The Encinitas Express Competitive Soccer Program is designed to serve youth who exhibit a higher level of skill and enthusiasm to play a more rigorous band of soccer. All competitive players try out for a team within their age bracket. There are no guarantees of selection, but we encourage all interested players to try out. Our coaches evaluate all players and select individuals based upon skill level, attitude and experience. Our Competitive Program has been in existence for over 20 years. Our goal is to field teams at all levels of play, so that a child in the general Encinitas community can find a team that fits their needs.  

   
GUY NEWMAN - DIRECTOR OF COACHING

In 2010, Guy Newman became the Director of Coaching for Encinitas Express.  Guy Newman, longtime D.O.C. at Del Mar Sharks, has spent his first year getting to know the players and the staff.   Already, he has brought several new programs to Express, from the Tuesday Twos to the World Cup sessions for the whole club.  His influence, aided by Assistant Director Jerome Watson, has been felt throughout the club and we expect his influence to increase with each season.  His goal is for the Express teams to play an entertaining brand of football..

     

Our professional coaches are enthusiastic and dedicated to youth soccer. They have a wide array of knowledge and experiences to share and strive to develop our players to become great soccer players and good citizens. Our coaches have played in international and professional leagues; others have coached at the high school level.  Some have coached men’s team. All of our coaches carry United States Soccer Federation license of E and above. At Encinitas Express we strive to provide a competitive soccer experience that encourages our youth to play at their best while having fun.     

COMPETITIVE SOCCER SEASON

The actual league season runs from mid-August until Thanksgiving.  However, tournament play covers much of the rest year.  Teams at lower play levels, may play two pre-season (June, July or August) and one post-season tournament (Dec or Jan).  Teams playing at a higher-level may have more-intense schedules with tournaments starting in May and extending to February.  There are league and state cup competitions in January through March for the younger teams (thru under 13) and from April through May for the older age brackets (after the high school season has ended).

The fees for competitive soccer are understandably higher than recreational soccer. These fees are used to pay for professional coaches, CYSA and Presidio gaming fees, uniforms, equipment, fields, lights and referees. Fees for participating in tournaments are additional and are not included in the League Registration Fee. Encinitas Express provides financial aid to qualified families and scholarships to exceptional players. All requests for financial aid are kept confidential. For Financial Aid requests please contact our registrar or talk to your coach. Applications will be submitted to the Board of Directors for approval. We also provide limited opportunities for families to complete field work during the season to help offset registration fees.

Encinitas Express players are provided with a new uniform each year. The uniform consists of one pair of shorts, one pair of socks and two jerseys: One white jersey for away games and one navy jersey for home games. Warm up gear and bags are optional and can be purchased at time of registration.

CLINICS

Encinitas Express offers excellent skill development clinics called Elite Clinics every Friday during the season for 10 weeks starting in July and ending in September.

Director of Coaching Guy Newman designs and oversees each clinic session. The sessions consist of 60 minutes of skill development and tactics and 30 minutes of conditioning with STEPS program.