San Diego FC Academy Tryouts 2027: Coach Emails, Age Groups & How to Join Right to Dream
Want to join San Diego FC Academy in 2027? Looking for free Right to Dream Academy tryouts, San Diego FC academy coach emails, scouting contacts, or information about how to get recruited?
San Diego FC Academy is one of the newest and most distinctive youth development programs in Major League Soccer.
Officially known as San Diego FC's Right to Dream Academy, the program combines elite soccer training, academic education, character development, and residential accommodation.
Unlike many American youth soccer programs, the academy is fully funded. Selected student-athletes do not pay tuition to attend.
The academy opened in 2025 and expanded to three MLS NEXT teams for the 2026–27 season: U13, U14, and U16.
And here's something particularly important for aspiring players.
San Diego FC actually holds free academy tryouts and has a published recruitment process.
The club has previously organized open evaluations in San Diego, Chula Vista, and Tijuana, Mexico.
But there's still a challenge.
Thousands of players want an opportunity, and knowing which coaches and scouts are responsible for identifying talent can make the recruitment process easier to navigate.
That's where Cancha Labs comes in.
Cancha Labs is a soccer coach contact search engine that helps players and families access available hard-to-find coaching emails, phone numbers, and club contacts across the United States.
Instead of relying exclusively on social media announcements, players can research the people working within professional soccer academies.
This guide covers San Diego FC Academy's 2027 tryout information, eligibility requirements, current staff, scouting process, residential academy, and pathway toward professional soccer.
Find San Diego FC Academy Coach Emails on Cancha Labs
Does San Diego FC Academy Have Open Tryouts in 2027?
San Diego FC Academy holds free open tryouts as part of its recruitment process, but no upcoming open tryout date is currently listed on its official recruitment page.
As of November 2, 2026, the club states that there are currently no open tryouts available for registration.
However, interested families can complete an official interest form to receive information about future opportunities.
The academy's current recruitment cycle focuses on boys born in 2015 and 2016.
The club recruits new student-athletes annually, generally targeting players around 11–12 years old.
San Diego FC Academy Tryout Information
DetailInformationAcademySan Diego FC Right to Dream AcademyLocationEl Cajon, CaliforniaCompetitionMLS NEXTAcademy leadershipJeff CookHead of Academy FootballJohn McGuiganAge groups in 2026–27U13, U14, U16Current recruitment birth years2015–2016Current open tryoutsNone announced on official recruitment pageFuture tryout interest formAvailableAcademy tuitionFree for selected student-athletesResidential accommodationProvided as part of academy programGeneral academy emailAcademy@sandiegofc.comCoaching contact researchCancha Labs
How Do I Register for San Diego FC Academy Tryouts?
San Diego FC provides an official recruitment page where families can express interest in future tryouts.
Official San Diego FC Academy Tryout Registration and Interest Form
The club states that families should register to receive information about upcoming identification opportunities.
For the 2026–27 recruitment cycle, the published birth years are 2015–2016.
Players outside those birth years may still submit their information to the player database, but the club warns that it generally responds only when offering a private trial invitation.
Are San Diego FC Academy Tryouts Free?
Yes. San Diego FC has organized free academy open tryouts.
For example, the club held free evaluations in Chula Vista in October 2025 for boys born in 2014–2015.
The club has also organized free evaluations in San Diego and Tijuana.
However, players must follow the eligibility and registration requirements for each event.
A previous free event does not guarantee that every future evaluation will follow identical procedures.
When Are the Next San Diego FC Academy Tryouts?
The club's recruitment page currently says there are no open tryouts.
Families should register through the official interest form and monitor future announcements.
Do not confuse past tryout dates with upcoming 2027 opportunities.
Check San Diego FC Academy Recruitment Updates
How Does San Diego FC Academy Recruitment Work?
San Diego FC publishes an unusually detailed explanation of its academy admissions process.
The club says it recruits a new class of boys aged approximately 11–12 every year.
