Cal South

What Cal South does

Cal South (legal name: California State Soccer Association – South) is a 501(c)(3) California public benefit corporation and the official youth and adult state soccer association for Southern California, affiliated with the U.S. Soccer Federation, US Youth Soccer, and the US Adult Soccer Association. Founded in 1974 and headquartered in a 6,500 square foot facility in Fullerton, California, the organization governs sanctioned soccer across 10+ counties from San Luis Obispo to San Diego through a network of 211 affiliate member leagues and clubs serving approximately 103,000 youth and adult players, 6,000+ teams, 7,000 coaches, 5,000 referees, and 240,000+ active family households.

Cal South's product portfolio spans league sanctioning, tournament hosting (USA Cup Qualifier, Labor Day Cup, Soccer De Mayo), coaching education pathways from grassroots online licenses ($25) through National C License ($1,695-$1,950), referee certification and recertification ($80/year), and the PRO+ ODP elite player development program. Supporting programs include TOPSoccer (adaptive soccer for players with disabilities), League America recreational leagues, 5v5 Soccer, and the Cal South Soccer Foundation charitable arm. The core technology stack is the Affinity Sports online registration and member management platform, augmented by SportsConnect integration for club management. Sub-brands include The Bear & The Ball podcast (currently in Season 4).

Revenue is generated through diversified streams: annual affiliate and per-player registration fees from 211 member clubs, coaching license course fees, referee registration fees, tournament entry and sanctioning fees, and a sponsorship portfolio including Raising Cane's, Kelme, Dick's Sporting Goods, Official Sports, Capelli Sport, and others. The annual operating budget is approximately $3 million, grown from less than $25,000 at founding. Distribution operates through the hierarchical affiliated club network (primary channel), the Affinity Sports direct-to-consumer registration portal, tournament participation, and the Anaheim corporate office. Governance is provided by a member-elected Board of Directors with current President Alex Lee, CEO Jeff Dyrek, and an executive team spanning soccer operations, coaching education, referee administration, compliance, and marketing functions.

Name

Cal South

Legal name

California State Soccer Association – South

Website

https://calsouth.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1974

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Cal South is a 501(c)(3) non-profit governing body and the official USSF state soccer association for Southern California, sanctioning leagues and tournaments, certifying coaches and referees, and administering player development programs across 211 affiliate clubs serving 103,000+ players.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Youth Soccer Association Governance and Sports Services

NAICS

Sports Teams and Clubs (711211), Spectator Sports (7112), Sports and Recreation Instruction (61162), Other Spectator Sports (711219)

SIC

Services-Membership Sports & Recreation Clubs (7997)

akta.pro primary industry

Amateur Sport Governing Bodies & Federations (National/Regional) (MPAKACAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Regional/Continental Confederations & Associations (MPAKAFAD), Athletics Compliance, Eligibility & Governance (EDALAIAJ), Disability & Adaptive Sports Organizations (Paralympic, Special Olympics) (MPAKACAH), Local Amateur Clubs & Community Sports Organizations (MPAKACAE)

Keywords

• Youth soccer leagues
• Coaching education
• Referee certification
• Soccer tournament hosting
• Player development programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Fullerton

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Membership and Affiliation Fees: Annual fees from 211 affiliate member leagues and clubs, plus per-player registration fees for youth and adult participants across 103,000+ players.
2. Coaching Education Courses: Revenue from coaching license courses including recreational ($25), competitive ($120), D License ($550), and C License ($1,695 commuter / $1,950 residential).
3. Referee Licensing: Annual referee registration fee of $80 per official, with 5,000 registered referees across Southern California.
4. Tournament Entry Fees: Revenue from sanctioning and hosting tournaments including Labor Day Cup, USA Cup Qualifier, Soccer De Mayo, and Cal South League America Cup.
5. Affiliate Registration Fees: New affiliate setup fees ($200), renewal application fees ($100), and new league setup fees ($200) for clubs and leagues seeking Cal South sanctioning.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Cal South (California State Soccer Association – South) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit public benefit corporation and the official state soccer association affiliated with the U.S. Soccer Federation, US Youth Soccer, and the US Adult Soccer Association. It sanctions and governs youth and adult soccer across Southern California through 211 affiliate clubs and leagues serving 103,000+ players, while operating tournament programs (USA Cup, Labor Day Cup, Soccer De Mayo), coaching education and licensing, referee certification, and elite player development pathways including PRO+ ODP and TOPSoccer adaptive programs.

