Surf Soccer Nation

What Surf Soccer Nation does

Surf Soccer Nation (legal entity: Surf Nation, LLC) is a Del Mar, California-based private youth soccer organization founded in 1978 that operates an affiliate-network business model. The company does not directly operate clubs itself; instead, it licenses the Surf brand and a suite of integrated programs to 55+ independent youth soccer clubs across North America (United States and Canada), spanning geographic clusters from Rhode Island to Hawaii. Affiliated clubs pay recurring membership fees and gain access to the Surf brand, administrative and marketing support, and the company's proprietary programming stack.

The core technology is the Surf Nation ecosystem, which combines the Surf Select player identification and development pathway (including a newly launched Platinum tier), the Surf Champions League competitive structure, the Football Focus and MiMentor coaching education platforms (including Director of Football certification), and a premium tournament portfolio anchored by Surf Cup — described as the top showcase event in the U.S. — alongside the Manchester City Cup, Club America Cup, Surf College Cup, Copa Surf Series, and Girlazo Festival. Recent integrations include Taka for video/performance analysis and VEO for automated video capture.

Surf Nation generates revenue through four primary streams: (1) recurring subscription-style affiliate membership fees paid by partner clubs, (2) transaction-based tournament and event participation fees, (3) Surf Select program fees from elite players and families, and (4) merchandise sales through a SoccerPost-operated online storefront. Customer segments include elite-aspiring youth players, the affiliated clubs themselves (B2B), coaches seeking certification, and parents. The corporate entity operates with a lean 24-person headquarters team, with the broader operational footprint delivered through the affiliate network.

Name

Surf Soccer Nation

Legal name

Surf Nation, LLC

Website

https://surfsoccernation.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1978

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Surf Soccer Nation operates an affiliate network of 55+ youth soccer clubs across North America, licensing the Surf brand, coaching certification, the Surf Select player identification pathway, and premium tournaments (including Surf Cup) to affiliated clubs and the families they serve.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Youth Soccer Club Network

NAICS

Sports Teams and Clubs (711211), Spectator Sports (71121), 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

Sports Fundraising & Development Services (Foundations, NIL Collectives Support) (MPAKAKAK), Licensing, Merchandising & Co-Branded Products (Sponsored Merchandise, Collabs) (MPAKALAE), Association Football (Soccer) Leagues (MPAKAAAA)

Keywords

• Youth soccer clubs
• Club affiliate network
• Player development programs
• Soccer tournament events
• Coach education platform

Headquarters

HQ city

Del Mar

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Club Affiliate Membership: Youth soccer clubs pay to join the Surf Nation affiliate program, gaining access to the Surf brand, administrative tools, marketing support, player development resources, and the Surf Select program for their members.
2. Tournament and Event Fees: Revenue generated from hosting premium youth soccer tournaments including Surf Cup, Club America Cup, Manchester City Cup, Surf College Cup, and the Copa Surf and Surf Challenge Series. Teams pay participation fees to compete in these events.
3. Surf Select Program: Elite player identification program where selected players pay to participate in national camps, international tours (SuperCup NI, Northern Ireland), and elite showcase events against top competition worldwide.
4. Merchandise Sales: Online shop (SHOP link to SoccerPost) selling Surf Nation branded merchandise, apparel, and soccer equipment to member families and fans.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Surf Soccer Nation operates a nationwide affiliate network of 55+ independent youth soccer clubs under the Surf brand, licensing them the Surf identity, administrative tools, marketing support, and access to the Surf Select elite player identification pathway. The organization also produces a portfolio of premium youth tournaments (Surf Cup, Surf College Cup, Club America Cup, Manchester City Cup, Copa Surf Series, Surf Challenge Series), delivers coach education through Football Focus and MiMentor, and runs player development services such as Surf Performance.

Product overview

Surf Soccer Nation operates as a comprehensive youth soccer ecosystem consisting of a core club network (Surf Nation) and multiple integrated programs and events. The core offering is the Surf Nation community/network that provides affiliated clubs with enhanced player opportunities, coaching development, administrative tools, and marketing support. The Surf Select program serves as the elite player identification pathway, with the Surf Select Platinum Program as its premium tier. Surf National Champions League provides competitive league structure. The tournament portfolio includes flagship events (Surf Cup, Surf College Cup, Club America Cup, Manchester City Cup, Girlazo Festival) and regional series (Copa Surf, Surf Challenge). Supporting offerings include Football Focus for coach education, MiMentor for coaching development, Surf Performance for athletic training, and a Member Portal for participant access. The ecosystem serves youth soccer players from grassroots to elite competition, with a focus on college recruiting pathway support.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Surf Select: Exclusive nationwide player identification and development program
• Surf Champions League
• Surf Cup
• Surf College Cup
• Club America Cup
• Manchester City Cup
• Girlazo Festival
• Football Focus
• MiMentor