Its primary recruitment territory includes San Diego and Tijuana, alongside other territories permitted under MLS player development rules.
The academy emphasizes long-term potential rather than judging players exclusively on their current performance.
The San Diego FC Academy Selection Process
Stage 1: Open tryouts and initial scouting
The academy organizes identification events to evaluate potential student-athletes.
The club reported approximately 3,000 boys participating in its 2025 recruitment tryouts.
Stage 2: Selective soccer assessments
Promising players may be invited to additional evaluations.
These assessments help staff evaluate technical ability, tactical understanding, development potential, and other relevant characteristics.
Stage 3: Home visits
The academy's published admissions process includes home visits.
These provide an opportunity to understand the player's family environment and discuss the demands of a residential academy.
Stage 4: Residential talent selection camp
Selected players may participate in a week-long residential selection camp.
The club evaluates soccer ability, academics, character, and suitability for its residential environment.
Stage 5: Application and official offer
Players who successfully complete the recruitment process may receive an official academy offer.
The club emphasizes that parents and guardians must remain engaged throughout the process.
Missing required sessions or failing to respond to academy requests can affect a player's opportunity.
What Happens at San Diego FC Academy Tryouts?
The club's past tryout announcements instructed players to arrive with appropriate soccer equipment.
That included:
Soccer cleats
Shin guards
Socks
Shorts
Goalkeeper gloves, when applicable
Any additional position-specific equipment
The club provided training bibs for participants.
Tryout activities may include match play and technical or tactical assessments.
Exact evaluation formats can vary by event.
Can Players Join Without Attending an Open Tryout?
Potentially.
San Diego FC states that older or younger players can join its recruitment database.
The club may offer private evaluations to selected individuals.
However, submitting information does not guarantee a response or invitation.
Who Is the San Diego FC Academy Director?
Jeff Cook is Executive Vice President and Head of San Diego FC's Right to Dream Academy.
He oversees the academy's development and operations.
Cook is an important figure in the club's long-term strategy to develop players for professional soccer while providing a comprehensive educational environment.
The academy is still relatively new, so its leadership structure has evolved since the club was founded.
Older articles may identify different executives as responsible for academy operations.
Players should rely on the current official staff directory.
How Can I Find Jeff Cook's Email Address?
San Diego FC identifies Jeff Cook as its academy leader.
However, his individual email address is not listed alongside his name on the main academy staff page.
Players and families can search Cancha Labs to check for available professional contact information associated with San Diego FC Academy.
Find San Diego FC Academy Coaching Contacts
Who Was Joaquin Escoto?
Joaquin Escoto was appointed Executive Vice President of San Diego FC and Right to Dream Academy during the club's initial development period.
He played an important role in the early academy project.
However, older announcements identifying Escoto should not be used to override the club's current leadership directory.
Jeff Cook is the current published Head of Right to Dream Academy.
San Diego FC Academy Coaching Staff in 2026–2027
San Diego FC publishes an official staff directory covering academy leadership, football development, scouting, education, performance, and residential operations.
San Diego FC Academy Staff Directory
NamePublished positionJeff CookExecutive Vice President, Head of Right to Dream AcademyJohn McGuiganHead of Academy FootballRachelle MinixHead of SchoolWill OrbenHead of Residential LifeEduardo RuizAcademy Business ManagerRafael CalderonAcademy Football Operations Manager and Goalkeeping CoachChristy Gates-BowesAcademy CoachLisa BergAcademy Football Talent ScoutDerek BoatengAcademy Football Talent ScoutRicardo EnriquezAcademy Football Talent Scout, MexicoGabe FarfanEmerging Talent ScoutEmile Van Der BentHuman Performance CoachKlwdia YousifAthletic TrainerAlberto VegaHead of PathwaysJanet VásquezAssistant Head of School
Source: Official San Diego FC Academy Staff Directory
These are the club's published assignments at the time of review.
