  The energy was electric. On a perfect San Diego evening, the FC Balboa community came together in full force to celebrate the start of the season and a landmark new partnership. Over 150 players, parents, coaches, and supporters packed into Fairplay in North Park for the first-ever FC Balboa Community Kickoff, and the result was an overwhelming success that perfectly captured the spirit of our club. The atmosphere felt like a professional match day, filled with the buzz of anticipation for the season ahead. The event also marked the official launch of our new partnership with Fairplay, and we are incredibly grateful to their team for providing the perfect venue and officially becoming our new community hub. From our youngest players to our oldest teams, the sense of a unified, passionate community was undeniable. This event was about more than just football; it was a celebration of the families and friendships that form the true foundation of FC Balboa. "Looking around, this is exactly what FC Balboa is all about," said Club Director Chhem Young-Pen. "It’s not just about what happens on the soccer field; it's about building this—a strong, passionate, and supportive community. This is what we strive for." The highlight of the evening came when Chhem delivered a powerful and motivational speech, thanking the supporters and volunteers who make the club thrive. The speech culminated in the official unveiling of our new FC Balboa community banner, a symbol of our shared pride and identity. The excitement continued with a massive opportunity drawing featuring incredible prizes. The grand prize—a package of five tickets to see the SDFC team in the playoffs—created a huge buzz, and the big winner was one of our very own: Mattias Sanchez from the Boys 2012 Blue team! Congratulations, Mattias! As the night came to a close, the message was clear. "The energy here tonight is the same energy we want to bring to every game and every practice," Chhem concluded. "This is the start of something special for our club, and we're so glad you are all a part of it." Thank you to everyone who came out and made our first Community Kickoff an unforgettable success. Here's to a fantastic season ahead! A Special Thank You to Our Community Partners A huge part of tonight’s success was our incredible prize drawing, which was only possible because of the generous support of our local community. We want to extend our sincere gratitude to all the businesses and individuals who donated prizes. Thank you for investing in our players and our club! Mr. Moto Pizza, Ponce's Mexican Restaurant, Encanto Restaurant North Park, Funktion Acupuncture, Coach B | SD Performance & Recovery Center, Coach Eddie, The San Diego Haunted Trail, Soccer Kids America, Kicks and Giggles, San Diego FC
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 September 26, 2025 – FC Balboa, a local non-profit youth San Diego soccer club, and Granada House, a North Park–based community venue and home-finance advisory, today announced an official partnership aimed at strengthening the club’s operations and deepening neighborhood ties. Through this partnership, Granada House will host FC Balboa’s weekly coaches and staff meetings in its professionally designed event space and will waive venue fees for club meetings, volunteer trainings, and select fundraisers throughout the season. The space provides a consistent, high-quality hub with flexible seating, A/V, and a collaborative environment—ideal for planning, strategy, and coach development. “Having a consistent, professional home for our weekly meetings is a game-changer for our staff,” said Chhem Young-Pen, President and Club Director. “The space at Granada House is fantastic and allows our coaches to better prepare and collaborate, which directly enhances the experience for every player in our club. This is a perfect example of a local organization investing in our community’s youth, and we are incredibly grateful for their support.” For Granada House, the collaboration aligns with its belief that strong neighborhoods are built on stable homes and shared culture. “By day, our team helps neighbors navigate home financing through our Plan–Prepare–Home approach—education first, clear options, and real guidance,” said Kyle Palaniuk of Granada House. “By night, we open the doors for art shows, talks, and community gatherings. Supporting FC Balboa is a natural extension of both: helping families put down roots and strengthening the fabric of our community.”
