San Jose Surf SC is now a U.S. Soccer Development Academy — One of 16 New Clubs for 2018-2019 Season
This mission of the U.S. Soccer Development Academy is to develop world-class players and raise the youth soccer playing environment — and it is with great excitement that San Jose Surf announces their acceptance into this elite program. To provide more meaningful opportunities is the mantra of San Jose Surf.
The U.S. Soccer Development Academy expansion to include the U12 age group began in the fall of 2016. The goal then, as it is today, was to “improve the environment at a critical stage of development for players.” The Development Academy has just announced that 17 new youth soccer clubs and 69 teams will be added for 2018-19 Development Academy Season.
U.S. Soccer Development Academy has expanded its membership of 197 existing clubs for the 2018-2019 season, welcoming 16 new clubs that include 32 additional teams, as well as 37 additional teams from existing clubs. OC Surf has also joined the U.S. Soccer DA.
Related Soccer News: U.S. Soccer DA Announces Expansion for 2018-2019 Season
Now, San Jose Surf Soccer Club has been selected to become one of the U.S. Soccer Development Academy expansion clubs in the Bay Area region.
“First of all, I am thrilled for our local soccer community,” said Jeff Jenkins, San Jose Surf Director of Operations.
“Being accepted to the highest level of player development in the United States is a great honor.”
“This is an opportunity to provide a high-quality product to underserved communities and provide them a direct pathway and exposure to US Soccer,” said Jenkins. “We look forward to working with local clubs to ensure every player has a pathway into the US Soccer DA where the only criteria is based on a player’s skill and not the ability to afford this incredible opportunity.”
Related Soccer News: SURF SOCCER CLUB EXPANDS – SAN JOSE SURF JOINS
With the tagline, DISCIPLINE • INTEGRITY • EXCELLENCE • PASSION • SOLIDARITY San Jose Surf is excelling as a stellar example of their commitment to youth soccer.
“In keeping with our goal of making a high level of competitive soccer accessible to underserved communities, the U12 Development Academy will be offered at no charge to accepted players. We are very proud to have achieved this goal via outside funding and additional fundraising requirements for academy players. By offering our Development Academy team free of costs to players, our club will be able to attract talented players regardless of their socio-economic background,” said Steve Lum, San Jose Surf President.
What does A U.S. Soccer Development Academy do for a youth soccer club like San Jose Surf SC?
“It is ‘opportunity’ for our kids,” said Jenkins, who believes all talented underserved players deserve top quality coaching and leagues.
“Our Development Academy will be fully-funded,” says Jenkins.
“Our tournament proceeds will go to offset costs and are also looking for sponsors.”
San Jose Surf is one of the very few, if not the only, fully-funded U.S. Soccer U12 Development Academy in San Jose — the local MLS team, the San Jose Earthquakes, charges nominal fees.
Jenkins is determined to raise the bar on player development and admits it is going to take a lot of fundraisers to accomplish all his goals — which include taking a team to participate in the 2019 Nexen Manchester City Cup in San Diego.
In a highly competitive area where De Anza Force and the Quakes are eager to add players, Jenkins does not want to pad the roster. “Our players deserve the best training environment and as much individual attention as we can provide,” added Jenkins.
San Jose Surf’s goals are:
• Providing a high-quality product more accessible to underserved communities.
• Providing top coaching to young players — and to set them on their ideal development path.
• Increasing our reach to communities currently not served by current local DA clubs.
Chris Adams, Business Development Director for Surf Cup Sports heads up the Surf Nation Affiliate program, admires Jenkins for his determination and accomplishments.
“It’s been almost exactly one year since San Jose Surf joined our family of partner clubs, and it’s been an absolute pleasure watching their pedigree rise in such a short time,” said Adams.
“Jeff Jenkins is the epitome of what we look for in a director.”
“Jenkins always said that he had a mission to provide a quality playing experience and pathway to success through soccer to an under-served community in NorCal. One year later, San Jose Surf will be competing in the USSDA and is hosting the first ever Surf Cup Qualifier event, Copa Surf, this weekend.
Jenkins, his San Jose Surf staff and coaches as well as his parents, — and most importantly the players in the club — represent the best of our Surf brand,” said Adams. “We’re so excited to continue working with San Jose Surf as they continue their success story. I have a feeling this is just the beginning.”