Coaching responsibilities may change before or during 2027.
Who Is John McGuigan?
John McGuigan is San Diego FC's Head of Academy Football.
His role is directly connected to the academy's soccer development environment.
The position is particularly relevant to players researching the organization's football methodology, training structure, and technical development.
Who Is Rafael Calderon?
Rafael Calderon is San Diego FC Academy's Football Operations Manager and Goalkeeping Coach.
His published responsibilities combine academy football operations with goalkeeper development.
Goalkeepers researching the academy should pay particular attention to the club's recruitment requirements and goalkeeper coaching structure.
Who Is Christy Gates-Bowes?
Christy Gates-Bowes is listed as an Academy Coach.
Her position appears in the club's official academy staff directory.
The directory does not identify her as the head coach of a specific U13, U14, or U16 team.
Players should avoid assuming a particular age-group assignment without further confirmation.
Who Is Alberto Vega?
Alberto Vega is San Diego FC Academy's Head of Pathways.
The role is associated with the academy's broader development structure.
For players researching progression opportunities, the Head of Pathways position is relevant to understanding how the organization connects youth development with future opportunities.
Who Are the San Diego FC Academy Scouts?
San Diego FC publishes several named talent identification staff members.
This is particularly useful for players researching how the academy finds new recruits.
San Diego FC Academy Scouting Staff
NamePositionLisa BergAcademy Football Talent ScoutDerek BoatengAcademy Football Talent ScoutRicardo EnriquezAcademy Football Talent Scout, MexicoGabe FarfanEmerging Talent Scout
These are among the most relevant published positions for families researching academy recruitment.
Who Is Lisa Berg?
Lisa Berg is listed as an Academy Football Talent Scout.
Her responsibilities are associated with identifying potential academy players.
Who Is Derek Boateng?
Derek Boateng is listed as an Academy Football Talent Scout.
He previously played professional soccer internationally, including representing Ghana.
His current published position is within San Diego FC's academy scouting structure.
Who Is Ricardo Enriquez?
Ricardo Enriquez is San Diego FC's Academy Football Talent Scout for Mexico.
His position is especially relevant because San Diego FC recruits across the San Diego–Tijuana region.
The academy's recruitment process explicitly includes talent identification in Tijuana.
Who Is Gabe Farfan?
Gabe Farfan is listed as Emerging Talent Scout.
His role is associated with identifying developing players who may fit the club's longer-term pathway.
How Can I Find San Diego FC Academy Scout Emails?
The official academy directory identifies these individuals by name and position.
However, it does not publish a direct email address alongside every scouting profile.
Cancha Labs helps users search available professional coaching and scouting contacts associated with San Diego FC Academy.
Search San Diego FC Academy Scout and Coach Emails
Contact availability varies, and the club's official recruitment form remains the primary published route for families seeking academy evaluations.
What Is San Diego FC Academy's Official Email Address?
San Diego FC publishes the following general academy contact:
This address appears on the club's official contact page.
It is a general academy email, not the personal email address of a specific coach or scout.
The club instructs families interested in joining the academy to complete its recruitment interest form.
Official San Diego FC Contact Page
What Age Groups Does San Diego FC Academy Have?
San Diego FC Academy is expanding gradually rather than immediately operating every age group.
For the 2026–27 MLS NEXT season, the club announced three teams:
U13
U14
U16
San Diego FC Academy Age Groups
Age group2026–27 statusU12Not separately confirmed as an MLS NEXT teamU13Active academy teamU14Active academy teamU15No separately announced team in the published three-team structureU16New team introduced for 2026–27U17No separately announced teamU18No separately announced team
This distinction matters.
San Diego FC Academy does not currently have the same age-group structure as older MLS academies such as FC Dallas, Philadelphia Union, or Seattle Sounders.
The club is building its program in stages.
Does San Diego FC Academy Have a U13 Team?
Yes.
The club launched its first academy class for the 2025–26 season.
