The Santa Cruz County Breakers and Aptos Soccer Club will fully integrate their competitive soccer programs effective July 1. The merger will form Santa Cruz United FC, Santa Cruz County's largest competitive soccer program with more than 600 players and 38 teams.
Tryouts will begin May 6 and 7 at the Cabrillo track and stadium with teams for players ages 8 to 18. See the schedule at https://scunited.org/.
Each team competes in the NorCal Premier Soccer League, with the top teams competing in the prestigious National Premier League, providing a platform for elite competition for America's top competitive youth soccer clubs.
To join the league, clubs must apply and meet competitive criteria.
Gary Nelson will be the new club's first president, with a board of directors and leadership team made up of members from each club.
The merger follows two years in which the clubs' boards and technical staff have been working together on a temporary basis under a strategic partnership agreement signed in 2022.
Founded in 2001, Aptos Soccer Club is dedicated to providing youth with a fun and rewarding soccer experience.
Founded in 1992, the Santa Cruz Breakers boast more than 60 alumni who played soccer in college.
“This merger represents a tremendous opportunity to build and grow a competitive soccer community in Santa Cruz County,” said Santa Cruz Breakers Director of Coaching Ashley Edgar. “For many years we have wanted to bring clubs from across the county together and allow players to come together and compete for one club. We are excited to officially partner with Aptos Soccer Club. This allows us to collaborate rather than compete. By working together, we can provide the right level of play for children to play the game for longer. Through our vision, we hope to work with more local soccer clubs across Santa Cruz.”
“This is an exciting moment for the future of soccer in Santa Cruz County. Combining our two competitive programs will help develop soccer players at all levels and give them a better chance to continue playing club soccer into their college years.” It gives us an opportunity,” said Ed Watson, director of coaching for Aptos Soccer Club. “By creating a joint program, we will expand our player base in each age group, create more competitive teams, and give players the opportunity to improve their soccer skills at their own pace and stay in club soccer longer. I can.”
Aptos Soccer Club and the Santa Cruz County Breakers will continue to operate their community recreational soccer programs independently of the combined competitive club.
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