San Diego MLS Announces $100,000 Donation to
San Diego Foundation in Support of Youth Athletes
Contribution Made Possible From Overwhelming Fan Support Tied to Ongoing Priority Selection List Campaign for Season Tickets
SAN DIEGO, CA (July 11, 2023) – San Diego MLS, the newest club in Major League Soccer, is proud to announce an initial donation of $100,000 to San Diego Foundation. This philanthropic contribution was made possible by the legion of San Diego soccer fans who have already pledged support through the club’s website, SanDiegoFC.com, to be placed on the priority selection list for season tickets in advance of the club’s 2025 on-field debut. All deposit proceeds are aimed at supporting the development of youth soccer programs across San Diego County, fostering a vibrant and inclusive soccer community for young athletes.
Recognizing the importance of community and nurturing talent at the grassroots level, San Diego MLS is committed to investing in the future of soccer in the region. The $100,000 donation to San Diego Foundation will directly benefit youth soccer initiatives and create opportunities for children from diverse backgrounds to access high-quality training, coaching, and additional resources.
By partnering with San Diego Foundation, San Diego MLS aims to connect with the community, promote social equality and create a pathway for aspiring young soccer players to pursue their dreams. The funds will be utilized to expand and enhance existing youth soccer programs, with a focus on underserved communities throughout San Diego County. This initiative aims to remove barriers to participation and create a level playing field for all children, regardless of their socioeconomic status.
"We are thrilled to collaborate with San Diego Foundation in our shared mission of developing and empowering youth through the beautiful game," said Tom Penn, CEO, San Diego MLS. “A pillar of this club is to invest in local youth, by doing so we aim to provide opportunities for children to not only learn and enjoy the sport but also develop valuable life skills such as teamwork, discipline, and leadership."
San Diego MLS's commitment to the community extends beyond the donation. The club will work closely with San Diego Foundation to identify key areas of need and collaborate with organizations that have a lasting and positive impact on the region. The aim is to create an ecosystem that supports talented young players, cultivates future leaders, and strengthens the fabric of San Diego's soccer community.
San Diego Foundation, renowned for its dedication to inspiring philanthropy and enabling community solutions to improve the quality of life in the region, welcomes this partnership with San Diego MLS. "We are grateful for partnerships with community leaders like San Diego MLS and inspired by its commitment to foster youth development and equity in San Diego County," said Mark Stuart, President & CEO, San Diego Foundation. "By working together, we will create a brighter future for our youth and create a lasting legacy through soccer."
San Diego MLS's donation to San Diego Foundation underscores its deep-rooted commitment to the community and its passion for nurturing talent at all levels. Through this partnership, the club aims to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young athletes while enriching the soccer landscape in San Diego County.
San Diego MLS is a partnership between Right to Dream (RTD), the global soccer community of world-class academies, clubs and educational partners and the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation, the first Native American tribe to have an ownership stake in professional soccer in the United States. RTD is owned by distinguished entrepreneur, investor and philanthropist Mohamed Mansour who will serve as San Diego MLS Chairman. Also joining the investor group is club partner and San Diego Padres player, Manny Machado.
Soccer fans can still reserve their place on the priority selection list for season tickets to San Diego’s inaugural MLS season by paying $18 at SanDiegoFC.com. All proceeds will be donated to San Diego Foundation to fund non-profits investing in the development of youth soccer across San Diego County. For the latest news and club updates, follow @SanDiegoMLS2025 on social media across all platforms and use the hashtags #SanDiegoMLS and #LetsKickItSD.