Its inaugural U13 roster included 17 student-athletes.
Does San Diego FC Academy Have a U14 Team?
Yes.
San Diego FC announced a U14 team as part of its expanded 2026–27 academy structure.
Does San Diego FC Academy Have a U15 Team?
The club's published 2026–27 structure identifies U13, U14, and U16 teams.
It does not separately announce a U15 team.
Players should verify the current age-group structure before applying.
Does San Diego FC Academy Have a U16 Team?
Yes.
San Diego FC announced the addition of a U16 team for the 2026–27 MLS NEXT season.
The U16 team competes within MLS NEXT's Pro Player Pathway.
The club also organized an invitation-only identification camp as part of its U16 recruitment process.
Does San Diego FC Academy Have a U18 Team?
A separate U18 academy team was not included in the club's announced 2026–27 three-team structure.
The academy plans to expand over time.
Can Older Players Try Out for San Diego FC Academy?
Potentially, through selective recruitment opportunities.
The club states that older or younger players may submit their information to its recruitment database.
However, its current annual intake focuses on boys born in 2015–2016.
Older applicants should not assume that an open trial is available for their age group.
Official San Diego FC Academy Recruitment Page
What Is the Right to Dream Academy?
Right to Dream is a global network of soccer academies and professional clubs that combines elite football development with education and character development.
The organization was founded in Ghana in 1999.
Its network has expanded across Ghana, Denmark, Egypt, and the United States.
San Diego FC's academy represents the organization's American expansion.
Where Does Right to Dream Operate?
The Right to Dream community includes programs and partnerships associated with:
Ghana
Denmark
Egypt
United States
The organization's development philosophy emphasizes providing opportunities to talented young people regardless of their financial circumstances.
Has Right to Dream Developed Professional Soccer Players?
Yes.
Right to Dream reports developing more than 100 professional players, with more than 40 representing national teams.
The organization also reports that seven academy graduates participated in the 2022 FIFA Men's World Cup.
These are achievements of the broader Right to Dream network, not exclusively San Diego FC Academy.
Because the San Diego academy only opened in 2025, it should not be credited with developing professional players who graduated from older Right to Dream academies.
Is San Diego FC Academy Part of Right to Dream?
Yes.
San Diego FC's academy operates as part of the Right to Dream community.
Its educational and football development philosophy follows the organization's broader model.
Official San Diego FC Right to Dream Information
Is San Diego FC Academy Free?
Yes. San Diego FC states that its Right to Dream Academy is fully funded and tuition-free for selected student-athletes.
This is one of the program's most important features.
The academy provides an integrated environment that includes:
Soccer training
Academic education
Residential accommodation
Player development
Character development
Performance support
The club explains that tuition is covered through funding provided by its founders.
Do Parents Have to Pay for San Diego FC Academy?
The club states that selected student-athletes and families do not pay academy tuition.
However, families should confirm any personal, travel, or other incidental expenses directly with the academy.
Does San Diego FC Academy Provide Housing?
Yes.
Unlike many MLS academies, San Diego FC operates a residential academy.
Selected student-athletes live on campus as part of the development program.
Is San Diego FC Academy a Boarding School?
The academy combines residential accommodation, academic education, and elite soccer training.
Its structure is similar to a specialized residential school for high-level student-athletes.
Where Do San Diego FC Academy Players Go to School?
Student-athletes attend the academy's educational program on campus.
The club identifies Rachelle Minix as Head of School and Janet Vásquez as Assistant Head of School.
The academic environment is designed to support players pursuing professional soccer, college, and other future opportunities.
Where Is San Diego FC Academy Located?
San Diego FC's Right to Dream Academy is based at the Sharp HealthCare Performance Center in the Singing Hills area of El Cajon, California.
The facility is located on land associated with the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation.
The campus opened in 2025.
What Facilities Does San Diego FC Academy Have?
