San Diego Surf Soccer Club (Surf Sports)

What San Diego Surf Soccer Club (Surf Sports) does

San Diego Surf Soccer Club, operating as Surf Soccer, LLC, is a private elite youth soccer organization founded in 1977 and headquartered in Del Mar, California. The club fields ECNL (Elite Clubs National League) competitive boys and girls teams across U13-U19 age groups, supported by a Junior Academy for ages 5-8, regional/zone developmental teams, and recreational programs, all anchored at Surf Sports Park, a 20-plus-field facility with Latitude 36 Bermuda grass surfaces matching professional stadium quality. Surf operates four regional hubs across San Diego County (Del Mar, Central, South, and North) and extends its reach nationally and internationally through the Surf Nation affiliate network, which spans 18+ partner clubs across the US, Canada, and Puerto Rico, serving more than 13,000 players. The club has produced 21+ national championships, alumni now playing professionally in NWSL and MLS (including San Diego Wave FC and San Diego FC), and an annual pipeline of 20-27 college commits on National Letter of Intent Day.

Revenue is generated through four primary streams: recurring annual club membership and registration fees across ECNL, regional, junior academy, and recreational tiers; camps and clinics (summer, winter, spring break); tournament participation fees, including the flagship Surf Cup hosted at Surf Sports Park; and affiliate licensing and administrative fees from the Surf Nation partner network. Pricing is quote-based and not publicly disclosed, with structured tiering from elite ECNL subscriptions to lower-cost recreation programs. The go-to-market motion is community-led, leveraging 49 years of brand equity, regional tryouts, alumni networks, and Surf Nation affiliate referrals to acquire players, rather than paid digital acquisition. Surf WPSL, a Women's Premier Soccer League team launched in 2022, extends the product pyramid from youth development into semi-professional play.

Commercially, the organization is a founder/management-controlled private LLC with no disclosed outside equity ownership, supported by event sponsorships (PNC Bank premier sponsorship of Surf Cup), brand partnerships (Drew Brees endorsement), and a heavily credentialed coaching staff that includes a former Manchester United professional (Billy Garton) and a former San Diego Wave assistant coach (Craig Barclay). Recent strategic activity has centered on geographic expansion (FC Sol acquisition in January 2026 creating San Diego Surf North), facility capital investment (completing the Bermuda grass upgrade at Surf Sports Park for May 2026), and affiliate network integration (South Bay Surf in January 2025), consistent with a multi-year scaling agenda.

Name

San Diego Surf Soccer Club (Surf Sports)

Legal name

Surf Soccer, LLC

Website

https://surfsoccer.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1977

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

San Diego Surf Soccer Club is a private, 49-year-old elite youth soccer organization operating four San Diego hubs and a national Surf Nation affiliate network of 18+ clubs, delivering ECNL competitive programs, camps, tournaments, and college/professional pathways to youth players and their families.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Youth Soccer Club Services

NAICS

Sports Teams and Clubs (711211), Sports and Recreation Instruction (61162)

SIC

Services-Membership Sports & Recreation Clubs (7997)

akta.pro primary industry

Local Amateur Clubs & Community Sports Organizations (MPAKACAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Individual-Sport Clubs & Teams (Cycling Teams, Athletics/Track Clubs, Swimming Clubs, etc.) (MPAKABAD), Youth & Amateur Sports Tournaments (MPAGAMAF)

Keywords

• Youth soccer development
• ECNL competitive programs
• Soccer player development
• Youth sports training
• Soccer club operations

Headquarters

HQ city

San Diego

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Infrastructure, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Club Membership and Registration Fees: Recurring membership fees for youth players participating in competitive ECNL teams, regional teams, and recreational programs across multiple age groups and skill levels.
2. Camps and Clinics: Revenue from soccer camps, training clinics, and skill development programs offered throughout the year including summer camps, winter camps, spring break camps.
3. Tournament Participation: Revenue from participation in Surf Cup tournaments and other sanctioned competitions. Surf organizes major tournaments including Surf Cup College Showcase.
4. Surf Affiliate Program: Partner club network generating revenue through brand licensing, administrative support fees, and programmatic access to Surf coaching curriculum and resources.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

San Diego Surf Soccer Club delivers elite youth soccer programming through annual club memberships for competitive ECNL teams (U13–U19 boys and girls), developmental Regional/Zone teams, and a Junior Academy for ages 5–8, complemented by year-round soccer camps and clinics, the Surf Cup tournament series, Surf Select national identification, College Advisory services, and the Surf WPSL women's team. Programming is delivered across four San Diego County locations and extended nationally through the Surf Nation affiliate network under licensing and curriculum agreements.

