SJ Earthquakes
Dear players and parents:
First and foremost, we hope that you are all safe and healthy while we all stay home to fight the ongoing pandemic that has affected all of our lives.
In the past few weeks, U.S. Soccer announced that they eliminated the Development Academy for both the boys and girls. This decision came down quickly amid the shutdown of all soccer leagues across the country. As with every business, this pandemic has caused us to evaluate all of our operations, including our youth soccer development programs. We have spent the past few weeks examining our options for the future of the Earthquakes youth soccer platform, and after much deliberation, we have made the difficult decision that the Earthquakes Girls Academy program will cease operations, effective immediately.
Over the past three years, we have been consistently impressed by the work ethic, positive attitude and humbleness that all of our players and coaches have displayed. You, the players, have been outstanding ambassadors for the San Jose Earthquakes and the local community. We appreciate all that you have done for our organization and will not forget all that you have achieved both individually and collectively. You won national championships, tournaments and many of you earned the great honor of representing your country with various national teams.
We know that it is a difficult time for everyone and that this decision will create more uncertainty for you. We want to let all of you, both players and parents, know that we are here for you as you transition to a new challenge. If you need any support or guidance on the next steps for your future, we are here to help. You proved over the past three years that you are among the top players in the country and carried yourselves the right way. We know that you have a bright future ahead both in soccer and in life.
For all the parents, thank you for allowing us the opportunity to coach and learn from your children. We appreciate all your support and commitment and for helping your children achieve their goals. Our staff will work with you to help find the best option for your daughters as they continue in their soccer career.
We also want to let the parents know that we will be refunding all payments (registration/training fees) made since training was halted on March 12. All the money from March 12 through the end of the 2020 season will be returned. Our staff will coordinate those refunds with you. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Finally, we also wanted to let you know that we will keep all girls’ development academy coaches on staff through the end of June. They will be available to help with the transition as well during this time.
We want to thank you again for everything you have done for our organization. We are proud to have worked with all of you and wish you luck. Stay healthy and let us know if there is anything we can do for you now or in the future.
Sincerely,
Jesse Fioranelli Chris Leitch
General Manager Technical Director
Why can’t I just be a person on the forum who disagrees with you? Perhaps you just don’t understand the concept of regionalized travel. I honestly hope that Beach and Legends get in. But if they do, it won’t be at the expensive of out of state clubs to appease parents who don’t want to leave town twice per season.