The academy campus includes:
A 50,000-square-foot performance center
Three natural grass soccer fields
Two illuminated artificial soccer fields
Academic classrooms
Student-athlete dormitories
Dining facilities
Performance and medical spaces
Student recreation areas
A library
Swimming pools
The club's first team also trains at the performance center.
This creates an environment where academy players and professional players operate within the same broader facility.
Does San Diego FC Academy Train With the MLS First Team?
The academy and first team share parts of the same campus.
However, academy players do not automatically train with the professional team.
Any first-team training opportunities depend on individual development and club decisions.
Official San Diego FC Academy Campus Information
What Do San Diego FC Academy Scouts Look For?
San Diego FC emphasizes long-term development potential rather than simply selecting players based on their current results.
The club's football philosophy identifies four playing values:
Goal-Oriented
Intense
In Command of the Play
Effective
These values help explain the type of soccer environment the academy wants to create.
Goal-Oriented
The club wants players to create scoring opportunities and regain possession quickly when defending.
Intense
The academy emphasizes playing at a high tempo with and without the ball.
In Command of the Play
Players are encouraged to take initiative, solve problems, and influence the game.
Effective
The club values purposeful actions that contribute to scoring goals and preventing opponents from scoring.
What Skills Should Players Demonstrate at Tryouts?
Players should focus on showing:
Strong first touch
Passing under pressure
Quick decision-making
Tactical awareness
Movement without the ball
Defensive work rate
Position-specific skills
Coachability
Competitive mentality
Long-term development potential
San Diego FC also evaluates academic and character-related qualities during its admissions process.
This means a player's overall suitability for the residential academy matters alongside soccer performance.
How Often Do San Diego FC Academy Players Train?
The club's football development page describes approximately five soccer-specific training sessions per week.
Players also participate in one or two matches, including friendlies and MLS NEXT competition.
The academy incorporates other physical activities, including martial arts and yoga, into its broader development approach.
Official San Diego FC Academy Football Philosophy
Can San Diego FC Academy Players Become Professional Soccer Players?
San Diego FC is building a pathway intended to connect its academy with professional soccer.
The academy is part of the same organization as San Diego FC's MLS first team.
Its U16 team was specifically introduced to strengthen the progression from youth development toward professional opportunities.
However, the academy is still young.
It opened in 2025 and should not be presented as having the same long-established record of professional graduates as older MLS academies.
What Is the San Diego FC Academy Professional Pathway?
The club's intended pathway connects youth development with its professional structure.
A possible progression is:
San Diego FC Academy → Professional Development Opportunities → San Diego FC First Team
The exact progression depends on player ability, age, eligibility, and club decisions.
Is San Diego FC Academy Connected to MLS NEXT Pro?
San Diego FC's U16 academy team competes within the MLS NEXT Pro Player Pathway structure for youth development.
However, this does not mean the U16 team itself competes as a professional MLS NEXT Pro club.
MLS NEXT and MLS NEXT Pro are different competitions.
Does San Diego FC Academy Guarantee a Professional Contract?
No.
Academy participation does not guarantee an MLS contract, professional trial, college scholarship, or international transfer.
The academy's goal is to develop players and provide future opportunities.
Can San Diego FC Academy Players Go to College?
Yes.
The Right to Dream development model includes academic education and pathways toward university opportunities.
The broader Right to Dream network reports helping student-athletes earn scholarships to universities in the United States and United Kingdom.
However, these achievements belong to the international network rather than exclusively to San Diego FC Academy.
Does San Diego FC Academy Provide Academic Education?
Yes.
Academic education is a central part of the residential academy.
The program is designed to support student-athletes preparing for professional careers, college, and other future opportunities.
Does San Diego FC Academy Guarantee College Scholarships?
No.
The academy's educational model supports college preparation, but participation does not guarantee a scholarship or admission to a particular institution.
Can Players From Tijuana Join San Diego FC Academy?
Yes. San Diego FC explicitly recruits from both San Diego and Tijuana.
