important

Parents are welcome and encouraged to attend games. Parents will refrain from coaching athletes and yelling any negative remarks from the sideline. Parents will also refrain from yelling ANY remarks directed toward the officials! Parents who complain and grumble on the sideline prove to create a toxic environment that is not in the program's best interest. By all means we ask that you graciously yell and scream praise for the athletes effort, not the outcome. If you feel the desire to gossip or share something negative about the program, please consider bringing the matter to the coaches attention instead.

Recommendations

Your athletes will need plenty of good sleep. Have your athlete consistently go to bed at a regular time, preferably before 10:00 pm. It is not recommended that you allow your athlete to take naps regularly after school. Our athletes are expected to meet a 10:00pm curfew. Outside of a few special occasions , your son should be home no later than 10:00pm.

No Coke or energy drinks!!! Athletes should drink more water than ever before! Water replenishes a drained body faster and more efficiently than any other fluid. NO MORE CARBONATED DRINKS! Not only is the caramel color unhealthy, but so is the carbonation, sugar and caffeine. It takes 32oz. of water to counterbalance the harmful effects of one 16oz. glass of Coke. You may find that your athlete soon complains of headaches once he has stopped drinking soda. This is normal and can last for several days.

Practice Requirements

Equipment

Each athlete is required to wear a practice shirt and bring cleats, soccer ball and shin guards to every practice. Each athlete will be given a bag containing two game uniforms as well as other items. Each bag will be inventoried prior to being handed out. Every item is to be returned in a reasonable condition or the item will be replaced at the expense of the athlete.

Practice Times

Practices are mandatory and tardiness will not be tolerated. Players should have no more than two excused absences during the season. Start and end times for the three teams are subject to change. We do not yet know exact practice times for next season for the three teams, but it is likely the C-team and JV will practice on the grass field most practices. Varsity will practice on both the turf and grass fields and occasionally in the gym.

Coaches

Each team will have at least one coach who is in charge of instructing players during games and the specific player’s positions. This coach will spend most practice days with his specific team. In building a complete program it is vital that our players move up through the various teams while focusing on common objectives. Certain coaches will be rotating throughout the three teams during various practices and games in order to stay focused on our objectives.

Letter Requirements

The athlete must be a regular member of the varsity squad, and must participate in at least nine halves of varsity games. Playing requirements may be waived if a player contributes significantly in effort and attitude at all practices to further the success of the team. In order to receive his awards, a player must finish the season as a member in good standing with the team, school, and coaches in regard to conduct, expectations, and training rules.

Soccer Class

EHS offers a 6th period soccer class open to all grade levels. This class is expected for varsity players and recommended for JV and C-team players. This class can be taken multiple years. There are times in which an AP or Honors level class is only offered in the 6th period, and in this situation it is understood that the academic class is the priority.