COACHING RESOURCES
Links to Coaching Resources
Core CCU Coaching Traits
Positive Examples: Model integrity and respect in all situations.
Coach "The Game", Not "The Play": Allow players space to learn organically from game situations.
4:1 Coaching Ratio: Maintain at least four positive compliments for every constructive critique.
Celebrate Approximations: Recognize and praise incremental progress and small successes.
Structured & Energetic: Arrive organized to maximize practice time while delivering age-appropriate instruction with high energy.

Onboarding and Clearance Checklist
All head, assistant, and co-coaches must complete the mandatory onboarding steps (approx. 2 hours total) prior to taking the field:
- PlayMetrics Account: Create profile, upload headshot photo, and submit background check via PlayMetrics Login.
- SafeSport Training: Complete required training at SafeSport Trained.
- Concussion Certification: Complete training via CDC TRAIN.
- CCU Website Registration: Complete registration on the CCU website and review the CCU Coaching Manual.

Health, Safety, and Emergency Protocols
Lightning Policy: Seek shelter immediately if lightning is within 10 miles (Track via My Lightning Tracker app).
Cold Weather Cutoff: Recreational training is canceled if temperatures fall below 32°F.
Two-Adult Rule: Never be alone with a single player under any circumstances.
First Aid & AED:
- AED is mounted directly on the shed door.
- First Aid Kits are stored on the wooden shelf inside the shed.
- Bring a personal kit to off-site matches/practices.
Emergencies: Call 911 immediately for critical incidents.

CCU Traditions
CCU Circle: Start and end all practices/matches in a circle to foster team connection and goal alignment.
Pre-Game Photo: Gather at midfield 10 minutes prior to kickoff for a team photo.
End-of-Game Cheer: Post-match cheer celebrating teammates, opponents, referees, and supporters.
Supporters Weekend: Biannual showcase at Ben Oswald Park (e.g., September 19–20, 9 AM–5 PM) featuring recreational and competitive games.
Mentor Day: Competitive players co-coach recreational teams across ages U6 to U19.

Equipment Shed Organization and Storage
- Shed Policy: Coaches-only area. Keep the gate closed to prevent unsupervised youth entry. Goals must be removed/stored after use.
- U6 & U8 Gear: Green Bins (disc/tall cones, pinnies, prize bag); Green Bags (size 3 balls).
- U10 & U12 Gear: Red Bins (disc/tall cones, pinnies); Red Bags (size 4 balls with blue accents).
- Competitive Gear: Black Bins (extra cones/pinnies); Black Bags (competitive balls); Bownets, tennis nets, target nets.
- Goalkeeper Gear: Stored on the wooden shelf & floor underneath; blue ball bags.
- Cleat Exchange: Free resource! Keep pairs tied together and organized by size (larger sizes higher up).
Annual Club Planning Calendar
August / February: Preseason Tournaments
August / March: Start of Fall / Spring League Seasons
September 19 & 20: Bi-Annual CCU Supporters Weekend @ Ben Oswald Park
November / May: End of Season League Play & Tournaments
December – February: Winter Futsal Program
May: Competitive Team Tryouts for the following fall
Leadership and Key Contacts
Director of Coaching (DOC): Scott McFarland
- 📧 Email:
salida_soccer@hotmail.com| 📞 Phone:719-221-0026 - Support Areas: Co-coaching, training pedagogy, schedules, gear, player/parent management.
Director of Operations (DOO): Heith Jackson
- 📧 Email:
heithpj@hotmail.com| 📞 Phone:719-942-3483 - Support Areas: Registration, payments, website development, club communications.
