Soccer Clubs near Santa Cruz, California

Almaden FC is a prominent youth soccer organization based in the Almaden Valley region of South San Jose, California, serving Santa Clara County. The club was founded as Almaden Soccer in 1967, with its competitive program, Almaden FC, established in 2007. It is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing soccer opportunities for youth players of all abilities. Almaden FC is recognized as the largest youth soccer club in Santa Clara County, with over 3500 players participating annually across various levels. The club offers a tiered program with year-round structured training led by highly qualified professional coaches, fostering player development from youth to the semi-professional level. Almaden FC competes in top leagues including USL League Two, NorCal Premier Soccer League, and the Girls Academy League (GA). The club is committed to community engagement, providing free high-level coaching to underprivileged youth. Almaden FC has a history of developing players who advance to collegiate and professional careers.

Leagues: ECNL RL Boys | Girls Academy | MLS Next 2 | NPL

FC Bay Area Surf Soccer Club is a youth soccer organization based in San Jose, California, serving the wider Bay Area region. Established in 2020, the club provides a comprehensive soccer development pathway for male and female athletes. They offer programs for various age groups, from youth to a semi-professional women's league. FC Bay Area Surf is recognized for its commitment to player development, with a focus on preparing athletes for collegiate and professional levels. The club is an official member of top competitive leagues, including MLS Next for boys and ECNL and ECNL RL for girls. They also participate in the NPL and feature a Women's Semi-Pro League through the USL W-League. The club emphasizes providing a high-level competitive environment for its players.

Leagues: MLS Next | ECNL Girls | MLS Next 2 | NPL

Burlingame Soccer Club (BSC) is a youth soccer organization operating in Burlingame, California, as indicated by its name and affiliation with NorCal Premier Soccer. The club offers a comprehensive pathway for player development, catering to various age groups from younger players in programs like the Juniors Academy and Technical Development Program, up to U19. BSC has achieved significant recognition, including being awarded MLS Next status for its U13-U19 Boys teams, commencing in Fall 2025. Their competitive teams also participate in the ECNL Regional League and NorCal Premier Soccer. The club emphasizes player progression, with a focus on college pathways for its athletes. BSC distinguishes itself through its high-level coaching staff, with members having experience at collegiate and national team levels. The club provides a structured environment designed to foster player growth and competitive success. The exact year of establishment is not explicitly stated on the club's main website.

Leagues: ECNL RL Girls | ECNL RL Boys | MLS Next 2 | NPL

Ballistic United Soccer Club (BUSC) is a prominent youth soccer organization based in Pleasanton, California. Established in or before 1972, the club has over 50 years of history in developing soccer talent. BUSC is recognized as one of the top youth soccer organizations in the United States, having secured multiple state, regional, and international tournament titles. The club offers comprehensive programs for youth players, alongside adult recreational leagues. A notable feature includes their College Advisory Program, designed to guide players toward collegiate soccer opportunities. BUSC also boasts a new Futsal Facility, set to open in Summer 2025. Their competitive programs participate in top-tier leagues, including MLS Next and NPL.

Leagues: MLS Next | MLS Next 2

De Anza Force Soccer Club is a youth soccer organization recognized for excellence in player development. The club operates as the most comprehensive youth soccer club in Northern California. Established for over 20 years, De Anza Force provides a pathway of success for players ranging from 5-year-olds in their Force Futures program up to high school, youth national team, collegiate, national team, and professional athletes. The club aims to instill a love for the game and enable players to achieve life goals through soccer. De Anza Force offers development opportunities across various top-tier competition platforms. These include the MLS Next, Elite Clubs National League (ECNL), ECNL RL Golden State, and NPL, along with all levels of the NorCal Premier regional league. The club has a history of developing successful players, with alumni achieving professional contracts and record transfers. De Anza Force emphasizes a holistic approach, focusing on soccer, academics, and community.

