COMPETITIVE

The Cardiff Sockers competitive program offers more motivated and skilled players a higher level of training and competition with professional coaching geared to their increased commitment and desires to excel at the game. The Sockers coaching staff is led by Executive Director, Kraig Chiles. Under his direction, our professional coaching staff offers the most progressive and highest quality of training available, while also creating a fun environment that allows our players to enjoy the beautiful game of soccer. We aim to have our players take the skills they learn playing competitive soccer off the pitch, including grace under intense pressure, respect for authority, leadership, humility whether winning or losing, and putting the needs of the group over the glory of the individual.

Players are offered a variety of weekly development opportunities throughout the year. Teams practice 2-3x a week. Additional weekly trainings are offered by age group and/or position via both our Specialty Training Program and Olympus Movement Performance strength and conditioning sessions. Our Specialty Training Program is directed by Mark O’Sullivan, and features a player-centered curriculum that addresses different soccer skills, techniques, and building of soccer IQ throughout the year. Goalkeepers also train weekly with three-time MASL Goalkeeper of the Year Chris Toth.

Our teams will play in the rebranded SoCal league (previously known as Southern California Developmental Soccer League -- SCDSL). The move to this new league (SoCal) and governing body (US Club Soccer) will bring opportunities for our players through good competition, inclusive leadership, and a re-organized schedule that includes league games over a longer period of time and a revamped State Cup competition. Many of the coastal North County clubs are joining as well, providing competition that is both strong and local.

Teams form at the end of each winter and play through the fall, requiring more time, expenses and travel than recreational soccer. In return, we strive to help each player develop, in an age-appropriate manner, to his or her maximum capabilities both in terms of personal and team skills.

 

PROGRAM OVERVIEWs

FAQS

+ How much more of a commitment is competitive than recreational soccer?

It costs more money, there is more travel involved, and occasionally there are both Saturday and Sunday games. Teams depend on serious commitments from each player, and they are expected to attend all practices and games. But coaches understand that families take vacations, illnesses occur, and other family events sometimes take precedence. Commitment levels will depend on age and level of play for the specific team.

+ When does the season stop and start?

The fall season is the same schedule as recreational soccer, with games running from after Labor Day at the beginning of September to the weekend before Thanksgiving in late November. Teams typically play 13 to 15 games during the fall season. Generally, teams practice two days per week throughout the year with about 6-8 weeks off, determined by the coach. Some teams may practice more than twice a week depending on the level and commitment of the team.

Teams will start training after tryouts depending on the age level of the team and State Cup schedule. Our younger teams may start training once a week by March and move to twice a week shortly thereafter if not sooner. Our high school-aged teams will start in late-spring, after the high school season and older State and National Cup tournaments have concluded. If you need to know timing for a particular team, please contact our Executive Director. Teams will also play tournaments before and after the fall season that are covered by a separate team fee. Teams sometimes opt to play arena soccer at the Ecke YMCA in Encinitas or futsal during the off-season as well.

+ Does the player have to live in Cardiff?

No. We welcome interested players from all communities and many of our players do not live in the Cardiff area.

+ How far is the travel?

Trainings are at fields located in the vicinity of Cardiff and Encinitas. Travel for games depends on the tournaments and level of the team. Higher level teams should expect some further travel, especially for specialty tournaments or advanced competition in event such as league playoffs and State Cup.

+ What is included in the registration fee?

Club fees include coaching for the year, fall gaming league costs, summer team camp, skill clinics, Cardiff Cup tournament (or equivalent) and administrative costs. The fee also covers general league expenses such as insurance, field upkeep, and registration with both the governing bodies and fall gaming league.

Additional team fees cover the cost of tournaments and additional leagues that vary by team.

Our coaches are all licensed and have at least an “E” license. In addition, many have played soccer at college, semi-professional, or professional levels. Kraig Chiles, our Executive Director, supervises Cardiff’s competitive teams, with support from our technical director, Mark O'Sullian and assistant director Matt Favor.

+ Where do teams practice?

Teams practice on several local Cardiff and Encinitas fields including Encinitas Community Park, Cardiff Sports Park, and schools such as Ada Harris, Cardiff Elementary, Oakcrest Middle School, and San Dieguito Academy. Our Field Coordinator works with teams throughout the year to schedule practices.

+ In what leagues do teams play?

2024-25 teams played in the SoCal and NPL/Discovery Leagues. Seeding occurs early spring. Our Executive Director works with the coaches to seed the teams appropriately to support development for all teams and players.

+ Does each member of a team have an equal amount of playing time?

No. While recreational soccer strives to make sure everyone plays half the time, competitive aims to have the strongest players on the field. That said, coaches only invite players to join a team who make it stronger, and they will make every effort to play everyone in each game unless there are injury or discipline issues.

+ What if a player is injured or quits?

For players in good standing, Cardiff Soccer League will consider written requests for a refund up to 50% of the paid club fees before August 1. The circumstances for the player departure are taken into account when determining refunds.

+ How will I learn whether my child makes the team and what happens next?

A coach will phone each player who attends tryouts within one week. If your child is offered a slot, you will be emailed club paperwork to complete and you must complete online registration and attend a registration night to order uniform and complete paperwork. For players who do not make the competitive team, we strongly encourage them to join our recreational program, which begins registration in April.

+ If my child makes the team, I’d like to help. What do teams need?

Each team needs a manager to handle the finances and scheduling. The Cardiff Soccer League also is a volunteer, nonprofit organization, and we can always use extra help. Please reach out to us to inquire about opportunities to provide support.

+ Can my child “play up”, or play on a team that is older?

Cardiff Soccer looks at each individual case and makes a decision that is best for the player’s development and safety. Players wishing to play up will also be required to try out for their birth year age group and request to play up. Playing up will be determined based on skills and maturity.

+ What is meant by “Birth Year” age group?

Teams are currently formed based on birth year. US Youth Soccer, US Club Soccer, and Cardiff Soccer League have also adopted a ‘Small-Sided Game Initiative’ providing for fewer players on the pitch, and smaller fields and goals. If you have questions about birth year registration or the Small-Sided Game initiative, your coach will provide you with more details.

I have more questions. How can I get more information?

Please contact our Executive Director at Executivedirector@cardiffsockers.org.