A: The FC Black Program is a high level club program based at South Brunswick, a club environment that allows players to train and play at the highest level possible.

Q: Who trains and coaches the teams?

A: All training and coaching will be delivered by non-parent coaches. While we recognize that some parents are very competent coaches, for the benefit of all players ad the integrity of the program, every FC Black team requires an independent coach who will make game day responsibilities. Every FC Black team will have two training sessions per week with a qualified and experienced trainer, who fulfills the minimum standards identified by the South Brunswick club trainer minimum standards.

In the same way that kids do not have the same teacher every year, our club policy is to rotate coaches every few years. While recognizing that this is not always a popular policy, it does expose players to new ideas, and takes them out of their comfort zone – requiring them to constantly strive to be their best.

Q: What will my son / daughter learn as part of the FC Black program?

A: Each team has an age appropriate specific training plan and a detailed program for the year available to prospects at the tryout. While we feedback information from watching games into subsequent training sessions, we do not offer a purely reactive training plan. Such an approach is effectively a piecemeal solution to teaching soccer. In addition to identifying and correcting the errors that occur in competitive situations, our holistic approach ensures that players receive instruction in all parts of the game. If an individual is weak in a skill that is a team strength, that individual will receive specific instruction on how to improve.

Additionally, each player will receive individual written feedback during each season (fall and spring), to help them focus on areas for improvement.

Q: What commitment will be required of me if I do join the FC Black program?

A: Participating in soccer at a high level requires a heightened level of commitment than town travel soccer. The higher level the team is playing at, the more travel is likely in order to find competitive teams, and we try to avoid tournaments which simply involve playing against the same teams we face in league play. All parents and players who accept places at the FC Black Program are required to sign a commitment letter indicating that they understand and are committed to what is required of them through the season. We cannot schedule training sessions or games around other sports / activities. However, by giving a full year schedule in advance, we hope that it allows you to avoid conflicts wherever possible. We are committed to not directly or indirectly forcing players to give up other sports to follow soccer only on a year round basis. However, there will be a commitment expected throughout the spring as well as the fall season, and one practice session per week in the winter. All our programs finish Memorial Day weekend, with summer play an optional additional program that players are not compelled to be a part of.

Our teams (U11 through U14) are programmed as follows:

Fall
* One week training camp, and a pre-season tournament before the start of the fall season
* Training twice weekly (90 minutes per session) through the season, with typically at least one game a week
* State Cup
* Columbus Day tournament
* MAPS / Pre-MAPS or JAGS level league schedule played and scrimmages when necessary, finishing prior to Thanksgiving

Winter
Training as a team once per week, usually with one indoor tournament.

Spring
* Pre-season tournament
* Twice weekly training (90 minutes per session)
* MAPS / Pre-MAPS or JAGS level league schedule played and scrimmages when necessary, finishing around Memorial Day weekend
* Memorial Day weekend plus one other tournament (in addition to the pre-season tournament)


High School aged teams are programmed with the objective of giving players the opportunity to get exposure to college coaches, which is where the best teams will also be playing. Tournaments may be accordingly substituted for college hosted events (as a team) where possible. Additionally, the specific tournament selections will be made based on the collegiate coaches in attendance, compared to the selections of the players on the team.

U14 through U18 team programming is as follows:

Fall
* Training toward the end of the HS season
* Three tournaments leading up to Christmas, one of which will be in Florida between Christmas and the New Year (These are the biggest College Showcase tournaments in the country, and we recognize the importance of having a playing there).

Winter
Training as a team once per week, usually with one indoor tournament.

Spring
* One pre-season tournament*
* Twice weekly training (90 minutes per session)
* MAPS / Pre-MAPS or JAGS level league schedule played and scrimmages when necessary, finishing around Memorial Day weekend
* Memorial Day weekend plus one other tournament (in addition to the pre-season tournament*)

Q:  Is there specific goalkeeper training available?

A: Yes. There will e specific GK training available weekly through the spring and fall. Each GK will train once per week for 90 minutes.

Q: how many players are on each roster?

