Is SOCAL Soccer League Being Run by the Big Clubs?

[SocalSoccer2307]

Hi everyone,

I've been following developments in the local youth soccer scene with growing concern—and after speaking with many others who share my view, I feel compelled to express my opinion that the larger clubs are consolidating power and using their financial influence to dominate SOCAL Soccer League’s decision-making processes. It appears that board members from these major clubs, whose interests directly conflict with the league’s core mission, are increasingly taking control of leadership roles.

SOCAL Soccer League's bylaws state clearly:

"The principal mission of the Southern California Developmental Soccer League (the “Corporation”) referred to as SOCAL in these ByLaws is to allow all participating clubs to have the freedom to make decisions that are in the best interest of all their players and to place the League’s priority first and foremost on true player development. All SOCAL clubs understand that the landscape of youth soccer is dramatically changing across the country and the philosophy of the Corporation ensures that players of all abilities will be training or competing in an environment that allows them to reach their full potential. Southern California has always been a national leader in player development and the creation of the Corporation is a major step in ensuring that trend continues for many years to come. In the new league all players will have the necessary tools to make their goals and dreams become a reality."
—BYLAWS OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA DEVELOPMENTAL SOCCER LEAGUE, ARTICLE I

Moreover, the league’s own introduction promises:

"SOCAL Soccer League is a premier youth competitive soccer organization dedicated to growth, teamwork, and excellence both on and off the field. Established as a cornerstone of the Southern California soccer community, SOCAL has built a reputation for providing a competitive and inclusive environment that develops players, coaches, and clubs to their fullest potential."
—Becoming SOCAL

Southern California has long been recognized as the epicenter of youth soccer in America—a national leader in player development. If SOCAL Soccer League can drive positive change in our area by insisting on fairness and transparency, it could set a precedent that uplifts the entire system for the betterment of all youth soccer athletes in the future.

It is highly concerning that almost every single parent I speak with expresses that they put their kid in these mega clubs because a smaller independent club will not even have a shot at making it into SOCAL Soccer League. These parents are determined to have their children play in SOCAL Soccer League and are convinced that the larger clubs with 50+ teams receive better game schedules, placements, and flight placements, among virtually everything else they want. They also don’t want their club to be disrupted by issues from the league—a sentiment that underscores a growing divide in our community.

Furthermore, SOCAL Soccer League’s bylaws mandate that:

"No DOCR member, Technical Director, or Board of Directors member may vote on any issue that specifically and directly involves his/her individual Member Club or any of its teams. No DOCR member or Board of Directors member may act on issues that have a direct impact on teams playing within his/her individual club. Members of the Corporation Board voting on issues in which a conflict of interest exists for them are subject to immediate removal from the Board of Directors as specified within these bylaws."
—BYLAWS OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA DEVELOPMENTAL SOCCER LEAGUE, ARTICLE XVII

When board positions are filled predominantly by representatives of the big clubs, it creates a clear conflict with the league’s promise of an inclusive and developmental environment. This isn’t just about governance—it’s about the kids. The focus of SOCAL Soccer League should be on providing every player with the tools to achieve their goals and dreams—not on protecting the financial interests of a few large clubs or maintaining a good old boys club.

I'm eager to hear from anyone with firsthand experience or additional insights:

• Have you noticed board decisions favoring the big clubs over smaller, independent ones?
• Have you or someone you know experienced instances where new clubs were unfairly excluded?
• What steps have you taken to address these issues, and what responses have you received from higher authorities?

Let’s make this about the kids—the future of youth soccer—and ensure that SOCAL Soccer League adheres to its founding principles of player development, fairness, and integrity. If we can drive positive change in our local community, it could set an example that benefits youth soccer athletes everywhere.

Thanks

 

[Carlsbad7]

 

[Grace T.]

Hi everyone,

I've been following developments in the local youth soccer scene with growing concern—and after speaking with many others who share my view, I feel compelled to express my opinion that the larger clubs are consolidating power and using their financial influence to dominate SOCAL Soccer League’s decision-making processes. It appears that board members from these major clubs, whose interests directly conflict with the league’s core mission, are increasingly taking control of leadership roles.

