Right to Dream Celebrates Official Launch of Academy in San Diego

Right to Dream, in partnership with San Diego FC and Sycuan, on Friday celebrated the official launch of San Diego FC’s Right to Dream Academy, the newest addition to its global football community.

The Academy is the first of its kind in North America and Major League Soccer and builds on the same vision and mission that shaped Right to Dream's proven model in Ghana, Denmark, and Egypt.

Designed as a new pathway for young talents aged 10-18, the academy combines elite football training, world-class education, and character development. It aims not only to nurture not only elite footballers but also to develop leaders and role models who can make an impact beyond the pitch.

The model already produced some of the football's brightest talents who have gone on to play at the highest level for club and country, including Mohammed Kudus, Simon Adingra, and Kathrine Moller Kuhl, and offered opportunities for tens of young talents to continue their education at some of the top schools and universities in the world.

Sir Mohamed Mansour, Chairman of Right to Dream and San Diego FC, described the launch as a milestone moment in brining Right to Dream's global philosophy to North America:

"In San Diego, we are creating something entirely new for North America – a residential school and academy with full scholarships for all students and links to Major League Soccer, one of the fastest growing leagues in the world."

Every residential student-athlete at the Academy will receive a full five-year scholarship regardless of football performance, representing a unique model and a significant investment in youth development

"Like our existing academies in Ghana, Egypt and Denmark, the San Diego academy will prioritise character development and education as much as football. Sport is the entry point, but the real mission is to help these young people to discover their potential, build their character, and pursue a meaningful life on or off the pitch.

"Our philosophy is grounded in the values we live every day through Right to Dream — an organisation born from the belief that talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not."

Located on Sycuan tribal land in El Cajon, the 28-acre campus includes five full-sized soccer fields, student and employee housing, a school, and guest accommodation. At its heart is a 50,000-square-foot sports performance facility, which also houses San Diego FC’s first team and the Sharp HealthCare Performance Center. This integration ensures daily interaction between professionals and Academy players, gaining a unique window into the standards of the pro game and providing role models on and off the pitch.

San Diego FC Partner and World Cup Winner Juan Mata highlighted the intersection between the club and Academy, and their importance to the wider San Diego community.

“For Right to Dream to have a team in the MLS, where the sport is growing so much, I think, is massive. To have seen firsthand the team, the atmosphere in the stadium, and what we are creating here, and how it is not only helping fans to enjoy the sport but also benefiting San Diego, the community - it’s special.

"The academy is a fundamental part of this club, and hopefully in five to ten years we’ll see how important the work has been on the pitch, but especially off the pitch."

The opening ceremony was attended by Don Garber (Commissioner, MLS), Sir Mohamed Mansour (Chairman, San Diego FC), Cody Martinez (Vice-Chairman, San Diego FC and Sycuan Tribal Chairman), and other key figures and community leaders.