The club has organized free open tryouts in Tijuana.
Its official staff directory also identifies Ricardo Enriquez as Academy Football Talent Scout, Mexico.
This makes the academy particularly relevant to talented youth players in the San Diego–Tijuana region.
Does San Diego FC Hold Tryouts in Mexico?
Yes.
The club previously held free academy evaluations in Tijuana.
Future tryout dates and locations must be confirmed through official announcements.
Can Mexican Players Join San Diego FC Academy?
Potentially.
San Diego FC recruits across the border region.
However, player registration, immigration, residency, and FIFA rules must be considered.
A trial invitation does not automatically establish eligibility to join the academy.
Can Players From Outside California Join?
Potentially.
The academy's recruitment information references its homegrown territory and other eligible recruitment territories under MLS rules.
Players outside San Diego should confirm eligibility before traveling.
How to Contact San Diego FC Academy Coaches
Players and families can take a structured approach to pursuing academy opportunities.
Step 1: Check Your Birth-Year Eligibility
The current recruitment cycle focuses on boys born in 2015–2016.
Players outside those years can submit their information, but should not assume they are eligible for current open evaluations.
Step 2: Complete the Official Interest Form
Start with the club's official recruitment page.
San Diego FC Academy Recruitment Form
Step 3: Research the Academy Staff
Identify relevant personnel, including:
Jeff Cook — Head of Right to Dream Academy
John McGuigan — Head of Academy Football
Lisa Berg — Academy Football Talent Scout
Derek Boateng — Academy Football Talent Scout
Ricardo Enriquez — Academy Football Talent Scout, Mexico
Gabe Farfan — Emerging Talent Scout
Step 4: Find Available Professional Contact Information
This is where Cancha Labs can help.
Search available coaching emails, phone numbers, and professional contacts associated with San Diego FC Academy.
Find San Diego FC Academy Coach Emails
Step 5: Prepare Your Player Profile
Include:
Full name
Birth year
Primary and secondary positions
Current club and league
Previous playing experience
Highlight video
Full-match footage
Relevant achievements
Parent or guardian contact information
Step 6: Follow Up Professionally
San Diego FC warns that it may not respond to every inquiry because of the volume of interest.
Families should respect the academy's recruitment procedures and avoid repeatedly contacting staff members.
San Diego FC Academy Trial Email Template
Use this template when contacting academy staff who accept outside player inquiries.
Subject: San Diego FC Academy Player Evaluation Inquiry — [Birth Year] — [Position]
Hello Coach [Last Name],
My name is [Parent/Guardian Name], and I'm reaching out on behalf of my son, [Player Name], a [Birth Year] player currently competing for [Club Name] in [League].
We're interested in learning whether he could be considered for an evaluation with San Diego FC's Right to Dream Academy.
He currently plays as a [Position], and his recent playing experience includes [Relevant Background or Achievements].
I've included his footage below:
Highlights: [Link]
Full Match: [Link]
Player Profile: [Link]
Would you be open to reviewing his profile or directing us to the appropriate academy recruitment process?
Thank you for your time.
[Parent/Guardian Name]
[Email / Phone]
This is a general recruitment inquiry template, not an official academy trial application.
Families should follow the club's published recruitment procedures.
San Diego FC Academy vs. Other MLS Academies
San Diego FC's Right to Dream Academy differs from many established MLS academies.
FeatureSan Diego FC Right to Dream AcademyAcademy launch2025TuitionFully fundedHousingResidential accommodationEducationIntegrated academy schoolCurrent teamsU13, U14, U16RecruitmentOpen tryouts and selective evaluationsPrimary geographic focusSan Diego and TijuanaProfessional pathwayDeveloping toward San Diego FC first team
The academy's model is especially distinctive because it combines soccer, education, and residential life in one environment.
However, it is still expanding.
Players should not assume it operates every age group or has the same recruitment structure as older MLS academies.