A: Typically, there will be 18 players on a full-sided roster, which is the number upon which the budget is based. However, this will be dependent upon a natural fit of players of the appropriate ability level for the team. If the team and the coach collectively agree to have less players, the players on the roster will be responsible for paying (or fund-raising) the monies to cover the absent player(s). However, this would be considered an unusual situation, as 18 is considered the optimum number to ensure that after injuries etc, there are good numbers at all sessions, games and tournaments.

Q: What is the club policy on game time?

A: From the club’s perspective, there are essentially two types of games played. In the first category are the games such as State Cup and meaningful ranking tournaments. The second category is everything else.

In ranked tournaments and State Cup, we as a club play to win. What distinguishes us as a select program is moving beyond pure development and fun which means competing seriously when the time arises. Doing well in these competitions is what enables our teams to be ranked at a level that enables us to playing in big tournaments, at a high level and against the best teams. This is the goal of the SB + program, without which we would be no different to any town program. Recognizing the reality here, the price paid for playing at this level is a certain pressure on the players that means that if they are not developing, having a bad day, week or whatever, it will significantly impact their game time in the big competitions, which is why we as a club make this clear at the outset. We believe that if presented the right way, this focus helps to help get the best out of the players, as it is constructive and a natural progression from working hard and performing in training. We also absolutely recognize that excessive pressure is destructive, and we steer clear of the “win at all costs” and shouting and screaming approaches approach that is damaging to whole youth soccer experience. Starting positions for these games will be based on performance in training and previous games, and substitutions will (or will not) be made solely to improve the team through that game. To make that very clear: there is no game time guarantee in these games.

For all other games however – which includes all league game and scrimmages, we give fairly equal game time. In these games, players will get the chance to play different positions, as long as they have shown an interest in them and put in the work at training. For example, if we work on forward movement one week and players choose not to try it (or are not there) they will not play in that position in the game. There is much said about players learning to play different positions and the arguments as to whether experiencing one or more position will help in High School etc. We are developing players to understand the game as a whole and be comfortable in possession, receiving and passing the ball. This should enable them adapt to any position, accepting that the finer points of movement and decision-making require experience, and that each individual players has strengths or weaknesses will mean they probably have a position that best fits their skill set. The practical application of this philosophy is that players will be around and will experience different positions, and if they want to try something specifically they should express that to their coach. Obviously we want to win every game we play - and we will play to win - but winning every league game and scrimmage is not the primary objective of the club, the reality is that in these games coaches will make substitutions and tactical decisions (formations etc) which may cost us games, in order to aid the development of the players and the teams as a whole.

Q: Why doesn’t my son or daughter start every game?

A: Despite the high level of play and generally good work ethic that we anticipate all players will have, a roster has to contain more players than there are starting positions, which means disappointed players every week – the worst part of being a coach. We recognize that if players weren’t disappointed it would indicate a lack of motivation, and that parents invest considerable time and resources in providing the optimal soccer experience for their son / daughter. Our challenge is to retain the integrity of the program and keep the team playing a level consistent with the goals and objectives of the club, while giving players the opportunity to improve and develop while enjoying an outstanding soccer experience. It’s obviously not easy, but with that said, our coaches have no problem dealing honestly with the players and giving direct and constructive feedback when there are valid questions to be answered. Our coaches always try to be approachable, but if the players feel unable to discuss issues with them we don’t have a problem communicating directly with parents in the right way and at the right time (see “How should I approach the coach”).

Q: How should I approach the coach?

A: While the focus of the FC Black program is the young players on the teams, we are happy to discuss issues with the parents. We recognize that in most cases it is the parents who make the decisions as to where their son or daughter will play soccer, and we want you to be happy with your decision. Clearly at games, our primary concern has to be our players (who can approach us at any time), and our attention needs to be with them. Additionally, game days are emotional at the best of times, so please under no circumstances approach coaches to question any decisions immediately after (or before) games, and please wait 24 hours before calling. E-mail is actually best – we can then call you back. Please be aware that we can’t / won’t comment or discuss other players either directly or comparatively, but are happy to discuss the progress and development of your son or daughter. When discussions are face-to-face, we would always prefer to have the player there to be directly involved in the conversation. Many things can be lost in translation, and our goal at all times remains the development of the program through the education and ongoing improvement of players within it.