Leagues: MLS Next | ECNL Girls | ECNL RL Girls | ECNL RL Boys | MLS Next 2 | NPL

El Camino Futbol Club (ECFC) is a prominent youth soccer organization based in Salinas and Monterey County, Northern California. Established in 2018, ECFC operates as a 501(c)(3) non-profit entity. The club provides comprehensive soccer programs for both boys and girls, serving age groups from U7 through U19. ECFC is recognized as one of the most successful and distinguished soccer clubs in Northern California. The club emphasizes holistic player development, focusing on both on-field skills and off-field character. Their coaching staff comprises individuals with high-level playing experience, ensuring quality instruction. ECFC offers year-round programs designed to promote activity and enjoyment of the sport. Teams compete in top-tier competitive leagues, including the Elite Clubs National League (ECNL), ECNL-RL, and NorCal Premier.

Leagues: ECNL Boys

Los Gatos United Soccer Club is a non-profit youth soccer organization operating in Los Gatos, California, and its surrounding communities. The club offers comprehensive competitive and recreational programs for players aged 4 to 18. Los Gatos United is dedicated to fostering a safe, enjoyable, and challenging environment where players can achieve their full potential and cultivate a lasting passion for soccer. The club distinguishes itself through a unique philosophy, highly skilled coaches, a top-tier curriculum, and a strong emphasis on a growth mindset. Players are encouraged to embrace competition, take risks, and develop a positive impact both on and off the field. Los Gatos United Soccer Club provides pathways to the highest levels of youth soccer, with teams competing in prominent leagues such as the ECNL, ECNL-RL, National Premier League (NPL), and NorCal Premier Soccer League.

Leagues: ECNL RL Boys | ECNL RL Girls | NPL

MVLA Soccer Club is a prominent youth soccer organization operating in the Mountain View, Los Altos, and San Jose areas of California. The club, originally established as Los Altos Soccer Club in 1972, has a long-standing history in the soccer community. MVLA is dedicated to developing strong, technically proficient soccer players who achieve their full potential both on and off the field. The club has earned national recognition for its player development approach, producing notable alumni such as Abby Dahlkemper, a US Women's National Team and 2019 FIFA World Cup Champion, and MLS player Joe Cannon. MVLA offers competitive programs, with teams participating in the Elite Clubs National League (ECNL) for both boys and girls. The club's teams also compete against MLS Next opposition. MVLA is committed to community impact, providing scholarships and various programs, and strives to be a leading youth soccer club nationwide.

Leagues: ECNL Girls | ECNL RL Girls | ECNL Boys | NPL

Newark FC, also known as Newark Soccer Club, is a youth soccer organization based in Newark, California. Established in 1974, the club operates as a 501(c)(3) non-profit, run by dedicated volunteers. Newark FC provides a comprehensive soccer experience, offering both competitive and recreational programs for various age and skill levels. The club is committed to fostering a culture of respect, growth, and teamwork, aiming to develop skilled players and well-rounded individuals. Their competitive teams participate in prominent leagues including ECNL (Boys), Girls Academy (GA), ECNL-RL (Boys), NorCal Premier, NPL, Premier, and State Premier. Newark FC emphasizes values such as community, dedication, resilience, and excellence, striving to be the premier youth soccer club in Northern California.

Leagues: ECNL Boys | ECNL RL Girls | Girls Academy | NPL

Pleasanton Rage is a premier all-girls youth soccer club based in Pleasanton, California. The club has a long-standing history of developing female athletes, with programs designed to empower players to reach their full potential through soccer, service, and leadership. Pleasanton Rage offers comprehensive programming for all levels of play, from recreational to elite competitive, serving age groups from 4 to 18 years old. A notable feature of the club is its commitment to whole player development, emphasizing skills both on and off the field. Pleasanton Rage has achieved significant success, including winning two National Championship titles. The club's competitive teams, particularly in the U13-U19 age groups, participate in the Elite Clubs National League (ECNL), recognized as a top competitive platform in the country. Additionally, teams compete in the NorCal Premier League (NPL) and NorCal State Cup. Pleasanton Rage also fields a team in the USL W League, providing a pre-professional pathway and serving as role models for younger female athletes. The club's Select program offers an intermediate level of commitment for U9-U19 teams, competing in NorCal leagues.

