DFC'S MISSION

To provide an inclusive, player-centered soccer environment that reflects Dover's hardworking and diverse community, where every child can develop their skills, character, and love for the game through RESPECT, UNITY, GROWTH MINDSET, and RESILIENCE.

DFC’S VISION

To build a soccer club that unites Dover’s community, celebrates its diversity, and develop children who are not only skilled athlete but also respectful leaders, resilient competitions, and positive role models on and off the field.


DFC'S PRINCIPLES

• PLAYER-CENTERED DEVELOPMENT

Focus on the holistic needs of each child (technical, tactical, physical, and emotional) while creating an inclusive environment.

• COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Build strong ties with Dover families, schools, and local organizations to create pride and belonging in the club.

• LONG-TERM DEVELOPMENT

Prioritize development pathways, life skills, and consistent improvement instead of chasing immediate results.

DFC’S VALUES

RESPECT

• Players: Compete with honor, treat teammates and opponents with dignity, respect referees, and care for the game.

• Coaches: Lead by example with professionalism and fairness; hold players to high standards while respecting individual differences.

• Parents: Support all players, coaches, and referees positively from the sidelines; model respect for the community and the game.

UNITY

• Players: Put the team first, communicate consistently, and celebrate Dover’s diversity by working together as one.

• Coaches: Create an inclusive environment where every player feels valued; teach that success comes from collective effort.

• Parents: Promote a positive sideline culture, support every child in the club, and participate in DFC community events.

GROWTH-MINDSET

• Players: See mistakes as chances to learn, stay open to feedback, and measure success through effort and improvement.

• Coaches: Encourage learning over short-term results; design sessions that push players to adapt and problem-solve.

• Parents: Celebrate perseverance and progress as much as wins; remind children that growth happens through challenges.

RESILIENCE

• Players: Play with determination, recover quickly from setbacks, and stay positive under pressure.

• Coaches: Reframe failures as growth moments; teach players to persist through adversity and stay composed.

• Parents: Support players through highs and lows; model persistence and calm during tough situations.

CONNECTIONS BETWEEN MISSION, VALUES, AND PRINCIPLES

MISSION = PURPOSE 

Our mission defines why Dover FC exists: to create a soccer environment that is inclusive, reflective of Dover’s diverse community, and focused on developing the whole child.

VALUES = BEHAVIOR

Our values (Respect, Unity, Growth, Resilience) are the daily actions and attitudes expected of players, coaches, and parents. They shape how training is run, how games are approached, and how we represent our community.

PRINCIPLES = FRAMEWORK

Our principles guide the how: 

Player-Centered Development ensures each player feels seen, valued, and supported.

Community Engagement connects the club’s mission to Dover’s identity, creating long-term relationships.

Long-Term Learning keeps focus on steady growth and prepares players for life, not just games.

ALIGNMENT

• The Board sets strategy rooted in mission and principles.

• Coaches design and deliver sessions that reflect values in action.

• Players grow through behaviors and training built on those same principles.

• Parents model and reinforce values on the sideline.

• The Community sees Dover FC as a reflection of its hardworking, diverse identity.

This alignment makes sure that every decision, from budgeting to session design to cheering at games, supports the same purpose.