Surf Cup Sports
Bringing the
Best of the Best
to America’s Finest City

A VITAL ASSET TO THE CITY OF SAN DIEGO

Surf Sports is one of the most influential and recognized youth sporting event organizers in the nation.

Originally formed as a local soccer club for San Diego’s best youth soccer players, Surf Soccer Club is now internationally recognized for player development, and Surf Sports is globally respected for Surf Cup and event management.

Surf Sports tournaments draw the “Best of the Best” players from all over the world to compete in “America’s Finest City.”

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Charitable Contributions (USD)
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Annual Economic Impact:

$120 Million

Providing a huge economic boost to the region

Hosting more than 35 events in San Diego and bringing teams and visitors from all around the United States, Surf Sports is one of the largest and most successful event organizers in the City, generating an annual overall economic impact of $120 million.

Each year, more than 490,000 people attend Surf Sports organized events in San Diego, generating 125,000 booked hotel rooms, more than the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon and second only to Comic-Con.

What People Say

“It’s awesome. I’ve spent many a weekends sitting at the polo fields watching that tournament. It’s brilliant. It’s a great tournament… great facility. It brings all the best teams together. San Diego always has great competitive teams in national levels and players playing in international levels.”

Jill Ellis, Head Coach, US Women's National Team
Joe Terzi

“Surf Cup Sports’ events bring in a high volume of visitors which is critical to the backbone of San Diego’s tourism industry. Most importantly, these visitors book hotel rooms and make a variety of purchases, including food, entertainment and souvenirs, all of which benefits the local economy.”

Joe Terzi, President and CEO of the San Diego Tourism Authority

“Surf Cup has always been my favorite tournament. Being a local girl, I’ve always felt so lucky to have this in my backyard.”

Rachel Buehler Van Hollebeke , US Women's National Soccer Team Defender
Landon Donovan

“I have great memories of playing at Surf Cup when I was a youth soccer player.”

Landon Donovan, Former U.S. Men's National Team Player
Jerry Sanders

“People learn about San Diego from coming to a Surf Cup event.”

Jerry Sanders, Former San Diego Mayor, President and CEO of the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce

Serving 200,000 Youths Annually

Investing in youth leadership and community development

Surf Sports serves a large youth demographic and its reach goes far beyond soccer. Over the past year Surf hosted more than 200,000 youth participants across a range of popular sports including lacrosse and soccer. These events serve as a platform by which kids can connect with colleges as well as the Olympic and US National teams.

Surf Sports has been instrumental in helping kids achieve their college dreams. More than 1,500 college coaches attend Surf Sports events to recruit players, resulting in millions of dollars in scholarship awards.

Facilities

Advancing city-owned land assets

Surf Sports assumed operational control of the San Diego Polo Fields in 2012, and since that time has invested more than $4.5 million into daily maintenance and renovation of the facility and will continue to invest in this important community asset.

Surf Sports has a world-class event and facility management staff, and employs San Diego’s foremost experts in natural grass maintenance.

Affiliate Program

The Surf Nation program is designed for Clubs looking to join a community of the top players, coaches, and sports management executives in the country. Our community is represented across all the major domestic leagues in North America and provides a player development pathway from grassroots through Surf Select, a national identification bringing the best players together locally, regionally, and nationally.

The Surf Nation Affiliate program benefits are significant — from free software to run your club to hands-on marketing support and, of course, nationally recognized player development and coaching curriculum from the 17x National Championship youth soccer club.

SURF SOCCER CLUB

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Affiliate Clubs

Surf Sports Park is home to the premier youth soccer club in the nation, San Diego Surf Soccer Club. Our club competes at the highest levels in the top soccer leagues in the nation – Elite Club National League (ECNL), the Elite Club Regional League (ECNL-RL), and the SoCal Soccer League.

Surf Soccer Club consistently produces players who are considered to be the best in the sport, and has more than 157 players on National Teams, far surpassing any other club in the nation. Notable professional players who have worn the Surf jersey include Rachel Buehler Van Hollebeke, Catarina Macario, Mia Fishel, AJ Soares, Corey Baird and Luca de la Torre.

San Diego Surf Soccer Club brings 15 National Championships, national prestige and attention to San Diego, solidifying its reputation as a hotbed of soccer talent and excellent access to college. Since 1994, 98%+ of girls have received college scholarships and the boys program has experienced a 600% increase in the last 2 years.

Giving Back

More than $7 Million Contributed to Local Charities

The Surf Cup Charitable Foundation was launched in 1994. Over the years, this foundation has contributed more $4 million to local charities and has sponsored hundreds of teams who would not otherwise have been able to participate in Surf Sports tournaments. In addition to the foundation, the Surf SC leads the youth soccer market with its needs-based youth program. Together, these organizations have contributed more than $7 million combined.

In 2012, the outreach program was launched delivering subsidies for disadvantaged youths living in south San Diego. This program in its first three years has been a resounding success and has given hundreds of youths the opportunity for college exposure.