San Diego FC’s Right to Dream Academy Opens in El Cajon

EL CAJON, California – San Diego FC officially opened its Right to Dream Academy on Friday, marking a significant step in youth soccer development in the United States and Mexico. The academy, located on Sycuan tribal land, aims to cultivate talent through a comprehensive residential program that includes soccer training, education, and character development.

The facility operates under Right to Dream’s model, which has successfully produced professional players in countries like Ghana, Egypt, and Denmark. Each residential student-athlete will receive a full five-year scholarship, regardless of soccer performance. This initiative marks a first for North America and Major League Soccer.

<p"In San Diego, we are creating something entirely new for North America – a residential school and academy with full scholarships for all students and links to Major League Soccer," said Sir Mohamed Mansour, chairman of San Diego FC and Right to Dream. He emphasized the academy's commitment to nurturing not just soccer skills, but holistic personal development.

The campus features five full-sized soccer fields and facilities for student housing and schooling, designed to accommodate young athletes in their pursuit of both academic and athletic excellence. San Diego FC CEO Tom Penn expressed his hopes for the academy’s future, saying, “This academy represents more than just football. It’s a commitment to nurturing our student-athletes and inspiring future generations across San Diego and beyond.”

The academy launched its inaugural U-13 team with 17 student-athletes, primarily from San Diego and Tijuana. It plans to expand to include additional age groups and girls’ teams in the coming years. Young players like 11-year-old Nicolas Bolivar and 12-year-old Thiago Terrazas, who made the team, say the experience has been transformative.

Bolivar noted, “I hope it leads to me being professional in a few years and be one of the greatest.” The academy aims to fill a gap for youth in the region, providing unparalleled opportunities and world-class training in a supportive environment.