FC Samoa (Samoa Football club): Fact sheet at-a glance
Background: FC Samoa is an Academy-based Soccer Club operating in the town of Samoa (Humboldt County, between Eureka and Arcata) and serving ambitious soccer families in the relatively isolated communities of the North Coast. FC Samoa (see Mission statement) provides a PLAYER DEVELOPMENT pyramid based on sound educational practice, as well as travel TEAM opportunities. In particular, the Club is set up to create a College-Prep environment for Boys and Girls who are ready to seriously pursue their dream of playing at a legitimate College level.
1. What is “Academy-based? : Think of a small year-round soccer school from grades 5 through 12. Each grade has a curriculum, and entry and exit standards. These are taught by professional teacher-coaches from one to four nights per week. The Academy concept recognizes INDIVIDUAL PLAYER DEVELOPMENT as a prerequisite for team participation and success.
2. Do we have to “abandon” our present youth team to play in FC Samoa?: Not necessarily: anyone can attend Academy training, and yet remain attached to teams locally (typically these teams are at a d3-travel level). Nevertheless, in order to properly prepare for a realistic shot at College soccer, FC Samoa will recruit and enter teams in elite events (such as US Club College Showcases and the like)
3. Is there travel involved?: In theory a player can “stay home” and just participate in Academy lessons twice a week or so. In practice (see #2 above) the committed player will surely need to seek worthy opponents from well outside the County.
4. What fees are involved?: FC Samoa will be a “Membership Club” (like a Health Club) with very reasonable year-round monthly payments. We are committed to removing most of the all-too-familiar FINANCIAL BARRIERS to College-prep soccer on the North Coast. To achieve this, FC Samoa will rely heavily on GRANTS and CORPORATE GIVING.
5. We are excited/interested- when does this al begin?: December 1st 2008. We will run Academy through the Winter, as well as at least one “Futsal” team and a U-18 College Prep Girls’squad is already in existence.
6. Are you affiliated with HSU soccer?: Not at this point. We are developing a 20-year plan that includes a reciprocal professional relationship with HSU (Kinesiology/Soccer/Education) and we expect numerous graduates to join the rosters of HSU soccer in the future. In the short term, we will be utilizing HSU specialist expertise in areas (such as) Goalkeeping, Nutrition, and Sports Lifting.
7. What is the Administrative set up?: FC Samoa is a registered non-profit with a small Board of Directors. FC Samoa is affiliated with US Club Soccer (as an Academy) and is projected to assume full US Club “league” status within the first two years.
FC Samoa: “Preparing young soccer players for the NEXT level”