Searching For the Best Unsigned Players: 1904 Will Be Ready For NISA’s Next Season
Coached by Alex Gontran, 1904 is professional soccer team in San Diego, California the is determined to provide opportunities for talented young players as well as make a big impact on the field.
After sitting out the NISA 2020 fall season because of the uncertainty related to the COVID-19 Coronavirus pandemic, San Diego’s 1904 FC is putting the final touches in preparation for the 2021 spring season after completing a 10-day scouting camp.
1094’s ten-day scounting camp, which was held in Irvine, started on December 7th was aimed at reinforcing the talented squad that last played in March before NISA was forced to cancel the remainder of the spring 2020 season.
“We had a chance to see very talented young players during these days”, said 1904 FC head coach Alex Gontran. “We are preparing to have a competitive team in the spring and though nothing remains certain, we are preparing to be on the field with returning players as well.”
With an average age of 22 years of age, 1904 FC has the youngest players in NISA.
The camp included prospects from all over the country some as young as 15 years old with a heavy representation from San Diego and Southern California.
Gontran, who is also part-owner of the professional soccer club, recently returned from a three month trip to Europe where he spoke with representatives of leagues in Spain, Germany, France, and England to familiarize them with the abundance of talented players from San Diego.
Gontran’s goal is to create pathways for players who could play professionally on the international level.
“The leagues in Europe are obviously familiar with players who made a name for themselves through the USMNT development system but did not have much information on other potential players who could also have a bright future playing overseas,” Gontran added.
Currently, there are three players who are expected to go on trial with French pro clubs after the COVID-19 Coronavirus pandemic eases restrictions.
Among the standout players who have recently made names for themselves after playing with 1904 FC is midfielder Ozzie Ramos played for Atlético Jalisco of Liga de Balompie Mexicano, San Diego goalkeeper Jean Antoine who now plays for the reigning NISA Champion Detroit City FC and midfielder Nelson Blanco who plays Oakland Roots which recently joined the USL Championship starting in 2021.
Last season, 15 players who attended 1904 FC tryouts signed their first pro contracts with the club.
1904 FC is still considering venues where home games would take place since it was announced during the summer they would not be returning to Lincoln High School. 1904 FC won its home debut at SDCCU Stadium (formerly Qualcomm) against California United Strikers back in September 2019.
Venues all over the county including public and private facilities anywhere from Oceanside to Chula Vista are currently under consideration based on what local and state guidelines are with regards to holding sporting events.
Correction: Originally 1904 FC was referred to as a Franchise. It is not. We apologize for any confusion.
