Who is Fullerton City FC?
Fullerton City FC is an entirely volunteer-based non-profit 501c3 organization dedicated to offering an affordable, fun, and unique soccer experience. FCFC was created specifically to serve the youth in Fullerton. And because we’re a local organization, all decisions are made with the local community in mind, including pricing, well-balanced teams, maximum play time on the pitch, and practice and game locations in close proximity.
FCFC’s primary goal for its players is development and enjoyment of the game. If the youth are improving and having fun, winning will be a natural byproduct. And there is no question that all parents want to see their children playing on the pitch. No parent wants to watch a game where their child plays for five minutes at the very end of the match. It is an agonizing feeling, especially considering the commitment and resources parents invest in their child’s soccer experience.
What FCFC is not.
As a volunteer-run organization, FCFC is not a business seeking to increase revenue or profit or higher pay for employees. And FCFC is not a “pay to play” soccer program. According to the executive director of the Sports & Society Program at The Aspen Institute, “Pay to play is more of a problem than ever before. We now have families being charged thousands of dollars for their children to chase a ball on a green field and try and push the ball into the back of a net that cost very little.” (See Club soccer puts the sport out of reach for many kids, NPR, December 8, 2022). FCFC believes that youth soccer should be inclusive, and not exclusive. To that end, FCFC will make every effort to keep player fees below cost and guarantees every FCFC player will play at least 50% of every game and no player will be cut from a team for poor playing performance.
What levels of play does FCFC offer?
FCFC offers two levels of play: Recreational and Select.
Who runs Fullerton City FC?
Fullerton City FC was created by passionate parents and friends in Fullerton who saw a need for a youth soccer organization that truly puts the City’s kids and families first. Instead of just accepting the status quo, they decided to take action and make a difference. Today, Fullerton City FC is run entirely by dedicated volunteers who serve as coaches, referees, and administrators. Our wonderful community members generously give their time and effort to ensure FCFC is a fun and educational program for all our young soccer players.
What is the difference between Recreational & Select?
Recreational teams are designed to be less competitive, focusing on learning the game and having fun. Players enjoy social interaction with peers their age, learn teamwork, enhance their physical fitness, and improve their soccer skills. Typically, there is no selection or tryout process; however, for the Fall season all players participate in player evaluations to ensure teams are formed in a fair and balanced manner.
Select teams are for players ages 8 to 13 who desire a higher level of recreational play, advanced coaching and skill building, and a more competitive soccer experience. Select teams emphasize player development and play against competitive teams, while keeping many benefits of a recreational schedule at a lower cost. Our Select teams prioritize fostering skilled soccer, good sportsmanship, and fair play. Players are chosen through annual evaluation sessions.
Generally, Recreational soccer is primarily for new and developing players. Recreational teams will play against other recreational teams in FCFC. Select soccer is for more experienced players and highly skilled players who seek to develop technically and compete against stronger competition. Fullerton City FC Select teams will compete against other clubs in the Coast Soccer League.
How do I register my child?
Registration links and information can be found on the home page of fullertoncityfc.org.
What equipment does my child need?
Every player will need soccer cleats and shin guards. We also strongly encourage every player brings a water bottle to every practice and game.
What is included with my Recreational registration?
The program includes a full uniform kit, games, practices in Fullerton, and a participation medal.
Who will coach my child's team?
Fullerton City FC teams are coached by parent volunteers from your community, many of them parents with children in the program. All coaches are subject to a background check.
It's after August 5th and my child has not been called. What do I do?
Email the Director of Coaching and Registrar, who will provide you with your coach’s information. Coaches should contact the players/parents by August 5th. Your coach will give you all the information you will need regarding practice times and location. Each coach requests specific practice days, time and location. Fullerton City FC creates the official practice schedule.
Please do not panic if you see teams practicing and your child has not been called. Not all teams begin practice at the same time. Also some coaches may be out of town. If your child has not been called email the Director of Coaching and Registrar. You can find contact information by clicking on “Our Staff” found under the About Us tab.
How often are practices and games?
The Fall Recreational playing season will officially open with practices beginning after August 1st. The regular season will be 10 weeks long. Regular season games usually begin the weekend before or after Labor Day weekend and continue through November. Teams will practice twice per week, for 1 hour to 1.5 hours. During the Fall season, Recreational players who qualify and are selected will play in an All-Star game. Players selected for the FCFC All-Star competition will compete against other FCFC All-Star teams and/or FCFC Select teams. The All-Star season will cover a 2 week period in December.
The Spring playing season will open with practices beginning on the Presidents’ Day holiday in February. The regular season will be 9 weeks long with an additional weekend of post-season playoff games. Games will not be played Easter weekend or on Mother’s Day. Teams will play games once per week, generally on Sundays. Teams will practice once or twice per week, for 1 hour to 1.5 hours, subject to the coach’s discretion.
How are divisions created?
Generally, divisions will be created by birth year and gender. For example, boys born in 2015 will play other boys born in 2015 in one division. Because this is FCFC’s first season, depending on the number of registrants teams may be formed with players from both genders and/or two birth years.
My child withdrew. How do I get a refund?
Refunds must be requested prior to deadline June 30th, via email to the Director of Registrar. After the June 30th deadline refunds will not be issued except under extraordinary circumstances. What constitutes an extraordinary circumstances will be determined on a case-by-case at the discretion of FCFC.
What am I expected to do as an Fullerton City FC parent?
Take your child to practices and games with the proper equipment. Support your child by giving encouragement and showing an interest in his or her team, and volunteering if possible. Help your child learn soccer skills and good sportsmanship. Teach your child our core values of commitment, chemistry, competence, character, and celebration.
Parents or family members of players are strongly encouraged to volunteer in the following areas:
§ Coaching
§ Team rep
§ Division liaison
§ Other (Opening Day/Soccer Festival, Picture Day, Field Set ups)
Always Be Positive
You are not playing on the team, but you have strong influence on the team's environment. Applaud good plays by your child's team and by the opposing team. Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from youth sporting activities.
Be Enthusiastic And Supportive
Let children set their own goals and play the game for themselves. Don't put too heavy a burden on your child to win games.
Reinforce Positive Behavior
The best way to help a child to achieve goals and reduce the natural fear of failure is through positive reinforcement. No one likes to make a mistake. If your child does make one, remember that he or she is still learning. Encourage your child's efforts and point out the good things your child accomplished.
Let Coaches Coach And Referees Ref
Coaches and referees are usually parents. They volunteer their time to help make your child's youth soccer experience a positive one. They need your support, too. What coaches and referees don't need is your help in coaching from the sidelines. So please refrain from coaching during games and practices. Referees are important for fun, fair and safe games. Treat them and their calls fairly and respectfully.
How do I become a Fullerton City FC volunteer?
When you register your child there is an opportunity to sign up to volunteer. Or please contact us at [email protected] and identify a role or position you are interested in.
How does Fullerton City FC protect its athletes?
Fullerton City FC is a sanctioned by Cal South, the governing body of soccer in the state of California sanctioned by the US Soccer Federation (USSF). Fullerton City FC requires all team coaches to get Live scanned, take concussion and safety training courses, and participate in basic FCFC coaching courses.