Product overview

Cal South (The California State Soccer Association – South) is a 501c(3) public benefit corporation and the official youth and adult state soccer association affiliated with U.S. Soccer Federation, US Youth Soccer, and US Adult Soccer Association. The organization operates a portfolio of interconnected programs centered around league sanctions, tournaments, coaching education, referee certification, and player development. Its core offerings include competitive and recreational youth/adult soccer leagues across 211 affiliate member leagues and clubs serving over 103,000 players; major tournament programs such as USA Cup Qualifier, Labor Day Cup, and Soccer De Mayo; the PRO+ ODP Olympic Development Program for elite player identification; comprehensive coaching license pathways from grassroots online courses through National D and C Licenses; and a referee program certifying thousands of officials annually. Additional programs include TOPSoccer for adaptive soccer, League America recreational leagues, The Bear & The Ball podcast, member benefits partnerships, and the Cal South Soccer Foundation charitable initiative. The organization also provides an online registration and member management system through Affinity Sports integration. Together, these programs serve 240,000+ active family households across Southern California from San Luis Obispo to San Diego.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• The Bear & The Ball Podcast: Cal South's official podcast featuring soccer talk, analysis, news and updates, and special guests.

Products and services

• Youth & Adult Soccer Leagues Cal South sanctions and organizes competitive and recreational soccer leagues for youth and adult players across Southern California, governing 211 affiliate member leagues and clubs that operate programs serving 103,000+ registered players.
• State Tournament Programs (USA Cup Qualifier, Labor Day Cup, Soccer De Mayo)

Quantifiable outcome

• 103,000+ youth and adult players served annually across Southern California
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers9 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

34 partnerships are on record, tiered strategic, major, core and minor.

