Facing the difficult decision to cut a player from your adult soccer team? You’re not alone. As a coach or team leader, navigating player cuts requires empathy and clear communication.
There are various reasons why adult soccer players might need to move on, including:
- Performance issues
- Financial issues
- Incompatible team dynamics
- League issues
- Aging
- External factors
Nonetheless, whether it’s your first time or you are dealing with a challenging situation, here’s a guide to help you manage player cuts effectively:
8 Steps to Cut a Soccer Player
Time needed: 1 minute
Follow these easy steps to drop an adult soccer player from your roster.
- Make the Decision
Make the decision and be final. Do not flip flop. Do not turn it into a club drama. You risk damaging the team moral. Moreover, base your decision on skill, performance during tryouts/practice/matches and potential fit with the team’s needs and existing players.
- Clear Communication with the Cut Player
Schedule a private meeting with the player. Focus on the team’s needs. Be clear and concise. Nevertheless, provide positive feedback and positive reinforcement. We want the player to continue enjoying the beautiful sport.
- Clear Communication with the Team
There will be lots of questions and you don’t want the rumor mill to go viral. Oftentimes, this will not be a surprise to most of the players. In addition, be gracious and thank the player for their contributions and wish them well as they move onto another club. In smaller communities/leagues you will likely run into them in a future match.
- Team Fees & Equipment
Plan in advance and clearly communicate with the player any potential credits for the player or the return of any team equipment (such as team jerseys or balls).
- Be Empathetic and Respectful
Cutting a player is never easy. Be empathetic and understanding throughout the conversation. The cut player will likely feel hurt and act very defensively. Stay calm, composed and listen.
- Privacy
Maintain the players privacy by having a private conversation with the player and your leadership group if needed. Do not make it a public ordeal.
- Be Timely
Don’t drag out the decision. Furthermore, inform the player as soon as possible so they can explore other options.
- Be Supportive
Offer to reach out to your network to find the player another team or other playing opportunities such as scrimmages or pickup matches. Direct them to local clubs, web resources and online adult free agent communities like Subsneeded.com. Many teams are often looking for players to fill openings on their squads.
While cutting a player is necessary sometimes, remember, it is not a reflection of their worth. By following these steps, you can make the process a little less difficult for everyone involved. Be kind and supportive. Never burn bridges. Moreover, you never know when your paths may cross again. Good luck!
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