Where Can I Find MLS Academy Coach Emails?
Cancha Labs is a soccer coach contact search engine that helps players access available hard-to-find coaching emails, phone numbers, and club contacts across American soccer.
The platform covers multiple levels of the American soccer system.
CompetitionContact categoriesMLS AcademiesYouth academy coaches, directors, and development staffMLS NEXT ProProfessional second-team coaches and technical personnelUSL ChampionshipProfessional managers, coaches, and club staffUSL League OneProfessional coaching and technical personnelUSL League TwoPre-professional coaches and club contacts
Contact availability varies by club and individual.
Why Are MLS Academy Coach Emails Hard to Find?
Professional soccer academies often publish staff names and positions without making every individual's direct contact information available.
You might know exactly who handles academy scouting.
But that doesn't necessarily mean you can find their individual email address.
Cancha Labs is not simply a directory of coaching names. Its value is helping users access available contact information associated with those coaches.
Can I Find San Diego FC Academy and Other California Academies?
Yes.
Players can use Cancha Labs to research available contacts associated with multiple clubs.
California academy options include:
San Diego FC Academy
LA Galaxy Academy
LAFC Academy
San Jose Earthquakes Academy
Each organization has its own recruitment policies.
Players should verify which academies accept outside inquiries before sending evaluation requests.
Search San Diego FC Academy Coach Emails
Why You Shouldn't Depend on One MLS Academy
If San Diego FC Academy is your dream club, research its coaching staff and follow its recruitment process.
But don't make one academy your entire development strategy.
California has numerous competitive youth soccer programs.
Some organizations recruit through established scouting networks.
Others identify players through youth club competition, development programs, and open evaluations.
Recruitment policies can change between seasons.
Research multiple academies that fit your age, playing level, and location.
Cancha Labs helps players access available coaching contacts across multiple clubs instead of depending exclusively on personal connections.
Find Soccer Coach Emails on Cancha Labs
San Diego FC Academy Tryouts and Coach Emails: Frequently Asked Questions
Does San Diego FC Academy have open tryouts in 2027?
The academy holds open tryouts as part of its recruitment process. However, its official recruitment page currently states that no open tryouts are available. Families can register for future announcements.
How do I register for San Diego FC Academy tryouts?
Visit the club's official academy recruitment page and complete the interest form.
What birth years are eligible for San Diego FC Academy tryouts?
The current 2026–27 recruitment cycle focuses on boys born in 2015–2016.
Are San Diego FC Academy tryouts free?
The club has previously organized free open tryouts in San Diego, Chula Vista, and Tijuana.
Is San Diego FC Academy free?
Yes. The club states that its Right to Dream Academy is fully funded and tuition-free for selected student-athletes.
Does San Diego FC Academy provide housing?
Yes. The academy operates a residential program with student-athlete accommodation.
Where can I find San Diego FC Academy coach emails?
Cancha Labs helps users research available coaching emails, phone numbers, and professional contacts associated with San Diego FC Academy.
What is San Diego FC Academy's official email address?
The club publishes Academy@sandiegofc.com as its general academy contact.
Who is the San Diego FC Academy Director?
Jeff Cook is Executive Vice President and Head of Right to Dream Academy.
Who is the Head of Academy Football?
John McGuigan is listed as Head of Academy Football.
Who is the San Diego FC Academy Goalkeeper Coach?
Rafael Calderon is listed as Academy Football Operations Manager and Goalkeeping Coach.
Who are the San Diego FC Academy scouts?
The club identifies Lisa Berg, Derek Boateng, Ricardo Enriquez, and Gabe Farfan in academy talent identification roles.
Who scouts players in Mexico for San Diego FC Academy?
Ricardo Enriquez is listed as Academy Football Talent Scout, Mexico.
Does San Diego FC Academy have a U13 team?
Yes. The academy operates a U13 team.
Does San Diego FC Academy have a U14 team?
Yes. The academy operates a U14 team.
