Northern Soccer Organization
Background:
In order to better serve the youth soccer players of all ages and skill levels in northern NM, interested youth soccer supporters from Santa Fe, Los Alamos, and Eldorado have formed Northern Soccer. The program is divided into several age-appropriate segments. Academy programs for the youngest players (U-05/U-08) are handled locally in each community, in order that players may train and play in their own neighborhoods. Northern Soccer programs continue for U-09 through U-19 in the Mountain Program. The Duke City Team Program start at U-12 (through U-19), with teams traveling to Albuquerque to play in the DCSL.
The Northern Soccer program invites other northern NM communities to offer these programs across the geographic area, with hopes of including Pojoaque, Española, Taos, and other areas of northern NM into this diverse set of player opportunities.
Northern Soccer Mission:
"Our work is to create a positive soccer experience for kids 4-18 years of age of all soccer abilities in Santa Fe, Los Alamos, Eldorado and the surrounding area."
Northern Soccer Vision (July 2005):
It is 2007 and Northern Soccer has become a model of a successful youth soccer club. We have attracted families from all over northern New Mexico who want their kids playing soccer with Northern. We have a robust academy / mountain program and our Duke City teams are drawing players from throughout northern New Mexico. We continue to attract and develop great coaches and as result all our age group teams are full. Northern Soccer has become a force in the community and is increasing the availability of fields for youth soccer.
Northern Soccer Core Shared Principles:
- build a wide, strong base for the club with academy / mountain soccer programs as its foundation
- provide good technical development for all kids
- make academy / mountain soccer "cool" for kids and parents
- educate parents about the development of soccer players
- assure age-appropriate player development
- develop coaches at all levels of play
- provide outreach to assure racial/ethnic and gender diversity of players, coaches and leadership
- assure timely and organized registration of players
- assure timely and organized player and team development
- assure timely and organized communication
- share costs in a fair and equitable manner, taking into account the different resources needed at the different levels of play
- raise funds to help all levels of players
- provide scholarships for all levels of players with financial need
- assure adequate playing fields for soccer in the area