Effective: 3/11/26
Our Commitment to Transparency
At Cupertino FC, we believe families should know exactly what they’re paying for, exactly when payments are due, and exactly what happens if circumstances change. We don’t charge hidden fees, and we don’t surprise you with costs after you’ve committed. This document covers everything regarding our competitive teams.
The Club Year
Cupertino FC’s competitive season runs on a 12-month cycle (we train year-round);
Fall Season: August 1 – Nov 30
Spring Season: March 1 – Jun 30
Full Club Year: August 1 – Jun 30 (of the following year)
Registration typically opens in March each year. Players are expected to commit to the full club year (both seasons). We structure it this way because team chemistry, development, and league placement depend on roster stability — this isn’t a drop-in program, it’s a year-long commitment to your child’s growth.
Competitive Team Registration
Who must register: Every player on a competitive team roster must complete club registration, accept the financial commitment, and pay via Zelle before participating in any practices or games. This is not optional and is not at the discretion of the coach — it is a league and insurance requirement.
What registration fees cover: Your annual registration fee covers all coaching and training (3 practices per week plus games), club operations, curriculum development, Technical Director oversight, league registration (NorCal/CalNorth), player insurance, and field permits for the entire club year (both Fall and Spring seasons).
What registration fees do NOT cover: Uniform kits (purchased separately at the start of your first season — one-time cost) and optional tournament entry fees (your team manager will communicate these separately if applicable). There are no other fees.
Financial aid: Cupertino FC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and we are committed to making quality soccer accessible. If cost is a barrier for your family, please contact us at admin@cupertinofc.org before or during registration. All financial aid inquiries are handled confidentially.
Payment Details
Payment method: All competitive team payments are made via Zelle or check directly to the club. This allows us to keep fees lower by avoiding credit card processing costs — savings we pass directly to families. Payments are due in full
Full Club Year (August 1 – July 15)
Players registering for the full club year may pay in full at registration or choose our 3-payment plan.
| Payment | Amount | Due Date |
|---|---|---|
| Payment 1 | 1/3 of annual fee | Due at registration |
| Payment 2 | 1/3 of annual fee | October 1st |
| Payment 3 | 1/3 of annual fee | February 1st |
Payments are due on or before the dates listed. Your team manager will send a Zelle request or a check reminder email a few days before each due date. If you need to adjust a payment date by a few days, communicate with your team manager in advance — we’re reasonable.
Spring-Only Registration (February 1 – July 15)
Players joining the club at the start of the Spring season pay the Spring season portion only. Payment is due in full at registration, or may be split into two payments:
| Payment | Amount | Due Date |
|---|---|---|
| Payment 1 | 1/2 of spring fee | Due at registration |
| Payment 2 | 1/2 of spring fee | April 1st |
Mid-Season Registration
Players who join a team after the start of a season (for example, in October or March) pay a pro-rated fee calculated from their start date through the end of the current club year (July 15). The pro-rated amount is calculated monthly based on the number of full months remaining. Payment is due in full at registration.
Mid-season players commit through the end of the current club year (July 15), not just through the end of the current season.
30-day Satisfaction Guarantee
We want every family to feel confident in their decision. If within 30 days of receiving your offer you decide that Cupertino FC is not the right fit for your child, you may withdraw and receive a full refund of any payments made — no questions asked.
To request a refund under this guarantee, email admin@cupertinofc.org within the 30-day window. Refunds will be processed within 14 business days.
Release and Refund Policy
Early release (by August 15): Players who choose to leave the club on or before August 15 of the current club year will be released from further financial obligation but will forfeit any initial payment already made (unless still within the 30-day guarantee window, in which case a full refund applies).
After August 15 — General policy: Because Cupertino FC plans its coaching staffing, field rentals, league registrations, and team budgets based on committed rosters, registration fees are generally non-refundable after August 15. Choosing to leave the club, joining another club, or reduced interest in soccer do not alter the family’s financial commitment for the club year.
We understand this is a firm policy. We encourage families to use the 30-day guarantee period and the early release window to make sure the commitment is right before the season is underway.
Season-ending injuries: If a player sustains an injury that prevents continued participation for the remainder of the season (as documented by a licensed physician’s written statement), we will issue a pro-rated refund for the remaining full months of the club year from the date of the physician’s determination. There is no cap on this refund amount — you will receive the full pro-rated value of the time your child cannot participate. Submit the physician’s note to admin@cupertinofc.org.
Family relocation: If your family relocates outside of the Cupertino, Santa Clara, San Jose, or surrounding area such that continued participation is not feasible, we will issue a pro-rated refund for the remaining full months of the club year from the date of relocation. There is no cap on this refund amount. Contact admin@cupertinofc.org with documentation of the move (such as a change of address, new lease, or enrollment at a new school).
Other extraordinary circumstances: We recognize that life is unpredictable. If your family faces an extraordinary hardship not covered above, please contact us. We will review your situation on a case-by-case basis and do our best to find a fair resolution. We are a community-run club, not a billing department.
How We’re Different
We know that many clubs in this area charge registration fees plus separate team fees that can add $1000+ per year on top of what you thought you were paying. We don’t do that. Your Cupertino FC registration fee is your total cost — coaching, training, fields, league fees, and insurance are all included. The only additional costs are a one-time uniform kit and any optional tournaments your team chooses to enter.
We also don’t charge late fees for new families, don’t auto-charge credit cards without warning, and don’t require credit card payments. We use Zelle and checks, paid directly to the club, to keep costs low and transactions simple.
Questions
If you have any questions about fees, payment timing, financial aid, or refund eligibility, contact us at admin@cupertinofc.org or call/text 408-673-8414. We’d rather answer your question upfront than have you surprised later.