Products and services

• Surf Nation Affiliate Club Program Annual membership program for independent youth soccer clubs to affiliate with the Surf brand, gaining player development resources, coaching education, marketing support, and access to premium tournaments and the Surf Select player identification pathway.
• Surf Select Program Elite player identification and development program for top-performing youth soccer players within Surf Nation, providing showcase opportunities, national camps, and international tours against top competition.
• Surf Select Platinum Program Elite tier within the Surf Select player identification pathway offering enhanced development opportunities for top-tier youth soccer players.
• Surf Champions League National competitive league structure for Surf Nation member clubs, providing high-level tournament play and national championship opportunities for affiliated club players.
• Surf Cup Tournament Premium youth soccer showcase tournament recognized as the top showcase event in the USA, hosting top teams and providing college recruiting visibility.
• Surf College Cup Tournament event focused on college recruiting, connecting youth soccer players with college coaches and scholarship opportunities.
• Club America Cup International youth soccer tournament hosting top professional academies including Club America, delivering premium competitive experiences for Surf Nation players.
• Manchester City Cup Global youth soccer tournament featuring Manchester City and other professional academy participation, bringing international competition opportunities to Surf Nation players.
• Girlazo Festival Event specifically for female youth soccer players, delivering best-of-class competitive experiences as part of Surf Nation's commitment to girls' soccer.
• Copa Surf Series Regional youth soccer tournament series with regional editions (Copa Surf New England, Copa Surf Valley, Copa Surf Western Washington) operated within the Surf Nation network.
• Surf Challenge Series Regional challenge tournaments within the Surf Nation network, including Surf Challenge Folsom Lake and Surf Challenge Montana.
• Football Focus Content Series Web series and content platform providing educational resources and coaching development materials for youth soccer coaches within the Surf Nation network.
• MiMentor Coaching Platform Coaching development platform offering professional courses for Surf Nation coaches, including the Football Directors Course and Director of Football certification program.
• Surf Performance Training and development services focused on enhancing youth soccer players' athletic performance and on-field development.
• Surf Summit Annual conference event bringing together Surf Nation member clubs, coaches, and administrators for educational sessions, networking, and organizational development.
• Surf Select Mental Performance Program Mental performance coaching service within Surf Select led by sport psychologist Dan Abrahams, providing Zoom-based mental framework development focused on Activation and Attention for elite youth soccer players.

Quantifiable outcome

• 122 college commits in single National Letter of Intent Day; 311 college commits for Class of 2022
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers6 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

Integration4 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Goal Side MediaminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 21 November 2025Partnership to enhance college recruiting support for Surf Nation member clubs. Goal Side Media provides video and media services to help players with recruiting materials.
• US Sports CampscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 25 March 2025Strategic partnership announced in March 2025 combining Surf Nation's club network and elite events with US Sports Camps' soccer camp programming and distribution capabilities.
• TakacoreTechnology or Integration · 20 March 2025Strategic partnership to elevate youth soccer performance analysis. Taka provides video and performance analysis technology to enhance player development across the Surf Nation network.
• MiMentorcoreTechnology or IntegrationMiMentor platform powers Surf Nation's Football Focus program and Director of Football certification courses. Provides coach education and professional development across the Surf Nation network.
• NikeminorOthersFeatured partner logo on Surf Nation website, suggesting merchandise or equipment partnership for branded apparel and soccer gear.
• Soccer PostminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOfficial merchandise shop partner (surf.soccerpost.com) providing Surf Nation branded apparel and soccer equipment to member families.
• AthleteOneminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartner logo displayed on Surf Nation website, suggesting athlete management or services partnership.
• AthleteTravelminorGTM or Marketing PartnerTravel services partner providing competition and tournament travel logistics for Surf Nation clubs and families.
• Global Sports ExperiencesminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartner for international tournament and travel experiences, helping facilitate Surf Nation's international event programming.
• International DAminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartner organization for international development academy connections and overseas soccer opportunities.
• Manchester CityminorGTM or Marketing PartnerProfessional club partnership for Manchester City Cup tournament, bringing elite academy competition to Surf Nation events.
• Club AmericaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMexican professional club partnership for Club America Cup tournament, hosting top professional academy teams from around the world.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves32 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Girls Academy (GA): National league platform for elite girls' youth soccer clubs. Competes with Surf Nation for girls' club affiliations, especially relevant given Surf's Girlazo Festival sub-brand.
• Challenger Sports: Youth soccer training, camps, and club network operator. Direct competitor in the youth soccer training and club programming space, especially relevant given Surf's new US Sports Camps partnership.
• US Club Soccer: National youth soccer organization and league operator serving competitive clubs. Direct competitor to Surf Nation for affiliate club affiliations and tournament sanctioning.
• ECNL (Elite Clubs National League): National youth soccer league platform serving elite clubs across the U.S. Direct competitor to Surf Champions League for elite competition pathways and showcase exposure.

Emerging players

• MLS NEXT: Major League Soccer's elite youth development platform offering direct professional-academy pathways. Emerging competitor targeting the same elite player identification and development space as Surf Select.
• IMG Academy: Premier multi-sport training and boarding academy offering elite youth soccer development. Comparable in player-development outcomes and college placement positioning to Surf Select's premium tier.

Broad incumbents

• US Youth Soccer (USYS): National governing body affiliated with U.S. Soccer providing broad amateur youth soccer structure. Broad incumbent competing for affiliate clubs and sanctioning authority, but less specialized in elite showcase.

Regional players

• National League (USYS/National League): USYS-operated national competition platform for member clubs. Comparable as a national youth soccer competition tier but governed through a different federation structure than Surf Nation.

Market position

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xinstagram.com/surfsoccernation
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/surf-soccer-nation
• Instagraminstagram.com/surfsoccernation

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 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 Surf Soccer Nation