Leagues: ECNL Girls | NPL

River Islands Surf SC is a youth soccer organization based in Lathrop, California. The club is a proud member of the Surf Nation Soccer Family, which has a history of over eight years of player development through the Surf Select program. River Islands Surf SC operates with a player-first coaching philosophy, emphasizing individual skill development, tactical understanding, and fostering a fun, competitive environment for personal and athletic growth. The club is dedicated to developing players to maximize their potential as athletes and individuals. It provides a comprehensive pathway for player growth and success, from grassroots levels through the Surf Select national identification program. River Islands Surf SC teams compete in major leagues across North America, and players are regularly invited to Surf Select Regional and National teams, US-YTC, ODP, PDP, and id2 programs. The club has a strong record of player advancement, with over 200 players committing to NCAA, NAIA, and NJCAA collegiate programs, and multiple players invited for trials or signed with professional clubs.

Leagues: ECNL Boys

San Ramon FC is a non-profit youth soccer club based in San Ramon, California, operating within the San Francisco Bay Area. Established in 1973, the club has a long history of providing soccer opportunities for players of various ages and skill levels. San Ramon FC is distinguished by its "Players First" designation from US Club Soccer, indicating a commitment to player development. The club offers comprehensive programs, including recreational and competitive soccer for boys and girls aged 18 months to 18 years. Their competitive teams participate in prominent leagues such as ECNL-RL, NPL, and NorCal Premier. Additionally, San Ramon FC provides unique pro-development programs for adult men and women, a feature not commonly found in many youth clubs. The club also hosts various tournaments throughout the year and offers summer, winter, and spring break camps.

Leagues: ECNL RL Boys | NPL

Santa Clara Sporting Club is a prominent youth soccer organization based in Santa Clara, California, operating within the Silicon Valley region. Established in 1970, it stands as one of the oldest and most successful competitive youth soccer clubs in the United States. The club fields over 650 players across 35 teams, ranging from Under-8 to Under-18. Santa Clara Sporting is distinguished by its consistent success in various high-level competitions, including the Cal-North State Cup, NorCal State Cup, Surf Cup, Dallas Cup, and Regional Championships. The club's programs include participation in the Cal North and NorCal Premier Soccer Leagues, ECNL Boys Northern Cal Conference, and the USYS National Championships. Santa Clara Sporting has a proven track record of developing players who advance to collegiate and professional levels, with alumni competing in MLS and college programs. The club also places student-athletes in the Cal North Olympic Development Program and NorCal Premier PDP Programs.

Leagues: ECNL RL Girls | ECNL Boys | Girls Academy | NPL

SF United FC is a youth soccer club based in San Francisco, California. The club was established in 2001, marking over two decades of operation in the youth soccer landscape. SF United FC distinguishes itself by prioritizing community and belonging, aiming to recognize and develop the potential in every child through soccer and teamwork. The club instills core values such as discipline, sportsmanship, respect, and teamwork, fostering an environment where players grow, improve, and gain confidence. SF United FC's staff represents diverse backgrounds, reflecting a commitment to inclusivity. The club competes in prominent leagues and programs, including the ECNL Regional League (ECNL RL) - NorCal, NPL, NorCal Travel (Premier, Gold, Silver, Bronze, Copper), and SFYSL - Upper House. SF United FC was selected as a founding member of the top division of the realigned NorCal ECNL Regional League for the 2025-2026 season. The club also engages in community impact initiatives, including donations to children in hospitals and providing sports materials globally.

Leagues: ECNL RL Boys | NPL

San Francisco Elite Soccer Club (SF Elite SC) is a youth soccer organization based in San Francisco, California. The club launched in 2014 as San Francisco Elite Academy, establishing itself in Northern California. SF Elite SC is distinguished as the only club in San Francisco offering a complete pathway for female players from U8-U19 with a national platform for college exposure, and it is also the sole club in the city with an ECNL Boys program. The club boasts an elite coaching staff, led by Sporting Director Ihor Dotsenko, recognized as the most qualified in San Francisco. SF Elite SC consistently develops players for collegiate soccer and became a member of the Girls Academy League in 2020. Their competitive programs include ECNL Boys, Girls ECNL-RL, WPSL (Women's Premier Soccer League), and NorCal Premier. The club emphasizes building better people to become better players, providing a supportive and cost-effective environment for top-tier competitive soccer.