SOCAL Soccer League's bylaws state clearly:



Moreover, the league’s own introduction promises:



Southern California has long been recognized as the epicenter of youth soccer in America—a national leader in player development. If SOCAL Soccer League can drive positive change in our area by insisting on fairness and transparency, it could set a precedent that uplifts the entire system for the betterment of all youth soccer athletes in the future.

It is highly concerning that almost every single parent I speak with expresses that they put their kid in these mega clubs because a smaller independent club will not even have a shot at making it into SOCAL Soccer League. These parents are determined to have their children play in SOCAL Soccer League and are convinced that the larger clubs with 50+ teams receive better game schedules, placements, and flight placements, among virtually everything else they want. They also don’t want their club to be disrupted by issues from the league—a sentiment that underscores a growing divide in our community.

Furthermore, SOCAL Soccer League’s bylaws mandate that:



When board positions are filled predominantly by representatives of the big clubs, it creates a clear conflict with the league’s promise of an inclusive and developmental environment. This isn’t just about governance—it’s about the kids. The focus of SOCAL Soccer League should be on providing every player with the tools to achieve their goals and dreams—not on protecting the financial interests of a few large clubs or maintaining a good old boys club.

I'm eager to hear from anyone with firsthand experience or additional insights:

• Have you noticed board decisions favoring the big clubs over smaller, independent ones?
• Have you or someone you know experienced instances where new clubs were unfairly excluded?
• What steps have you taken to address these issues, and what responses have you received from higher authorities?

Let’s make this about the kids—the future of youth soccer—and ensure that SOCAL Soccer League adheres to its founding principles of player development, fairness, and integrity. If we can drive positive change in our local community, it could set an example that benefits youth soccer athletes everywhere.

Thanks

You are missing the issue, perhaps because you have only a younger. The issue isn't in just in SoCal League. SoCal league already has killed coast a while ago so you are praying over a corpse. The current issue is that because a handful of larger clubs control letter leagues, they are in the process of killing off the remainder. SoCal league because of the proliferation of the letter leagues has essentially just become a league for the youngers before letter leagues start. You are only seeing the tip and not the entire iceberg.

 

[Grace T.]

I'll be sad if someone puts it all together and beats me to the punch.

 

[crush]

I'll be sad if someone puts it all together and beats me to the punch.

I think you should have your own AI Grace. The conflicts are the same as always and the interest of the children is last again. Power hungry greedy bastards. This sport is a blood bath of division and chaos. Good luck everyone.

 

[SocalSoccer2307]

You are missing the issue, perhaps because you have only a younger. The issue isn't in just in SoCal League. SoCal league already has killed coast a while ago so you are praying over a corpse. The current issue is that because a handful of larger clubs control letter leagues, they are in the process of killing off the remainder. SoCal league because of the proliferation of the letter leagues has essentially just become a league for the youngers before letter leagues start. You are only seeing the tip and not the entire iceberg.

SoCal League is of course the feeder into the letter leagues, however new clubs cannot get started in the youngers as nobody wants to play outside of SoCal League. So the larger clubs are the gatekeepers keeping any new clubs from evolving. I guess like any business the money talks and when you have 50+ teams paying for a league, you will get priority and a voice. It just should not be like that. I was curious if anyone has stood up to this or if everyone is afraid of retaliation and even for their own safety. It has certainly become like a mafia in some instances where physical harm has been threatened. It is getting beyond ridiculous. I would hope that Cal South and US Soccer would try to regulate the club and league leaders a bit more.

 

[Carlsbad7]

SoCal League is of course the feeder into the letter leagues, however new clubs cannot get started in the youngers as nobody wants to play outside of SoCal League. So the larger clubs are the gatekeepers keeping any new clubs from evolving. I guess like any business the money talks and when you have 50+ teams paying for a league, you will get priority and a voice. It just should not be like that. I was curious if anyone has stood up to this or if everyone is afraid of retaliation and even for their own safety. It has certainly become like a mafia in some instances where physical harm has been threatened. It is getting beyond ridiculous. I would hope that Cal South and US Soccer would try to regulate the club and league leaders a bit more.

