AboutC_1280x326

In 2023, Right to Dream brought its unique brand of football excellence and holistic youth development model to the United States, announcing the establishment of its newest academy in San Diego - the fourth academy in the Right to Dream community.

Building on the successes in Ghana, Denmark, and Egypt, the San Diego Academy is set to become the epicenter of student-athlete excellence and innovation in North America. At Right to Deam San Diego, we are committed to partnering with student-athletes and their families to nurture their immense talent and create opportunities for them to pursue their dreams on and off the pitch through a unique blend of football, education, and character development.

San Diego’s Right to Dream Academy is a private institution that encompasses football, educational, and residential components, offering a unique environment designed for the most talented youth student-athletes to thrive. Fully funded, the Academy is tuition-free for student-athletes or their families, making it distinct from most youth programs in the United States, where participation often requires a significant financial investment by the student-athlete and their family. Tuition is covered through the generosity of our founders who believe whole-heartedly in the potential of our Student-Athletes to achieve their dreams and graduate prepared for college, for professional careers, and to lead choice-filled lives as positive change-makers in our communities.

The Academy provides student-athletes with advanced training and competitive opportunities as players and as students. Our staff consists of highly respected coaches from around the world, along with highly qualified teaching staff who have a deep understanding of our local and national standards for teaching, pedagogy for learning, and university access. These educators (coaches and teachers) implement methodologies consistent with the best academies globally, ensuring that our student-athletes receive the highest standard of training and preparation for their athletic and academic pursuits.

The Academy will open in August 2025 with our inaugural class of Student-Athletes: boys born in the 2013-2014 years. These founders will enroll in 6th and 7th grades and form a single team. Over time, the Academy will grow to include grades 6th through 12th, boys and girls, and will have competitive teams ranging from the U12 to U16 ages.

Mission

Everyone should have the opportunity to realize their dream.

Vision

Deliver a world-class talent development environment that provides opportunities for student-athletes to flourish in college, career, and choice-filled lives.

Values

San Diego’s Right to Dream Academy anchors in our core values:
Teamwork
We believe in the "we" before the "me". We have clear roles that work well together. We see each other as part of the same team, driving to deliver on our shared goals. 
Integrity
We trust everyone to do the right thing all the time. We are honest and transparent. We are accountable for our decisions. 
Development
We nurture everyone's unique talent to reach their potential. Our growth culture is rooted in continuous development. We own and drive development of self and team. 
Passion
We are passionate about whatever we do. We give and get deep meaning from our opportunities to work and play. We celebrate successes along the way. 
Diversity
We may be different but committed to the same goals. We are better when each of us feels included and valued. We believe in diversity in all its forms, valuing and encouraging different perspectives. 
academy-performance-center-3
academy-performance-center-5

On 28 acres in San Diego, the home of the Academy and professional team is intentionally designed to foster engagement between the academy players, coaches, staff, teachers and professional players. The brand new campus site includes dedicated school facilities, student-athlete residential dorms, 5 world-class pitches, a state-of-the-art sports performance center, and a dining space that serves as the cultural focal point and communal hub for the campus community.

academy-performance-center-6

The Right to Dream Academy offers a unique and comprehensive talent development model that weaves together world-class football development, top tier education, and intentional character building. This holistic environment allows student-athletes to develop not just as elite footballers, but as leaders and changemakers who will make a positive impact on their communities and beyond.

academy-performance-center-9

San Diego FC's Right to Dream Academy is a fully-funded, free residential program, school and football academy. When the academy opens in the fall of 2025, San Diego FC will become the first Major League Soccer club to offer a privately operated school combined with a residential football academy.

academy-performance-center-7

Among the 6 newly renovated school buildings within the campus, the student athlete residential spaces will accommodate boys between the ages of 12-18, spanning grades 6 through 12. Starting in the fall of 2026, San Diego FC will create a non-residential, fully-funded professional player development pathway at the academy for girls between the ages of 12-18.