Leagues: ECNL Boys

The San Francisco Vikings Soccer Club is a youth soccer organization based in San Francisco, California. Established in 1922, it is the most experienced youth soccer club in the city, celebrating its centennial anniversary in 2022. The club offers programs for all playing levels, from Under 5 microsoccer to competitive youth programs, and also includes a men's team and a senior "stumblers" program. A unique selling point is its long history of fostering soccer in the U.S., being among the first clubs to develop youth programs in 1939 and pilot Under 5, Under 8, and Under 10 programs. The Vikings are community-focused, providing a needs-based Scholarship Fund to ensure access for all players. Their teams compete in top competitive leagues such as the NorCal Premier League, CYSA Cal Soccer League, and the San Francisco Youth Soccer League. The club emphasizes player development through a US Soccer Youth Development age-appropriate curriculum, focusing on skills, creativity, and game intelligence. Notable alumni include Celeste Boureille, who plays professionally for A.C. Milan, and the club has sent many players to the Olympic Development Program.

Leagues: ECNL RL Girls

The San Jose Earthquakes Academy is part of the Major League Soccer development system, located in San Jose, California. It aims to develop young talent for professional careers and promote soccer at the grassroots level. The academy provides teams for various age and ability levels, focusing on instilling the club's training methodology and preparing athletes for college or a professional contract with the first team. The academy includes age groups U14, U15, U16, and U18, operating without a pay-to-play system. They also have a Regional Development School (RDS) to identify prospects for the academy. The academy has partnered with Laurel Springs School to provide flexible, college-prep online education for student-athletes.

Leagues: MLS Next

Stanford Strikers FC is a premier youth soccer organization operating in the Bay Area, with a base in Menlo Park, California. The club is built on decades of experience, representing a new chapter formed from the legacy of Alpine Strikers and Stanford Soccer Club. Stanford Strikers FC is committed to player-first development, fostering excellence both on and off the field. They offer age-appropriate programs for players starting at age three, including a Futures League for younger athletes not yet ready for competitive play. The club provides a clear and supportive pathway for every player's journey within a positive, character-building environment. Stanford Strikers FC competes in top-tier leagues, including the ECNL Regional League and NorCal Premier, which encompasses NPL. The club also engages in community initiatives, such as partnering with Second Touch Soccer to donate pre-owned uniforms to children globally.

Leagues: ECNL RL Boys | NPL

SVSA offers a range of soccer programs for different ages and skill levels, including youth development programs, recreational leagues, and competitive teams. They also provide camps and clinics, as well as adult soccer leagues. SVSA's programs aim to develop players' skills, intelligence, and resilience in a team environment. They have teams ranging from U8 to U19 and offer opportunities for both boys and girls, including co-ed teams. SVSA also emphasizes player development with age-specific curriculums and pathways for progression. For those interested in competitive soccer, SVSA has competitive and NPL level teams, with the latter representing the highest level of commitment and competition. They also have a National Platform under MLS NEXT and Girls Academy.

Leagues: MLS Next | Girls Academy | MLS Next 2

Woodside Soccer Club is a youth soccer club based in Redwood City, California, with programs emphasizing player development, sportsmanship, and personal growth. They offer educational soccer programs for both boys and girls, providing organized games and coaches in a controlled competitive environment. The club aims to maximize individual and team potential, with a coaching philosophy centered on bringing out the best in all players, regardless of skill level. Woodside Soccer Club offers various programs throughout the year, including Fall and Spring seasons in leagues like NorCal Premier, NPL, and ECNL-RL, as well as MLS NEXT for select teams. They also provide optional Winter Futsal and Summer Soccer Camps. The club's curriculum is age-appropriate and designed to develop players technically, tactically, physically, and emotionally. Their core values include teamwork, respect, inclusion, personal integrity, and fair play.

Leagues: MLS Next | ECNL RL Boys | ECNL RL Girls | MLS Next 2 | NPL

Livermore Fusion Soccer Club is a youth soccer organization based in Livermore, California. Established as a community-focused club, it emphasizes player development through recreational and competitive pathways. The club serves players across various age groups, from young children in introductory programs to U9 through U14 in tournaments and advanced training. It offers a robust recreational program designed for fun, skill-building, and lifelong love of the game, with no experience required and volunteer parent coaches. Unique features include the TOPSoccer program, a free initiative for young athletes with mental or physical disabilities, integrating them into the club community. The club hosts notable events like the Livermore Labor Day Cup and Ghouls & Goals Halloween Tournament for U9-U12 boys and girls at premier and gold levels. Fusion Premier provides higher-level training and competition opportunities on dedicated fields like Robertson Park. An EDGE Performance Center supports player growth with indoor training, weight rooms, and specialized facilities. The organization fosters inclusivity and development without high-pressure commitments in its foundational recreational offerings.