About FC Balboa: FC Balboa is a community-based youth soccer club in San Diego dedicated to developing talented athletes and strong character on and off the field. The club provides a competitive and supportive environment for boys and girls, focusing on technical skill, tactical awareness, and the values of teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship. About Granada House: Granada House is a community-rooted mortgage advisory and creative venue in North Park, San Diego. By day, we guide first-time and seasoned buyers through an education-first home-finance process—Plan–Prepare–Home--helping people assess readiness, strengthen credit/savings, and choose transparent mortgage options in partnership with trusted lenders. By night, our venue hosts art exhibits, live vinyl DJs, talks, workshops, fundraisers, and neighborhood gatherings. Our mission: bring people together, support the arts, and help neighbors build long-term roots through responsible homeownership. Learn more at granada-house.com   On a buzzing Friday night, the future of San Diego soccer met its present. Over 125 players, parents, and coaches from our 2011, 2012, and 2013 girls' teams flooded into Snapdragon Stadium to watch the San Diego Wave FC take on Gotham FC. But this wasn't just about watching a game—it was about being part of the action. This special team-building event gave our players an unforgettable, up-close professional soccer experience. Through the Warm Up Watchers and High Five Tunnel events, our girls got to be on the pitch, feeling the energy and seeing their heroes just feet away as they prepared for kickoff. A Night of Inspiration The atmosphere was electric. For our developing athletes, seeing the focus, speed, and skill of professional players in person is a powerful experience. When asked what the coolest part was, one player noted it was "seeing the players and their focus." That professional mindset is exactly what we hope our players absorb. It's one thing to hear a coach talk about dedication; it's another to see it on the faces of the pros. As one of our coaches explained, “The importance of youth players being able to envision their future in the sport is crucial. As women's sports continue to grow, it's vital for young athletes to see what is possible professionally.” Our players came prepared, sporting signs for their favorite players for all sorts of reasons—from sharing Irish heritage with Kyra Carusa to playing the same position.. They all shared and took turns supporting every player on the pitch. Their energy was so infectious that they even got a shout-out on the Jumbotron! Building Bonds Beyond the Field While the on-field action was thrilling, the moments in between were just as important. Coordinating 40 excited players was no small task, but the girls handled it with maturity and enthusiasm. We even received feedback from the Wave staff about how respectful and fun our players were—a true testament to the character within our club. Events like these are about more than just soccer. As one coach put it, "When we show up as a collective, it significantly helps with team bonding. The interaction among different age groups fosters friendships that extend beyond the immediate team." By stepping outside of our usual routine, we build team cohesion and broaden our perspective. Witnessing the preparation and dedication involved in a high-level game helps our players grow, whether they realize it or not. Experiences like this are a powerful reminder of what it means to be part of a team and a community. We want to commend the pride with which our players wore their jerseys and the collective spirit they embodied. They represented FC Balboa with class and passion, showing everyone what it means to be part of our unified group. About FC Balboa FC Balboa is committed to fostering a competitive, supportive, and empowering environment for young female athletes in San Diego. Our girls' program is built on the belief that soccer is a powerful vehicle for developing strong character, lifelong confidence, and lasting friendships. We focus on holistic player development, providing elite technical and tactical training while cultivating a culture where girls are encouraged to lead, compete, and grow as individuals. By providing strong role models and creating opportunities like attending professional women's games, we aim to not only shape great soccer players, but to inspire the next generation of confident and successful young women.(www.fcbalboa.org)   Prioritizing Player Safety: The Critical Importance of Heart Screenings for FC Balboa Athletes9/19/2025  At FC Balboa, our commitment to our players extends far beyond the football pitch. While we strive to develop exceptional athletes and foster a lifelong love for the beautiful game, nothing is more important than the health and safety of every child who wears our crest. That's why we want to bring a vital topic to the forefront: the importance of heart screenings for young athletes.
The statistics are sobering: sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is tragically the leading cause of death among student athletes. This isn't just a national issue; it's a concern for every youth sports organization and every family with an active child. Why Screenings Matter: What the Experts SayMajor medical organizations like the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology are in strong agreement: Electrocardiograms (ECGs) are a reasonable and often recommended inclusion in sports physicals. These non-invasive tests can help identify underlying heart conditions that might otherwise go undetected until it's too late. You can learn more about the recommendations directly from the American Heart Association here: Screening Young Athletes for Heart Disease Experts suggest that these crucial screenings should ideally begin for athletes around age 12. This proactive approach allows for early detection and, if necessary, proper management of any potential cardiac issues, enabling athletes to safely continue their participation in sports. Our Call to Action for FC Balboa Families. We urge all FC Balboa families to take this information seriously and consider proactive heart screenings for your young athletes. It's a simple step that can provide invaluable peace of mind and, most importantly, protect the health of our children. Don't wait! Take advantage of free screening opportunities in our community. A fantastic resource providing free ECG screenings is available soon: Get a FREE ECG at an upcoming event on October 5th! Visit epsavealife.org/get-screened to find out more details and secure a screening appointment. SAN DIEGO, CA – September 16, 2025 (Updated November 24, 2025) – FC Balboa, San Diego's non-profit youth football club, today announced an exclusive series of winter football events, including a Winter Player Camp and a special Coaching Clinic, both to be led by the current Croatian U17 National Team Coach, Coach Sreten Ćuk. These elite events offer a rare opportunity for both young players and local coaches in Southern California to gain direct insight from one of Europe’s top youth development experts. The events will take place on December 19th and 23rd in San Diego.
