Competitive soccer programs help players achieve their sports goals by giving them a platform to train and compete at a high level. Folsom has a long history of successful competitive soccer programs. The Folsom Soccer Club was founded on an Elite program philosophy with volunteer coaches training and leading teams to reach their highest potential. The Elite program has produced teams that are highly ranked in the Northern California area and on the national stage. In Spring of 2017, a U19 Boys team led by longtime Folsom coach, Brian Altman, ended the season ranked in the top 5 nationally. The team played in the overall State Cup Final and made it to the quarterfinal in the Dallas Cup, which included international teams.
Ethos Soccer Club and Folsom Soccer Club merged in 2017 to form the Folsom Lake Earthquakes, and the Premier program was introduced to the new club. Folsom Lake Surf continued the same club structure, including both Elite and Premier programs. The Premier program is led by paid professional coaches, while the Elite program continues to be led by volunteer coaches. Today, in the U11 and older age groups, the Elite and Premier programs are equally sized, comprising 17 teams each. Having both programs allows an athlete to choose the program that fits their needs and the needs of their family. Players are able to balance the amount of training, overall commitment level and cost by choosing between the programs.
The Elite coaches of Folsom Lake Surf are dedicated volunteers who are passionate about the sport of soccer. Many of them play outdoor and indoor soccer in adult leagues in Folsom and the surrounding areas. Elite coaches provide quality training and help build skills to grow the next generation of passionate soccer players. Most Elite coaches have full time jobs outside of coaching soccer, and are still able to devote hundreds of hours a year preparing and participating in practices, games and tournaments. Elite coaches are dedicated to continuous improvement and many have completed USSF and NSCAA license courses to make them the best they can be. Coaching credentials, playing background and other information can be found on the Coaches tab on the Surf Website. Elite coaches also have a unique perspective on the players because many of them have a son or daughter playing on their team. Elite coaches are conscious about the balance of life and soccer and run their teams with this in mind.
Many players that make up the Elite teams are athletes who choose to diversify their lives and allocate time and resources to play other sports or participate in other activities. In many cases, talented soccer players are also multi-sport athletes that prefer to have the flexibility in both time and cost to pursue other sports. Elite programs have two tiers of commitment as well. Blue level teams are year round programs with two practices per week, and in general, less tournaments throughout the year than Premier teams. Black level teams have a partial year program which allows maximum flexibility while still competing in soccer at a high level. By utilizing volunteer coaches and participating in fewer soccer activities, there is also a significant cost savings. Some players use the financial flexibility to pursue additional soccer activities such as camps and personal training.
Players in the Elite program enjoy all of the benefits of being a member of Surf Nation. Elite players are eligible to be selected and participate in Surf Select and compete in high level tournaments in the area. The Surf Select program is a great avenue for Elite athletes to play at their highest level. Elite players that want more soccer also have the ability to move up in the club to the Premier level teams. Collaboration between teams in Surf gives these players an advantage to be seen and known by the Premier coaches.
Having an Elite program in Folsom Lake Surf adds many benefits to the club. The Elite program is the foundation of the club and constitutes half of the teams U11 and up. Having multiple tiers of play, commitment, and cost gives Surf the ability to accommodate all types of athletes. The Elite program is a great value for players, families and Folsom Lake Surf. The club is excited to continue to offer great coaches and teams at all levels for players to thrive and excel in the game they love.