• Skyline PitchstrategicStrategic or Co-development Partner · 4 June 2026Partner in expanding adaptive soccer access across Southern California alongside UASA.
• UASAstrategicStrategic or Co-development Partner · 4 June 2026Partner with Cal South and Skyline Pitch to expand adaptive soccer access across Southern California.
• Raising Cane'smajorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Official sponsor of Cal South providing member benefits and promotional offers to the soccer community.
• United States Soccer FederationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCal South is the official youth and adult state soccer association affiliated with USSF. USSF establishes national curriculum, guidelines, and registration requirements that Cal South administers for Southern California.
• US Youth SoccercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCal South serves as the official state affiliate for US Youth Soccer, providing access to national programs, tournaments, and governance framework.
• United States Adult Soccer AssociationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCal South is the official state affiliate for US Adult Soccer Association, governing adult soccer leagues and tournaments in Southern California.
• FIFAcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational governing body connected through USSF affiliation, with programs including FIFA's No Racism Gesture implementation.
• KelmemajorGTM or Marketing PartnerOfficial apparel and equipment sponsor providing team gear options for Cal South members.
• Dick's Sporting GoodsmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerExclusive 20% discount offer for Cal South members throughout the store, available via partner link.
• Official SportsmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerOfficial Apparel Provider for Cal South Referee Program, offering referee uniforms, training gear, and branded merchandise.
• US Soccer FoundationstrategicGTM or Marketing PartnerNational foundation supporting soccer development, potentially providing grants and program resources for Cal South initiatives.
• LA GalaxystrategicStrategic or Co-development PartnerProfessional MLS club partnership providing player development pathways and community engagement opportunities.
• LAFCstrategicStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrategic partnership with LAFC for soccer development and community programs in Los Angeles.
• Angel City FCstrategicStrategic or Co-development PartnerProfessional women's soccer club partnership for player development and community initiatives.
• Chelsea FC FoundationstrategicStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational soccer organization partnership bringing coaching education resources and player development expertise.
• Cal South Soccer FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Foundation supports grants and development programs for Cal South members, separate 501c3 organization.
• LA84strategicGTM or Marketing PartnerYouth sports foundation providing funding and support for soccer programs in Southern California.
• Capelli SportminorGTM or Marketing PartnerOfficial apparel provider for Cal South Referee Program through dedicated online store, with proceeds supporting referee program funding.
• Valvoline Instant Oil ChangeminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartner offering $10 off oil change discounts for Cal South members.
• Toro TentsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerEvent structure and tent support for Cal South programming, helping elevate tournament and event experiences. 10% off member discount available.
• PRIMEminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBeverage sponsor providing hydration products for Cal South events and members.
• VKTRY InsolesminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPerformance insole partner offering athletic gear discounts for Cal South members.
• Victory ProjectminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartner organization supporting Cal South programs with member benefits.
• Get On the BusstrategicStrategic or Co-development PartnerNon-profit soccer organization focused on providing opportunities for underserved youth players.
• SportsConnectstrategicTechnology or IntegrationTechnology platform for registration and club management serving Cal South affiliate members.
• RizeminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartner providing additional member benefits and promotional offers.
• Clark Pest ControlminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLocal business partner offering services to Cal South community.
• Visit BakersfieldminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLocal tourism partner supporting Bakersfield-area soccer events and tournaments.
• Road RebelminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartner supporting Cal South events with travel and transportation services.
• Archer Meat SnacksminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSnack partner providing promotional offers for Cal South members.
• 5v5 SoccerstrategicStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for 5v5 soccer programming and smaller-sided game initiatives.
• SCMAFstrategicStrategic or Co-development PartnerSouthern California Municipal Athletic Federation partnership for broader recreational sports coordination.
• CPRSminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCalifornia Parks and Recreation Society partnership for recreational programming.
• Sports PinsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAward and recognition pin partner for tournaments and events.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Cal North (California Youth Soccer Association – North): Direct peer as the official state soccer association for Northern California, also under USSF/USYS/USASA affiliation. Operates the same governance model, certification programs, and tournament structure across the northern half of California.
• American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO): Major competing youth soccer organization operating across the same Southern California geography with a recreational-first model. Cal South explicitly addresses AYSO with a Crossover program, indicating direct member competition.
• US Club Soccer: Competitor national soccer organization that sanctions clubs directly, bypassing state associations for some elite/competitive pathways. Represents a key alternative affiliation option for Cal South's affiliate clubs.

Broad incumbents

• US Youth Soccer (USYS): National governing body and parent organization of which Cal South is a state affiliate. Operates the National League, ODP national championships, and overarching policy framework that Cal South administers at the state level.
• U.S. Soccer Federation (USSF): National governing body of soccer in the United States. Cal South operates as a state affiliate under USSF, which sets curriculum, certification standards, and safeguarding policies that Cal South administers regionally.
• US Adult Soccer Association (USASA): National governing body for adult soccer in the U.S. Cal South is its official Southern California state affiliate, administering adult leagues, tournaments, and intercity play under USASA's national framework.
• National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) Clubs (Angel City FC): Professional women's soccer club partner of Cal South. While not a direct peer in youth/adult amateur soccer, Angel City FC is a strategic partner for player development pathways and represents one of Cal South's highest-profile professional relationships.

Emerging players

• ECNL (Elite Clubs National League): Top-tier competitive girls' youth soccer league operating independently of state associations. Attracts elite Cal South affiliate clubs seeking higher-level competition, representing a potential member defection risk.
• MLS NEXT: Major League Soccer's youth development platform providing elite competitive pathways directly through professional clubs like LAFC and LA Galaxy. Competes with Cal South PRO+ ODP for top talent and affiliate club loyalty.
• United States Youth Futsal: Governing body for youth futsal in the United States. Represents an adjacent competition for young athletes' time and registration dollars, particularly in indoor/off-season formats that compete with traditional outdoor soccer.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/CalSouthSoccer
• Facebookfacebook.com/CalSouthSoccer
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/calsouth
• Instagraminstagram.com/calsouthsoccer

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles20 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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 Cal South