Structure of Teams

Structure of Teams

SABA teams are grouped by ages and level, beginning at U7. The objective is to create multiple teams within each age group. Playing formats determine selections and roster limits. The final player pool determines which age groups are capable of sustaining multiple teams.

A GLIMPSE INTO THE FUTURE In their brief time together, The U7 Celtic Boys are showing great promise. The main focus is encouraging risks and the boys are displaying a desire to showcase their 1v1 abilities. Read more >

WHY DO WE COMPETE AT THE EARLY AGES?

Clubs have varying philosophies on competing at the youngest age groups. Some choose not to emphasize competition and other clubs overemphasize competition.  We strive to find the right balance between both.

SABA provides early exposure to competition in order to introduce players to the importance of cooperation, task cohesion, and competitive evaluation. Early exposure to competition helps players learn the traits required to affect game results.

A culture of excellence is fostered early and we frequently communicate the importance of displaying the qualities and traits required for healthy competition.

HOW TEAMS IN DIFFERENT DIVISIONS ARE ORGANIZED

  • Appropriate age group (not based on size, friendships, carpools)
  • Level (talent and potential)
  • Athletic ability
  • Mindset (player and parent ability commit)

CONTINUOUS DEVELOPMENT AND EVALUATION CYCLES

Selection and promotion to rosters is merit-based. Players are continuously assessed in order to achieve age group objectives. Each season, several teams will encounter player movement throughout training only, evolving, and lower division rosters. Players move from A to B teams or vice versa. Many variables determine roster changes.

The “club pass” allows fluid movement throughout age groups. Coaches will not hinder a player’s development for the benefit of one team. At times, teammates will progress and move through various divisions as a group. Other times, individual players are moved throughout SABA teams to achieve certain goals. All player movements are communicated to parents by staff.

Highlights on the success of this philosophy can be found in the club accomplishments section on our site.

COMBINED PRACTICES

At times, teams will train together to implement a “club over team” philosophy. Younger players may train alongside older players, and girls may train alongside boys. This philosophy fosters task cohesion, mentoring, and familiarity with other players in the club. The competitive environment and conflict resolution evident in groups that train together is not always displayed when teams train individually.

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COACHING ROTATIONS AND REASSIGNMENTS

Although each team has a lead coach, players will be exposed to various mentors at practices and games. Coaching rotations happen for various reasons:

  • Coaches have time or location conflicts with another SABA game. When this occurs, another SABA coach may fill in for the warm-up or cover the game.
  • A coach is sent to provide feedback on another coach’s players and teams. This is done best by leading another group.
  • Rotating coach may be sent to introduce players to a different set of habits and expectations.
  • Coaches may be removed from a certain team or reassigned to other groups when SABA expectations are not being met.

Rotations or reassignments of a lead coach could take place at any point during the season when one or more of the above factors need to be addressed. Although each coach conveys their message differently, It’s my responsibility to ensure that the SABA philosophy is evident in their personal coaching philosophy.

MULTIPLE SPORT ATHLETES

We don’t require sports specialization at any age group. However, in order to maximize your child’s potential, we do require a commitment to the process. We hope that parents monitor burnout and are careful about the amount of weekly athletic activities they schedule. As teams get older, we expect that our most competitive players prioritize SABA activities.

“Dominic plays a second sport every season but if there’s a scheduling conflict, SABA Atletico always comes first. He has learned and appreciates his commitment to his teammates, his Club and his coaches. After his schoolwork, SABA is his number one priority, and as his parents, we wouldn’t want it any other way.”

– Jen Blum, SABA Atletico

KEEPING PRINCIPLES IN PLACE

Rosters are selected based on staff assessments. Each season, team dynamics may change in order to meet new objectives and/or league requirements. SABA will not compromise the quality of the club by giving in to parent suggestions on the makeup of teams and rosters.

View the list of the This Years Teams>

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