Surf Affiliate Programs Expands – Adds 3,000 Players in Northern CA
Youth Soccer News: Surf Soccer Club continues their expansion in Northern California with a new affiliate partnership with Walnut Creek Soccer Club.
One of the oldest youth soccer clubs in the nation, Walnut Creek SC was established in 1971 and their goal has been to provide a level of play for all players and families. Rebranding as Walnut Creek Surf, the 3,000 player club will transition their recreation program immediately, with their competitive program joining the Surf brand in 2019.
Walnut Creek Surf becomes the third Surf club in Northern California. Joining San Jose Surf and Central Valley Surf, Walnut Creek Surf rounds out the trio of youth soccer clubs expected to develop high-quality players in the region.
“For us, Walnut Creek embodies what we look for in a partner club. They have a strong membership base, and new coaching director Adam Cooper is taking the club into the future with new programs and hiring some very impressive staff members,” said Chris Adams, Director of Business Development for Surf Cup Sports.
“We’re excited to bring the Surf brand to the positive direction the club is heading, and we think they’ll be a tremendous partner club to our 15 other affiliates,” said Adams.
Read Related Youth Soccer News: WALNUT CREEK SURF’S ADAM COOPER ON BUILDING THE CLUB
“We want Surf to be a club where players can come and compete at the highest levels, but if a family prefers a positive, recreational soccer option, we want to be an organization that provides a dynamic playing experience for all of our members. We think that Walnut Creek aligns extremely well with that,” Adams added.
“Surf is a very well known national brand of soccer and the club itself provides, in my opinion, a platform for our players in Walnut Creek to play at a higher level and get more exposure,” said Adam Cooper, Director of Coaching at Walnut Creek. “Everybody wants to play at Surf Cup — it is one of the top tournaments in the country.”
“The Surf Organization has done a good job with their affiliations with Manchester City as well as their curriculum, player development, and their soccer culture,” said Cooper. “It’s fun to be a part of that and I know our memberships will benefit from this.”
Cooper, who has been the Head Coach at Saint Mary’s Collegefor 18 years also believes the Surf name carries weight with other college coaches.
When asked, do you think it means more when a youth soccer coach calls a college coach and say’s “I have a player from Surf,” Cooper agreed that the Surf brand name adds a layer of marketability.
“Surf’s created a strong reputation as a whole. At the end of the day, we still have to coach our kids but Surf’s built up a reputation of being able to develop players,” said Cooper.
“Surf is a nationwide club brand with success at every level on and off the field. Administratively, and with nationally recognized youth soccer tournaments and strong partnerships with Nike and Soccer.com. We are excited to get started and thankful for the opportunity,” said Steve Chappell, General Manager – Walnut Creek Soccer Club. “The Surf Affiliate program will integrate very well with the Walnut Creek Soccer Club.”
“At Surf Cup Sports, we are very proud of our Surf Affiliate program and believe that sharing resources is essential to maintaining a competitive edge in today’s landscape. With our 40-year plus track record of success and participation in U.S. Soccer’s Development Academy as well as ECNL, we have extensive experience to share, ” said Jeremy McDonald, VP Business Development for Surf Cup Sports.
“We believe we’ve partnered with the best possible clubs to continue developing players at a high level, outside of organizations with deep pockets that lean on pay-to-play models. San Jose Surf, Central Valley Surf, and now Walnut Creek Surf are all connected at the top leadership levels, which will make the network of clubs even stronger,” said Adams.
Related Youth Soccer News: Surf SC Affiliate Program Expands – Welcomes Central Valley Surf SC