Leagues: NPL

Monterey Surf Soccer Club operates in Monterey County, California, serving the local youth soccer community. As the official affiliate of the San Diego Surf Soccer Club, it delivers a high-caliber development program integrated into the broader Surf Nation network. The club emphasizes creating elite experiences through quality coaching, tournaments, and player-focused events that prioritize skill growth and success. It caters to boys and girls starting at U8/U9 ages, with programs extending through competitive youth teams. Monterey Surf distinguishes itself by uniting top talents from across the Surf network into select teams, fostering a national-level competitive environment. The club's Junior Academy program features year-round practices and small-sided games in spring and fall seasons to build foundational skills and enjoyment. Competitive teams participate in the NorCal Premier Soccer League and other regional top divisions, providing pathways for advancement. Through its affiliation, Monterey Surf supports player progression toward higher competitive levels and collegiate opportunities within the Surf ecosystem. The organization hosts camps, clinics, and events to enhance technical abilities and team dynamics. Monterey Surf commits to an inclusive, development-driven approach that prepares players for sustained success in soccer.

Leagues: NPL

Palo Alto Soccer Club (PASC) operates in the Silicon Valley region of California, centered in Palo Alto. The club has been a cornerstone of youth soccer development in the area for over two decades. It serves players from ages 4 through 18, encompassing beginner to elite levels. PASC distinguishes itself through its Silicon Valley Soccer Academy, which integrates comprehensive player development with a focus on technical skills, tactical understanding, and personal growth. The club offers recreational leagues and in-house programs for younger players to build foundational skills without tryouts, emphasizing fun, endurance, and sportsmanship. For competitive advancement, PASC fields teams in the National Premier Leagues (NPL) and the US Soccer Development Academy, providing pathways to higher-level competition. These programs enable talented players to progress toward collegiate and professional opportunities through structured training and regional tournaments. PASC also hosts events like the Tall Trees Summer Tournament for U8-U18 boys and girls teams, fostering competitive experiences across the West Coast. The club's coaching methodology prioritizes long-term athlete development, with evaluations open to unaffiliated players in key age groups such as 2008-2013 birth years. Overall, PASC creates a supportive environment that balances recreational enjoyment with elite aspirations for youth soccer enthusiasts in Silicon Valley.

Leagues: NPL

Sheriffs Fútbol Club (Sheriffs FC) is a competitive youth soccer club operating in the East Bay area of California, specifically serving the unincorporated communities of Ashland, Cherryland, and San Lorenzo in Alameda County. The club was established in 2017, initially as a crime prevention program sponsored by the Alameda County Sheriff's Office. Sheriffs FC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to providing elite-level soccer opportunities to a talented and diverse youth population. The club fields 20 teams for players between the ages of 7 and 19. A distinguishing feature of Sheriffs FC is its origin as a free-to-play program designed to use soccer as a catalyst for community development and to provide opportunities to youth in underserved areas. The club was founded with a focus on holistic player development, impacting the lives of local youth through funding and education. Sheriffs FC provides a pathway to collegiate and professional levels for its players. Top teams compete in high-level youth soccer platforms including MLS Next for the U13 and U14 age groups and the Norcal Premier NPL for other boys' teams.

Leagues: NPL

San Mateo County FC is a premier youth soccer club operating in San Mateo County, California, within the San Francisco Bay Area. Established in 2018, the club focuses on holistic player development through high-level training and competition. It serves boys and girls across age groups from U6 to U19, with programs tailored to skill levels from recreational to elite. The club emphasizes technical proficiency, tactical awareness, and character building to foster lifelong soccer enthusiasts and potential professionals. Unique features include integrated strength and conditioning programs, mental performance coaching, and partnerships with local schools for seamless academic-soccer balance. San Mateo County FC fields teams in competitive leagues such as ECNL, NPL, and USYS National League, providing pathways to higher levels of play. Their academy structure supports progression from grassroots to advanced teams, with annual showcases attracting college scouts. The club has produced players who advance to collegiate programs and professional academies, underscoring its commitment to elite development.

Leagues: NPL