On Saturday, as San Diego FC takes the field at Snapdragon Stadium for our first home match, we celebrate a historic moment not only for our club but for all of San Diego.
San Diego FC is not only the city’s first Major League Soccer team; it is a reflection of San Diego’s vibrant culture, varied communities and ionate ers. We will work hard to be a source of pride, a unifying force, and a beacon for what is possible when a community comes together.
It is hard to believe that it is still less than two years since we launched San Diego FC. We have done so much in such a short space of time. We have recruited over 120 people, with more new recruits coming through the doors of our Little Italy headquarters regularly. We have built a first team from scratch, and have compiled a world-class group of coaches and soccer executives, who have made the magnificent first-team training facilities at the Sharp HealthCare Performance Center their home. I want to thank and pay tribute to the staff and players for their hard work and professionalism.
I was in the city for the opening of the performance center in early February, and once again the ion and spirit of the ers, our staff and our partners, the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation, left a strong impression.
I was left even more convinced, if that were possible, that it was the right decision to bring Major League Soccer to San Diego.
Cultural impact
San Diego FC isn’t just a soccer team; it’s a cultural movement — and a celebration of San Diego. This city thrives on creativity and a deep sense of pride in the community. From the bustling southern border to East County and the coastal neighborhoods, it’s a place for dreamers, doers, and innovators.
San Diego FC reflects this spirit.
Indeed, the soccer club draws its inspiration from the city itself — a dynamic and interwoven metropolis with a rich heritage and history that dates back more than 12,000 years with the Sycuan Tribe.
From the very beginning, we envisioned a team that would be a cornerstone of the city’s identity.
I believe that soccer, as the world’s game, brings people together like no other sport, and in San Diego, with its multicultural heritage, that inclusive spirit thrives.
Our commitment to celebrating the city’s culture has already been on display through the recently concluded, year-long Chrome Ball Tour, which visited 18 cities across San Diego. Along the way, the club partnered with local artists, musicians, and cultural organizations, showcasing the creativity, amazing football and uniqueness that makes San Diego so special.
Community impact
San Diego FC is here for all of San Diego.
Through initiatives like the Right to Dream Academy, we aim to set a new standard for youth development. The academy will focus on nurturing young talent while teaching life skills and providing pathways to success on and off the field. The free scholarships we offer to students are unique in the game. More than 100 men’s and women’s footballers have already come through that world-class system in sub-Saharan Africa, Europe and the Middle East. A similar number of our students have received educational scholarships to many of the best schools and universities in America.
This system is coming to San Diego. Our goal is to inspire the next generation of leaders, athletes, and dreamers in San Diego and beyond.
Our community engagement doesn’t stop there. We’re committed to engaging with every neighborhood and every fan.
Snapdragon Stadium will not just be a place to watch soccer; it will be a home for families and fans, a place to create memories, and a hub of connection. Our Eighteen Threads retail location in Mission Valley provides a safe gathering space where fans can proudly display their for the team and city.
Business impact
The introduction of San Diego FC has and will continue to contribute to the local economy. From job creation to increased tourism to partnering with local businesses, this is just the beginning. By prioritizing partnerships with San Diego-based companies, we aim to ensure that our success is intertwined with the success of the city’s business community.
Additionally, as San Diego’s first Major League Soccer team, San Diego FC will draw national and international attention.
This is more than soccer; it’s about elevating San Diego’s profile on the world stage.
Sports impact
San Diego FC represents a new chapter in the city’s sports history. We are committed to delivering an unparalleled match-day experience that reflects the ion and energy of this city.
This city is home to ionate soccer fans who have waited patiently for this moment. San Diego of course already has an outstanding women’s team, the NWSL’s San Diego Wave. Now, with both San Diego FC and the Wave, San Diego’s place as a major hub of professional soccer is secured.
We do not expect miracles. We know that it will take time for a connection and understanding between teammates to develop. We are a new team, and a start-up organization. I happen to have some experience of building organizations from the ground up. What I can say is that it always takes hard work, time, patience and dedication. We will make mistakes and learn lessons along the way.
It will be quite a journey. But whatever happens this season, the city of San Diego will be the real winner.
Mohamed Mansour is a founding partner and chairman of San Diego FC.
Home opener: San Diego FC (1-0-0) vs. St. Louis City SC (0-0-1)
When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday
Where: Snapdragon Stadium
Stream: Apple TV