The Player Camp provides a unique window into the famed Croatian player development system, which has consistently produced world-class talent. The Coaching Clinic offers a unique professional development opportunity for San Diego-area coaches to learn these principles directly from the source. Topics will include modern training methodologies, tactical application, and identifying key player attributes. "We are incredibly honored to bring a coach of this caliber to our community," said Chhem Young-Pen, President and Club Director of FC Balboa. "This is a dual opportunity: our players can immerse themselves in a professional European training environment, and our dedicated local coaches can learn and grow as well. Coach Cuk’s experience is unparalleled, and by offering both a camp and a clinic, we hope to elevate the level of football education throughout our entire community." Event Details: 1. Winter Player Camp with Coach Ćuk is for dedicated youth football players
2. Winter Coaching Clinic with Coach Ćuk is for Youth and club football coaches
Location and Registration (For Both Events): Where: San Diego, CA (Field location to be announced upon registration) Registration: To register and for more information, please use the QR codes below. About FC Balboa: FC Balboa is a non-profit youth football club dedicated to providing a positive and developmental football experience for players in the greater San Diego area. The club focuses on fostering a lifelong love for the game by emphasizing technical skill, sportsmanship, and teamwork in a fun and supportive environment.  SAN DIEGO, CA – September 12, 2025 – FC Balboa, a community-focused, non-profit soccer club serving San Diego, is proud to announce a new community partnership with Fairplay, the popular North Park sports venue. This collaboration brings together two local favorites, creating a perfect synergy centered around their shared passion for the beautiful game of football (soccer) and a commitment to nurturing community spirit. "We are delighted to partner with Fairplay as a dedicated gathering place for our FC Balboa families and teams," said Chhem Young-Pen, President and Club Director. "Fairplay offers a wonderful atmosphere where our players, coaches, and their families can come together, celebrate victories, and simply share their love for football. It's a fantastic local spot that truly embodies community." Fairplay's Adam Cook echoed the excitement, "This partnership with FC Balboa is a wonderful opportunity to deepen our connection with the local community. We are passionate about providing a welcoming environment for families and sports enthusiasts, where kids and pets are always welcome. We look forward to being a regular destination for FC Balboa teams and families to connect, build friendships, and enjoy their shared passion for football off the field." To celebrate this new partnership and kick off the upcoming season in style, FC Balboa and Fairplay are co-hosting the "FC Balboa Community Kick-Off Celebration" on Thursday, September 25th. This event will be a can't-miss party for fans, players, and the community. The celebration will take place at Fairplay and will feature:
Event Details: What: FC Balboa Community Kick-Off Celebration When: Thursday, September 25th Where: Fairplay, 4026 30th St, San Diego, CA 92104 Time: 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM Parking: https://northparkmainstreet.com/access-north-park/ About FC Balboa: FC Balboa is a non-profit youth football club dedicated to providing a positive and developmental soccer experience for players in the greater San Diego area. The club focuses on fostering a lifelong love for the game by emphasizing technical skill, sportsmanship, and teamwork in a fun and supportive environment. About Fairplay: Fairplay is a premier sports venue in the heart of North Park, San Diego. It offers a family-friendly atmosphere with delicious food and drinks, providing a welcoming space for the entire community to connect where kids and pets are always welcome. (https://www.fairplaybar.com/)   For the aspiring young players of FC Balboa, the path to collegiate and professional soccer can sometimes feel distant. But every so often, a story emerges that brings that dream right back to our doorstep. This season, that story belongs to Sam Joseph, a name that should resonate with our entire community.
Sam, a San Diego native who grew up playing in North Park, and whose father, Dan, serves on our own FC Balboa Board, is making major waves in the NCAA Division I soccer world. As the starting goalkeeper for Virginia Tech, Sam has had a phenomenal start to his senior season, and the accolades are already pouring in. Just last week, Sam was named the ACC Defensive Player of the Week for his outstanding performances. In the opening week of the season, he recorded two shutouts, one of which was a massive 1-0 upset victory over the #3 ranked team in the country, Ohio State. He followed that up with another clean sheet against Canisius, totaling five saves across the two matches and not conceding a single goal. His stellar play has been instrumental in Virginia Tech's undefeated start to the season. For those who have watched Sam's journey, this success is no surprise. After transferring from UCLA, the 6'4" goalkeeper has brought a commanding presence to the Hokies' backline. Sam's story is a powerful reminder to every player in our club. He's a local kid who honed his skills on the same fields our players practice on today. His journey shows that with dedication, hard work, and a commitment to excellence, the highest levels of the sport are within reach. We are incredibly proud to see a member of our extended FC Balboa family achieving such great success. We'll be cheering Sam and the Hokies on for the rest of their season. Let's all take a moment to celebrate one of our own and draw inspiration from his incredible start! Go Hokies, and Go Balboa! |
AuthorBy The FC Balboa Coaching Staff Archives
December 2025
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