If a parent or player feels unable to speak to the coach about an issue, or if they are unable to reach an agreement, they should contact a member of the FC Black committee. They can then ensure that the team and program as a whole continues to work toward the identified mission, goals and objectives.

Q: How is the FC Black Program managed?

A: Each team has a professional coach, who will take every training session and coach every game. This coach makes the soccer decisions for that team, within the parameters of the mission, goals and objectives of the club as a whole. These include what is trained and how the team is trained, starting line-ups, formations, tactics etc. The coach also make the final decision regarding taking players on rosters, in consultation with the program Directors.

The FC Black committee make all day to day decisions regarding the program, and is composed of Jorge De La Bandera, Ken Bierman and Jack Presti, and (Director of Training and Coaching) Andy Sones. The committee’s responsibility is to make club decisions in relation to which tournaments our teams enter, which leagues we play in. These decisions are program-wide. Therefore, while individual team coaches will have considerable input into all strategic decisions regarding their teams, these final decisions will be made at committee level, where ultimately, coaching appointments are also made.

Working with the coach and club director is a parent liaison for each team, who aid with player carding, tournament applications, and the various and considerable administrative requirements of running each team.

Q: Is support available in cases of financial hardship?

A: Yes. Although our tuition fees are low, we do not want to be price-prohibitive. Each case is treated individually, and must be identified prior to tryouts.

Q: Do you have any back-up plans for training or game-day emergencies?

A: Yes. In the unlikely event of an unforeseen training situation where the regular FC Black trainer attend, the club will provide another trainer who can take the session.

On game-days, each team has a parent carded to the team, in case of an unforeseen emergency (medical emergency / car-crash) which stops the regular coach getting to a game (or causes late arrival). On a team by team basis, the FC Black program Coach may request the parent coach to be on the coaching sideline more regularly, although not under any circumstances to give direction. However, in dealing with minor player issues, providing drinks etc, they may be able to fulfill a role in ensuring that the FC Black coach can devote his attention fully to the players on the field. This would also ensure some level of continuity on the sideline in the unlikely event that an FC Black coach arrived late to a game, having listened first hand to the input in previous weeks. In all circumstances the FC Black program coach will be responsible for team selection.

Q: Is this really about youth soccer, or just a business?

A: South Brunswick is applying to become a 501 c(iii) federally tax exempt non-profit organization. Training and coaching services are bought in from various training partners at a standard training rate, we work on a tight budget, and any surplus at the end of each year is reinvested into things such as additional lights, apparel, charitable donations, scholarship monies etc. In achieving our mission and goals, we do not want to be price prohibitive, while recognizing that training, referees, uniforms, tournaments etc do have a cost which is part of the commitment that may not be for everyone. Soccer is more expensive than some sports, and less expensive than others, and each family should carefully consider where to invest both their time and resources.

Ultimately, our tuition fees are less than most other “Academy” teams, yet we believe we offer more. In that sense, we are well below the ‘market’ rate that a business would have, yet working to fulfill our goal of enabling committed and talented players the opportunity to train and play at the highest level.

Q: What is the club policy on guests?

A: Guests are typically used either to replace players for tournaments and events, or to allow the coach to have a look at potential players in a competitive situation. If the full complement of players on the roster are available for a team, guests will not be invited, but if there are spaces on the roster, it is in the interest of the team to be as competitive as possible, and guest players may be invited. Once invited, a guest is considered part of the team for the duration of the tournament. They do not have limited playing privileges, nor are they guaranteed game time should they play poorly. Guests will only be invited if – in the opinion of the coach – they are able to contribute to the team, but from the moment they first step on the field, they are subject to the same game time policies as every other player on the team.

Q: Is additional individual training available?

A: Each FC Black team may arrange additional sessions in the lead-up to major tournaments, state-cup etc, which is included as part of the program. The club does not offer other training services, as it does not directly employ coaches but contracts in training and coaching services. Outside of the FC Black training and playing commitments, players are free to choose other training, from any soccer training organization. The only limiting factor to this is that the club does not allow any players to have private training with their FC Black team coach, as doing so would create an additional relationship that would create a distinction between the individually instructed and team trained players.