I think you missed the sarcasm.

Yes you are right. But, it doesn't matter because this is how things work and it's been happening this way for a long time.

 

[crush]

I was curious if anyone has stood up to this or if everyone is afraid of retaliation and even for their own safety. It has certainly become like a mafia in some instances where physical harm has been threatened. It is getting beyond ridiculous.

I stood up but was squashed like a bug and 100% retaliated against by the Mega Pastors of these mega clubs that all have bosses. ONE GUY TOLD ME IF I tried to leave his almighty club, I would go to soccer hell. It's a cult. Basically, I was threatened with an email telling me to STFU, we know where you live and you best better STFU or my kid will never play in college because, "I know all the coaches and they don't like club hoppers." I had a few dads on here challenge me to a fight at Silverlakes and one guy named EOTL threaten me and my dd. This is a ruthless business Socal Soccer.

 

[SocalSoccer2307]

I think you missed the sarcasm.

Yes you are right. But, it doesn't matter because this is how things work and it's been happening this way for a long time.

Sry, not in a sarcastic kind of mood . If we send a thread of 1000 comments to cal south and US Soccer maybe they will step in and clean up the mess somewhat? Or have a better ethics board in place to double check the sketchiness.

 

[sigmabody]

It seems like the whole youth soccer system is in a state of flux (and maybe it always is); I'm just glad I'm probably getting off the treadmill soon. It's hard to say how it will all shake out, but it seems unsustainable to have $5000+/yr costs to just play competitive youth soccer (before privates/bribes, etc.), along with all the other recent trends (eg: the brutal crackdown on criticizing the officiating quality while doing nothing to improve it, or player safety by extension). At this point, I'd probably advise other parents to just stay away, no matter how promising or enthusiastic their kid is for soccer; the landscape is pretty expensive and brutal, and unless you are willing and able to "pay to win", it's not going to work out for you. Stick with rec, and save your money for college/etc.

 

[Lemmon Pepper Lou]

It seems like the whole youth soccer system is in a state of flux (and maybe it always is); I'm just glad I'm probably getting off the treadmill soon. It's hard to say how it will all shake out, but it seems unsustainable to have $5000+/yr costs to just play competitive youth soccer (before privates/bribes, etc.), along with all the other recent trends (eg: the brutal crackdown on criticizing the officiating quality while doing nothing to improve it, or player safety by extension). At this point, I'd probably advise other parents to just stay away, no matter how promising or enthusiastic their kid is for soccer; the landscape is pretty expensive and brutal, and unless you are willing and able to "pay to win", it's not going to work out for you. Stick with rec, and save your money for college/etc.

Was feeling this until you killed it by saying college. When will the sheep learn?

 

[Grace T.]

Sry, not in a sarcastic kind of mood . If we send a thread of 1000 comments to cal south and US Soccer maybe they will step in and clean up the mess somewhat? Or have a better ethics board in place to double check the sketchiness.

There’s a legal issue here actually if anyone actually pulls it all together. If they do, God help em.

 

[SocalSoccer2307]

There’s a legal issue here actually if anyone actually pulls it all together. If they do, God help em.

If anyone else can describe what has happened to them in regards to the league, it would be greatly appreciated. Whether it was retaliation, discrimination, physical threats etc... It is time for some compliance.

 

[Brav520]

I’m just going to speculate So Cal made a business decision to not even try to get involved in the letter league carousel at the olders , because they have put up no fight . All the eggs are in the youngers basket where they have essentially ZERO competition

the big clubs may need So Cal more than So Cal needs them at the youngers

the bigs clubs have influence , and certainly the ones that that the league is reliant on to provide facilities for state cup, but they don’t get whatever they want

I think they are nailing a couple of big things

- dependent on where you , but for the most part limited travel during fall season

- 4 flights in each age group , and it wouldn’t surprise me if you see a 5th at some point

- really making sure the state cup brackets are competitive as possible , some of the age groups this year had 6 different flights !