Product overview

San Diego Surf Soccer Club is a premier youth soccer organization established in 1977, operating as a unified platform delivering elite competitive soccer programs through multiple interconnected products. The core offering is the ECNL Competitive Soccer Program for boys and girls (U13-U19), supplemented by the Junior Academy for foundational player development. The organization hosts the Surf Cup Tournament and runs the Surf Select identification program for regional and national player selection. Facilities are centered at Surf Sports Park with premium Bermuda grass fields, while the broader Surf Nation Affiliate Network extends the brand nationally. Additional offerings include Camps, College Advisory services, and the WPSL women's team, all unified under the 'Best of the Best' mission to develop players toward national teams, collegiate programs, and professional careers.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Surf Nation: National network of Surf-affiliated soccer clubs across North America
• Surf Sports Park
• Surf Select
• Zone One

Products and services

• ECNL Competitive Soccer Program

Quantifiable outcome

• 21+ National Championships across multiple age groups and years
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

41 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• FC Sol SoccercoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 13 January 2026FC Sol Soccer based in San Marcos transitioned to the Surf brand as San Diego Surf North. This expansion brings Surf's elite programming to North County San Diego, providing partner organization with Surf's coaching curriculum, brand resources, and national competition pathways. Players gain access to Surf Select identification program and Surf Nation network.
• Western Washington SurfminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 November 2023Affiliate partner club in Washington state, expanding Pacific Northwest presence.
• Hamilton SurfminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 23 August 2023Affiliate partner club expanding Surf Nation network.
• South Bay SurfminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 16 August 2023Affiliate partner club in South Bay San Diego region, officially joining January 2025.
• Niagara SurfminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 August 2023Affiliate partner club in New York region.
• Central Coast SurfminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 27 June 2023Affiliate partner club on California Central Coast.
• Kansas City SurfminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 3 March 2023Affiliate partner club in the Midwest region, expanding Surf Nation footprint.
• PNC BankcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 22 July 2022Premier sponsorship of marquee youth soccer events including Surf Cup. Financial institution partnership providing event funding and brand visibility.
• Valencia SurfminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 6 July 2022Affiliate partner club in California, expanding Southern California Surf network.
• Glacier SurfminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 27 May 2022Affiliate partner club in Montana.
• South Bay SurfminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 24 April 2022Affiliate partner club in San Diego South Bay region.
• Inland SurfminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 April 2022Affiliate partner club in Inland Empire California.
• Phoenix SurfminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 23 March 2022Affiliate partner club in Arizona, expanding Surf brand into Southwest market.
• Pima County SurfminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 7 March 2022Affiliate partner club in Arizona (Pima County).
• Alberta SurfminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 24 January 2022International affiliate partner club in Alberta, Canada.
• Ventura SurfminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 18 January 2022Affiliate partner club in Ventura County California.
• Las Vegas SurfminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 3 May 2021Affiliate partner club in Nevada, expanding regional coverage in Southwest.
• NorCal SurfcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 4 March 2021Surf Nation's first regional club in Northern California, part of NorCal Premier league network.
• Dallas SurfminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 18 February 2021Affiliate partner club in Texas.
• SDSC SurfminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 3 February 2021Affiliate partner club joining Surf family.
• Ottawa City SCminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 20 January 2021International affiliate partner in Ottawa, Canada.
• Ottawa City SCminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 20 January 2021Affiliate partner club in Ottawa, Canada with international development focus.
• Solano SurfminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 8 January 2021Affiliate partner club in Solano County, California.
• British Columbia SurfminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 7 August 2020International affiliate partner in British Columbia, Canada.
• Cascade SurfminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 26 June 2020Affiliate partner club in Pacific Northwest.
• Puerto Rico SurfminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 20 June 2020International affiliate partner in Puerto Rico.
• Montana SurfminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 15 June 2020Affiliate partner club in Montana.
• Central Texas SurfminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 3 May 2020Affiliate partner club in Central Texas region.
• South Carolina SurfminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 24 February 2020Affiliate partner club in South Carolina.
• West Coast Futbol ClubcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 21 February 2020Innovative partnership creating expanded youth soccer experiences in Southern California. Joint development initiative combining resources and expertise.
• Match Fit AcademyminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 February 2020Partnership to create expanded youth soccer experiences and opportunities in New Jersey through combined programming.
• Liverpool Soccer ClubminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 21 October 2019Affiliate partner club joining Surf family.
• Alamo City Soccer ClubminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 16 September 2019Affiliate partner club in San Antonio, Texas area.
• USA West AllianceminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 12 September 2019European tour partnership through USA West Alliance for international player development experiences.
• Folsom Lake Soccer LeagueminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 11 September 2019Affiliate partner club in Folsom Lake area of California.
• Santa Monica United FCminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 27 August 2019Affiliate partner club in Santa Monica, California.
• Drew Brees (NFL Legend)minorGTM or Marketing Partner · 19 July 2019Partnership with NFL quarterback Drew Brees for Surf Sports. Celebrity endorsement and community engagement partnership.
• LA Premier FCminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 11 June 2019Affiliate partner club in Los Angeles area joining Surf family.
• LA Premier FCminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 11 June 2019Los Angeles area club joining Surf network bringing additional Southern California coverage.
• Monterey Bay Soccer ClubcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 10 May 201918th partner organization, now known as Monterey Surf. Fifth Surf club in NorCal Premier, contributing to regional network building in Northern California. Serves over 1,000 players in Monterey County. Benefits include coaching curriculum access, The Coaching Manual premier account, Nike brand partnership access, and administrative support.
• Monterey Bay Soccer ClubcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 10 May 201918th partner organization, now Monterey Surf, fifth Surf club in NorCal Premier. Services over 1,000 players in Monterey County. Benefits include coaching curriculum, The Coaching Manual access, Nike partnership, administrative support.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves10 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Regional players