Does San Diego FC Academy have a U16 team?
Yes. The club introduced a U16 team for the 2026–27 MLS NEXT season.
Does San Diego FC Academy have a U18 team?
A separate U18 team was not included in the club's announced 2026–27 three-team structure.
What is Right to Dream Academy?
Right to Dream is a global soccer development network combining football, education, and character development.
Does Right to Dream operate in Ghana?
Yes. The organization was founded in Ghana and operates internationally.
Does San Diego FC Academy hold tryouts in Tijuana?
Yes. The club has previously organized free open tryouts in Tijuana.
Can Mexican players join San Diego FC Academy?
Potentially, subject to recruitment decisions and applicable eligibility, immigration, and registration requirements.
Can you join San Diego FC Academy without an agent?
Yes. The club provides an official recruitment interest form.
Does San Diego FC Academy scout players?
Yes. The club has a dedicated academy talent identification staff and a multi-stage recruitment process.
Where is San Diego FC Academy located?
The academy is based at the Sharp HealthCare Performance Center in El Cajon, California.
Does San Diego FC Academy train near the MLS first team?
Yes. The academy and first team operate within the same broader performance campus.
Can San Diego FC Academy players become professional soccer players?
The academy is designed to develop players toward professional opportunities. However, it is still relatively new, and participation does not guarantee a professional contract.
Can San Diego FC Academy players go to college?
Yes. Academic development and future college opportunities are central to the Right to Dream model.
Can parents contact San Diego FC Academy coaches?
Parents or guardians can use the official recruitment process and research appropriate professional coaching contacts.
Does Cancha Labs guarantee San Diego FC Academy trials?
No. Cancha Labs provides contact research services and does not guarantee trials, coach responses, academy selection, or professional contracts.
Does Cancha Labs have every academy coach's email?
No. Contact availability varies by club and individual.
Where can I find MLS Academy coach emails in the USA?
Cancha Labs helps users research available coaching contacts across MLS academies, MLS NEXT Pro, USL Championship, USL League One, USL League Two, and other covered competitions.
Find San Diego FC Academy Coach Emails and Start Pursuing Opportunities
San Diego FC's Right to Dream Academy offers a distinctive opportunity for talented young soccer players.
The academy combines elite soccer training, education, residential accommodation, and a fully funded development model.
Its recruitment process includes free open tryouts, selective assessments, home visits, and residential selection camps.
And unlike some professional academies, San Diego FC publishes clear information about how families can express interest.
But if you're an aspiring player trying to reach the right people, there's still a major challenge.
Knowing who scouts for San Diego FC Academy doesn't necessarily mean you have their email address.
Professional clubs may publish coaching and scouting names without making every individual contact readily accessible.
That's why Cancha Labs exists.
Cancha Labs helps players and families access available hard-to-find soccer coaching emails, phone numbers, and club contacts across the United States.
Players using the platform have reported securing trials with clubs in Liga MX, USL Championship, MLS NEXT Pro, and USL League Two through direct outreach.
Those results don't guarantee an opportunity with San Diego FC Academy or any other club.
But they demonstrate why access to the right contacts can matter.
If San Diego FC Academy is one of your target clubs, research the current scouting staff and follow its official recruitment process.
And if you're serious about developing as a soccer player, don't limit yourself to one organization.
Don't wait for a scout to be your only route into competitive soccer.
Prepare your footage.
Research realistic opportunities.
Find available contacts.
Submit your player profile through appropriate channels.
Find San Diego FC Academy Coach Emails on Cancha Labs
Find Soccer Coach Emails Across the USA
Last reviewed: November 2, 2026. Academy coaching assignments, contact availability, recruitment procedures, birth-year eligibility, and tryout dates may change. Cancha Labs is an independent soccer contact research service and is not affiliated with San Diego FC, Right to Dream, Major League Soccer, or MLS NEXT. Customer-reported trial outcomes are not guarantees of future results.