- zero tolerance policies on ref abuse that from what I’ve seen they ENFORCE

- state cup is well run

 

[FutsalIsFurReal]

If anyone else can describe what has happened to them in regards to the league, it would be greatly appreciated. Whether it was retaliation, discrimination, physical threats etc... It is time for some compliance.

I see small/newer clubs get unfairly flighted in league and State Cup. Too frequent to be a coincidence, but can't prove anything.
But Socal is still fine, with minimal travel, good communication, refs are good (good enough for youngers).
Physical threat from the league? Doubt it.

 

[Orca10]

Kicks in the IE joined SoCal last year.

Is it really that bad? Again, this isn’t Europe. We won’t ever have a local city club free system.

 

[watfly]

Maybe I'm too cynical, but I will net it out...our youth soccer system is irretrievably broken. I believe that the significant fall started 10 or so years ago with the proliferation of different game circuits (letter leagues if you will) and then with the subsequent demise of Presidio and Coast. US Soccer doesn't have the competency or the relevant priorities to fix it. And big clubs won't fix it because that would derail their gravy train.

Reality. The odds of your U7 child playing club soccer after 8th grade are probably less than 30%. The odds of your child playing soccer in college are slim and any scholarship won't come close to repaying you for all the money you spent on soccer. The odds of your child playing pro is near zero.

The only factors in your child's soccer success is their own ability and passion for the sport. Leagues, clubs, teams, are largely irrelevant to your child's success. And coaches are more likely to kill your kid's passion for the game then grow it.

That's all the bad news. The good news is soccer is a great sport and great physical training for your child. It's a blast to watch your child play as long as you don't take it too seriously. Some of the best times I had with my kid was on road trips to play (despite the hassle).

My advice for navigating youth soccer is to chart your own course. Don't worry about league, club or team. Try to find a coach that allows your child to play freely and not joystick. And find a coach that is fun, a coach that has a love for the game and doesn't take winning and losing too seriously. Don't be fooled by an accent or a resume that includes the coach playing college or pro soccer. Consider playing futsal at the younger ages as a supplement to or instead of playing outdoor soccer. Never cancel a family vacation to play in a tournament, or change important family plans to play a game or not miss a practice. If the club or coach retaliates for any reason, f$%k them and leave. Don't ever give into FOMO, your actually not going to miss anything and it won't hurt your child's development despite what a club or coach may tell you. Someone else gave this advice, but never pay in full upfront for Club fees, always ask for a payment plan. Never attend open tryouts, always contact a coach directly to participate in a practice. Take other parents advice regarding a coach with a grain of salt, what may be a good fit for their child may not for your child. Listen to your kid and let them have the primary say in their soccer journey (within reason). Of course, all of this is easier said then done. The idea is to take some of the power back and not delegate it back to the "system".

 

[Brav520]

I see small/newer clubs get unfairly flighted in league and State Cup. Too frequent to be a coincidence, but can't prove anything.
But Socal is still fine, with minimal travel, good communication, refs are good (good enough for youngers).
Physical threat from the league? Doubt it.

For league play that’s on the club to make sure their teams are properly flighted . They send in the request

For State Cup , very little juggling going on by So Cal, but they will for example move a team up from F2 if they dominated their F2 league schedule .

I promise I’m not PR for so cal league

 

[FutsalIsFurReal]

For league play that’s on the club to make sure their teams are properly flighted . They send in the request

For State Cup , very little juggling going on by So Cal, but they will for example move a team up from F2 if they dominated their F2 league schedule .

I promise I’m not PR for so cal league

That would be true except where there are multiple groupings in one flight, which is the norm for flight 3 at the younger ages

 

[Jamisfoes]

My kid played for a small club. We were able to get into top flights. Our DOC has been in the business for a long time and he has a good reputation and the league trusts him when he says a team is ready. So your grievance against SoCal league is not supported by my experience.