• San Diego Wave FC: NWSL club in the same San Diego market whose pro pipeline and coaching alumni (e.g., Craig Barclay) intersect with Surf's girls program. Comparable as a women's soccer pipeline brand but operates as a professional franchise rather than a youth club.
• San Diego FC: New MLS expansion club in San Diego. Not a direct competitor for youth players (different model) but an emerging pathway partner whose roster includes Surf alumni (Duran Ferree) and who will compete with Surf for elite-coaching talent and brand attention in San Diego.

Direct peers

• Solar Soccer Club (Texas): Large Texas-based elite youth soccer club with ECNL boys/girls teams and a multi-location regional footprint. Comparable on subscription-driven competitive programming and national-championship ambitions.
• Nomads Soccer Club (San Diego): Long-tenured San Diego youth soccer club with developmental to elite teams. Direct in-market competitor for player registrations and coaching hires, with comparable fee-for-service model.
• Players Development Academy (PDA): Top-tier East Coast ECNL club with multiple national championships and a similar fee-based membership model. Provides a direct analogue in scale, ambition, and college/pro alumni pipeline.
• Crossfire Premier (Washington): Long-established elite youth soccer club in the Pacific Northwest operating ECNL programming and college showcase tournaments. Comparable model: premium facilities, regional locations, multi-decade history, alumni to college programs.
• Albion SC (San Diego / Los Angeles): Elite Southern California youth soccer club with ECNL boys/girls teams. Shares identical operating model (membership fees, camps, ECNL competition, college placement) and competes head-to-head for talent and coaches in the same San Diego market.

Broad incumbents

• LA Galaxy Academy: MLS-affiliated youth development program in Southern California providing the same elite pathway Surf offers. Overlaps on ECNL/MLS Next competition, recruiting footprint, and college/pro placement of athletes.
• LAFC Soccer Club (LAFC Academy): MLS parent club operating a youth academy pathway in the same Southern California elite soccer market. Compares directly to Surf because both run age-grouped competitive boys/girls programs feeding into a professional parent brand, competing for the same families.
• IMG Academy (Youth Sports): Multi-sport elite youth academy with a residential and day-program model and premium facility infrastructure. Relevant adjacent comparable for Surf's elite training, college placement, and facility-driven value proposition.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/surfsoccer
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/san-dieguito-surf-soccer-club
• Instagraminstagram.com/surfsoccer
• Xx.com/SurfSoccerClub

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about San Diego Surf Soccer Club (Surf Sports)