Welcome San Diego FC’s New Soccer Academy

San Diego FC just launched something truly amazing for North American elite soccer players. A special academy where young players can live, train, and go to school completely free for five years.

The San Diego FC Academy opened its doors as part of a worldwide program called Right to Dream.

What Makes This Academy Special

The academy sits on 28 acres of land in El Cajon, right next to where the San Diego FC professional team practices. It’s the first program in North America and Major League Soccer (MLS) to give every student a full scholarship that lasts five years, no matter how well they play soccer.

Sir Mohamed Mansour, who leads both San Diego FC and Right to Dream, explained what they’re building. “In San Diego, we are creating something entirely new for North America,” he said. The academy connects students directly to MLS, one of the fastest-growing soccer leagues in the world.

But here’s the really cool part: even if a student doesn’t become a professional soccer player, they still get to keep their scholarship and finish their education.

More Than Just Soccer

Right to Dream runs similar academies in Ghana, Egypt, and Denmark. They believe that sports are just the starting point. The real goal is helping young people discover what they’re capable of and building strong character.

“Sport is the entry point, but the real mission is to help these young people to discover their potential, build their character, and pursue a meaningful life on or off the pitch,” Mansour said.

The academy focuses on three main things: soccer skills, personal character, and quality education. This approach has already worked around the world, with graduates playing for top teams and representing their countries.

Who Gets to Attend

The academy started this year with 17 students on the U-13 team (that means kids who are 13 years old or younger). Most students come from San Diego and Tijuana, Mexico, showing the academy’s commitment to developing talent from both sides of the border.

In future years, the program will grow to include more age groups and girls’ teams. The academy started competing in MLS NEXT during the 2025-26 season.

A Bridge to Professional Soccer

One big advantage of this academy is how close students are to professional players. The facility was designed so academy kids can interact with the San Diego FC first team.

This follows Right to Dream’s proven model. Their academies in other countries have produced players like Mohammed Kudus, Simon Adingra, and Kathrine Moller Kuhl, who now play at the highest levels of professional soccer.

Building Something for the Future

Tom Penn, the CEO of San Diego FC, talked about what this means for the community. “This Academy represents more than just football—it’s a commitment to nurturing our student-athletes, providing them with opportunities to shine, and inspiring future generations across San Diego and beyond,” he said.

Former professional player Juan Mata, who is now a partner with San Diego FC, is excited about the academy’s potential.

“The academy is a fundamental part of this club, and hopefully in five to 10 years we’ll see how important the work has been on the pitch, but especially off the pitch,” Mata said.

The Big Idea Behind It All

The academy is built on a simple but powerful belief: talent exists everywhere, but opportunities don’t. By offering free programs that develop the whole person—not just athletic skills—San Diego FC Academy aims to change that.

Whether these young players end up as professional soccer stars or pursue different dreams, they’ll have the education, character, and confidence to succeed in whatever path they choose.