Overview
San Diego FC (SDFC) is the newest professional sports franchise in San Diego, bringing the highest level of professional men's soccer to the city as an expansion team in Major League Soccer (MLS).
Founded on May 18, 2023, the club is set to begin its inaugural season in 2025, playing in the Western Conference.
The team represents a significant milestone for the local sports community, filling a long-held desire for a top-flight soccer team in the region.
The club's ownership group includes prominent British-Egyptian billionaire Mohamed Mansour and the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation, marking a historic partnership as the first Native American tribe to co-own a professional soccer team in the United States.
San Diego FC plays its home matches at the state-of-the-art Snapdragon Stadium, providing a premier fan experience.
The club's core purpose is to unite the San Diego community through the beautiful game, reflecting the city's diverse culture and passion for soccer.
Services & Programs
San Diego FC offers a range of programs and services for fans, aspiring players, and the community.
The primary offering is the thrilling experience of live professional soccer matches against top teams in the MLS and international competitions like the CONCACAF Champions Cup.
Beyond the pitch, the club is deeply invested in local development and engagement.
- SDFC Academy: A youth development program designed to identify and nurture the next generation of soccer talent in Southern California. The academy provides elite training and a direct pathway to professional soccer, initially holding tryouts for boys in specific age groups.
- Community Initiatives: The club operates several community-focused programs, including Military Outreach, the "Woven Into One Planet" sustainability platform, and the "Playmakers" youth engagement initiative.
- Pub Partner Program: SDFC collaborates with local pubs and restaurants across San Diego County to create official viewing locations for away matches, fostering a sense of community for fans.
- Fan Merchandise: The club offers a wide range of official team apparel and merchandise, available through its online store and at its official retail office, "Eighteen Threads".
Getting Involved
There are numerous ways for fans and community members to get involved with San Diego FC. The most direct way to support the team is by purchasing tickets for San Diego FC games and attending matches at Snapdragon Stadium. Season tickets, group packages, and single-match tickets are available through the club's official website.
For aspiring young athletes, the SDFC Academy offers a chance to join a professional development pathway. Interested players and parents can find information about tryouts and fill out an interest form online.
The club also offers various career opportunities, with job listings posted on its website.
Fans can also join independent supporter groups to connect with fellow passionate followers, create an electric atmosphere at games, and participate in community events.
Leadership & Key People
The direction and vision of San Diego FC are guided by an experienced leadership team. The club is under the ownership of Mohamed Mansour and the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation. Key operational and technical figures include:
- Tom Penn: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
- Mikey Varas: Head Coach
Events & Meetings
The primary events for San Diego FC are its home and away matches throughout the MLS season and other tournaments. The club's schedule is packed with exciting fixtures, including highly anticipated rivalries like the "SoCal Rivalry" against LAFC and international matchups against teams like Pumas UNAM in the CONCACAF Champions Cup.
Fans can find the full, up-to-date schedule of San Diego FC games on the team's official website. In addition to the matchday schedule, the club hosts various community events, player appearances, and fan-focused activities throughout the year. Details for these events are announced on the club's website and social media channels.
Getting There
San Diego FC's operations are based at its administrative office, while home games are played at a separate, major venue.
Administrative Office: The club's office, "Eighteen Threads", is located at 1640 Camino Del Rio N Suite #337, San Diego, CA 92108.
Home Stadium: All home matches are played at Snapdragon Stadium, located at 2101 Stadium Wy, San Diego, CA 92108. The stadium is easily accessible via major freeways.
On-site parking is available for thousands of vehicles, and it is recommended to purchase parking passes in advance through the official stadium or club website.
For public transport, the San Diego Trolley's Green Line provides direct service to the stadium at the Stadium Station, offering a convenient alternative to driving.
Community Impact
The establishment of San Diego FC has already had a significant positive impact on the local community. The club provides a unifying force for the diverse population of San Diego County, bringing people together to rally behind a shared passion.
The franchise's creation also brings economic benefits, creating jobs and drawing visitors to the Mission Valley area for games.
The club's historic partnership with the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation is a landmark for professional sports, honoring the region's heritage and fostering a deeper connection with the indigenous community.
Through its dedicated community programs, SDFC actively gives back, focusing on youth engagement, military appreciation, and promoting sustainability, ensuring that its influence is felt far beyond the soccer pitch.
