Established in 1977, San Diego Surf Soccer Club is described by the organization as the oldest competitive youth soccer club in San Diego, originally formed to draw players from Carlsbad, Encinitas, Rancho Santa Fe, Leucadia, Solana Beach and Del Mar. While fielding teams that rank among the nation's best, the club emphasizes developing physical skills, emotional maturity, and sportsmanship across all competitive tiers. The organization is ranked among top CA clubs in PitchRank state rankings within ECNL competition.
WHY FAMILIES CHOOSE US
Why families choose this club
Championship pedigree
The club reports producing 21 National Championships, 29 Regional Champions, and over 100 State Champions.
College scholarship pathway
Club reporting indicates that 100% of first-team U19 girls and almost 70% of second-team U19 girls received college scholarships.
National player pipeline
Surf states it has produced over 200+ National team players and multiple MLS and professional players, earning the IMG award for the most successful club in the nation for player advancement.
Premier league access
The club is a member of the ECNL for both boys and girls, fielding teams across four San Diego locations for all playing levels.
PROGRAMS
Programs
San Diego Surf provides developmental pathways across boys and girls divisions, offering ECNL, ECNL-RL, ECNL-RLSC, Zone One, and Junior Academy programs. Training takes place at facilities including Surf Sports Park (San Diego Polo Fields) in Del Mar, SoCal Sports Complex, Oceanside, Galway Downs, Temecula, and regional branches across South, Del Mar, North-San Marcos, and Central sites covering Point Loma, Clairemont, University City, Ocean Beach.
Primary training locations: Surf Sports Park (San Diego Polo Fields), Del Mar, CA, SoCal Sports Complex, Oceanside, CA, Galway Downs, Temecula, CA, Surf Del Mar, Surf Central (Point Loma, Clairemont, University City, Ocean Beach), Surf South, Surf North-San Marcos
TUITION
Cost to play
Annual club dues for competitive teams are estimated at $3,200 to $4,500 in base fees, with total yearly expenses reaching $5,000 to over $8,000 when accounting for uniforms, tournament fees, and travel. The club provides need-based financial aid, with historical filings documenting over $20,000 awarded in scholarship assistance to support lower-income families.
COACHING
Coaching
Experienced coaching staff
The organization states it employs over 40-50 coaches from around the world holding diverse certifications to run team training.
Executive leadership
Club administration and technical direction are guided by Executive Director Jason Donlon alongside Director of Coaching Josh Henderson and Director of Coaching & Regional Director Paul Holohan.
Award-winning directors
Competitive branches are led by ECNL Girls Director Andrés Deza, ECNL Boys Director Danny Tonks, recognized as the 2022/23 ECNL Boys Coach of the Year, and Goalkeeper Director Kelin Briones, who was named the 2023/24 ECNL Girls Coach of the Year.
Grassroots academy leadership
Youth development pathways are overseen by Grassroots Director Samantha Seiders and Surf Junior Academy Boys & Girls Director Mario Mrakovic.
Josh Henderson
Director of Coaching
Andrés Deza
ECNL Girls Director
Danny Tonks
ECNL Boys Director (2022/23 ECNL Boys Coach of the Year)
Kelin Briones
Goalkeeper Director (2023/24 ECNL Girls Coach of the Year)
Jason Donlon
Executive Director
Paul Holohan
Director of Coaching & Regional Director
Samantha Seiders
Grassroots Director
Mario Mrakovic
Director, Surf Junior Academy Boys & Girls
THE SAN DIEGO SURF DIFFERENCE
The San Diego Surf Difference
The club states that while its top teams rank among the best in the nation, the strength of the club comes from its focus at every level on developing players' physical skills, emotional maturity, and sportsmanship, aiming to help kids become confident and respectful young men and women.
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