San Diego Soccer Clubs Are Rising in Popularity
San Diego soccer has a rich history, and today the sport is making a huge comeback in popularity throughout the city. With the city’s perfect climate for year-round leagues and practice, it is no wonder that sports leagues are so common throughout. There are many reasons soccer is coming out as such a popular sport, and the citizens of San Diego are driving that popularity.
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Why People Love Soccer in San Diego
Soccer is simply a fun sport. It is high activity, can be played almost anywhere without much equipment, and focuses more on individual effort and skill than the overall team. It is also extremely easy to play, with simple starting rules.
It is safer than many other sports, has shorter matches, and is a sport that has been loved around the world for a long time. The active, competitive, sportsman attitudes in San Diego are the perfect environment for soccer to be huge.
History of Soccer in San Diego
San Diego’s first professional soccer league formed in 1968. None of the players were Americans, and they finished the season as the second-best new club in the league with an 18-8-6 record. They lost the championship, but soccer was ingrained in San Diego after that moment. Their average attendance was 4,800 with a cap of 9,000 at the championship game.
Unfortunately, the pro soccer league was badly funded and did not last for more than one season. Seven years later, San Diego Soccer would come back in full force. In 1976, the San Diego Jaws was founded, named after the famous movie.
Professional Soccer Clubs in San Diego
Finding a professional San Diego soccer club is easy, as there are numerous professional clubs in the San Diego area. Soccer clubs are usually divided by region and series, standings are determined by games won, and club involvement can include a monthly fee.
- SD Sockers: The San Diego Sockers have been around since 1978, and are the most storied team in indoor soccer history. The Sockers have won championships in 15 different years, and have a rich history of great soccer players and fans. Tryouts happen by registration on their website and paying a fee, with tryout sessions normally in October and November.
- Albion Soccer: Albion is a well-known name throughout soccer in the United States. Founded in 1981, the club now has over 120 teams and 800 players. One of the best youth soccer clubs in San Diego, Albion sets a high standard of excellence for both coaches and players, and has a tryout form on their website.
- San Diego Loyal SC: The San Diego Loyal Soccer Club has only been around since 2019, and has an 11-8-8 record with their current coach. The team is very loyal to its players, forfeiting games against opponents for the use of slurs to protest abuse against the team. Tryout information is through their website.
College Soccer in San Diego
- San Diego State University Soccer: The San Diego State University Aztecs are a well-known college soccer team that currently leads the nation in save percentage. Part of the NCAA Division 1, this team has been around since 1968 and has one player who has elevated to the professional level. The men’s team has been in existence since 1968, and can boast many winning seasons throughout its four coaches.
- San Diego Christian University Soccer: San Diego Christian University has the Hawks, men and women’s soccer teams that are a member of the Golden State Athletic Conference. While their win-loss record isn’t the best, the camaraderie and involvement on these teams are palpable. Many well-known local sponsors help this team keep their eye on the prize as a Division 1 NAIA member.
- San Diego City College Soccer: San Diego City College has a Division 2 soccer team in the NCAA, and is known as the Knights. Both the men’s and women’s soccer teams have proven to produce revenue for the College, which is more than many athletic programs can boast. This community college has been around for over 100 years and remains a strong local community college with a variety of sports programs.
Where to Play Soccer in San Diego
If you want to play San Diego soccer in a youth or adult league, there are a number of places to play both casually and competitively. San Diego’s beautiful climate and active spirit contribute to an atmosphere of fun outdoor and indoor activities that include soccer on a year-round basis.
Kids Soccer in San Diego
The San Diego Soccer Club is a nonprofit youth organization that hosts competitive and recreational leagues. Registration for this San Diego soccer club happens seasonally and can be done online. There are many types of recreational and competitive leagues, players of the week, and tournaments. For youth soccer, San Diego Soccer Club has a number of great choices.
Adult Soccer in San Diego
Let’s Play Sports is a national business that provides everything you need to play indoor soccer. The field, the uniforms, the balls, referees, even teams to compete against are provided when you sign up with this San Diego soccer club. There are leagues and tournaments as well.
Where to Buy the Best Soccer Gear in San Diego
Soccer is a great sport all around because it is so easy to play, and it is also very affordable to play. You do not need a lot of gear to play soccer. The recommended wear is a jersey shirt, shorts, stockings, shin guards, and shoes.
Extra gear may be recommended for children, like a mouth guard or knee pads, but are usually not required. Your most expensive investment may be a good pair of shoes that is specifically for playing soccer, but all in all the cost of gear is low.
Play It Again Sports
This business is a great place to buy soccer gear, especially for children who may outgrow items quickly or only play for a season or two. You can get used gear for a low price that is still in great condition, everything from indoor and outdoor shoes to shin guards and jerseys. Play It Again Sports has everything needed to play soccer at a low price.
- Address: 1401 Garnet Ave., San Diego, CA 92109
- Phone: (858) 490-0222
- Hours: Mon – Sat 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Sun: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Dick’s Sporting Goods
Dick’s has everything you or your child needs to play top soccer. At Dick’s, you can find the latest new products as well, such as Adidas’ top new soccer cleats. A variety of styles and sizes are available for men, women, and children, and prices are available for all budgets.
- Address: 3265 Sports Arena Blvd., San Diego, CA 92109
- Phone: (619) 523-0975
- Hours: Mon – Sat 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Sun: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Soccer Loco
Soccer Loco doesn’t mess around with non-soccer equipment beneath its roof. They sell everything you can think of needing for the sport, including the latest shoes, and even kits so all of your gear can match your colors or your favorite team. Reviews of this location talk about a sheer commitment to the sport and the players and fans.
- Address: 9177 Aero Dr., San Diego, CA 92123
- Phone: (858) 430-0476
- Hours: Tues – Fri 12:30 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Sat: 11 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Closed Sun & Mon
Soccer USA
Owned by former pro soccer players, Soccer USA has all gear for everyone, men, women, and children. Local shoppers love this local shop for all their gear needs, and reviews talk about the good selection and knowledgeable staff. You can supply everything here from uniforms to balls and referee gear.
- Address: 6612 Mission Gorge Rd., San Diego, CA 92123
- Phone: (619) 282 – 8322
- Hours: Mon – Fri 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sat & Sun: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Conclusion
Soccer is growing in popularity throughout the nation and even the world, and San Diego is one of the biggest soccer hotspots in the U.S. If you are interested in finding a league or starting the sport, there are plenty of local options for you to go out and get your game on. Get involved with a sport that you can love for a season or a lifetime.
About the author: When not hiding behind a laptop, Cara Becker can be found asleep or exploring the wide world of interesting things, like how to bake the perfect cheesecake and where to find the best waterfalls. If you’re interested in exploring a food you’ve never tried or learning a word you don’t know, please share your wisdom with her on her LinkedIn profile.
The banner photo for this article is courtesy of the SD Loyal Soccer Club.
Named after Pearl Street in La Jolla, Pearl is the unofficial mascot of the various elves on the daily news desk at LaJolla.com. We’re writers, editors, and people who work on websites; sometimes so many people work on one project that no one feels like they should take the credit.
