Roger Hampel
San Diego FC embarks on a groundbreaking journey, unveiling its innovative training facility and Right To Dream Academy, poised to revolutionize soccer development in North America.
San Diego FC, the 30th Major League Soccer club, is blazing a trail in soccer development. The club recently celebrated a key milestone, breaking ground on a state-of-the-art training facility, which will also be home to the Right to Dream Youth Development Academy. Set to launch in 2025, this project symbolizes a significant leap in nurturing soccer talent in the San Diego area.
Ceremonial Groundbreaking
The groundbreaking ceremony took place at the future facility's site on the Sycuan Reservation in El Cajon. This event marks the beginning of an ambitious journey towards the club's 2025 kickoff.
Commissioner’s Vision
MLS Commissioner Don Garber lauded the project as one of the most innovative soccer development facilities globally. He emphasized its potential to inspire local boys and girls, highlighting its role in fostering aspirations to play at professional levels or represent the U.S. internationally.
Facility Features
San Diego FC's 125,000-square-foot campus is poised to be a hub of soccer excellence. Key features include:
A 50,000-square-foot sports performance facility shared by the first team and academy teams.
Five full-sized soccer fields, including both natural and synthetic turf.
A residential academy catering to male students aged 12-18, covering grades six through 12. The inaugural batch of residential athletes will enroll in Fall 2025.
A non-residential girls' pathway at the academy, ensuring inclusive development opportunities.
Right to Dream Academy’s Unique Approach
The Right to Dream Academy adopts a holistic approach to talent development. It focuses on character building, soccer skills, and education. All residential athletes will receive full five-year scholarships, emphasizing the club's commitment to nurturing talent irrespective of on-field performance. The project will eventually include a private school integrated with the soccer academy.
A Foundational Step for San Diego FC
Tom Penn, CEO of San Diego FC, described the initiative as foundational for the club. The performance center and academy are geared towards producing world-class players in San Diego, aligning with the club's vision of becoming a North American football excellence and innovation epicenter.
A Visionary Ownership Group
The announcement of San Diego FC as the MLS’s 30th team in May was held at SnapDragon Stadium, their future home venue. The club's ownership, led by businessman Mohamed Mansour and the Syucan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation, reflects a diverse and visionary approach to soccer in the region.
Source: MLS/San Diego FC
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