Today we’d like to introduce you to Jose Diaz.
Hi Jose, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My Soccer Coaching Journey: From Passion to the Top League
At age 13, I stepped onto the soccer field as a coach. My father, already coaching an indoor soccer team in Tijuana, ignited my interest. But then, September 11th happened, and crossing the border to Tijuana became a logistical nightmare. Undeterred, my dad and I obtained our coaching license in CalSouth and joined the fiercely competitive Presidio Soccer League in San Diego.
For a decade, I volunteered at the Aztecs Futbol Club, renowned for its talented players. However, as my brother aged out, my motivation shifted. It was no longer about him; it was about my love for the game. I transitioned to another club, where they didn’t lure me with money but offered me the chance to coach. The few dedicated volunteers overseeing the club shared a vision of competitiveness.
Then, a pivotal moment arrived. Hugo Molina, the club’s president, retired, and his successor, Oscar Zamora, asked me to step into the role of Academy Director. Without specific guidelines, I accepted the challenge. My vision was clear: propel our club to the pinnacle of youth soccer—the Development Academy, overseen by US Soccer.
I worked to meet requirements, assembling teams of talented players. My brother, who had also taken up coaching, and even my father joined the effort. Supported by a community of believers within the club, we persisted. And now, here we stand—one of the four San Diego clubs in the prestigious MLS Next league, the pinnacle of boys’ soccer in the country. I’m living the dream, fueled by passion and unwavering commitment. We also have a growing girls’ program that will soon compete in the nation’s top leagues.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It’s been a beautiful struggle. Trying to build a prestigious soccer program without quality fields in your city and without support from school districts, which both traditionally lean toward the American pastime sport of baseball, is hard since we do not have one dedicated soccer field in the city. Our community’s park planning included basketball, baseball, and tennis courts but no soccer fields. Considering the popularity of soccer, it’s surprising that there are no soccer fields in a sizeable Hispanic-dominated community close to the Mexican border.
Another struggle was the inability to charge high fees to lure top coaches. But we had what we needed: passionate coaches, competitive players, and volunteers willing to help. I recall using a coach’s garage as storage to avoid paying for storage and having everyone in the club have access to his garage to access goals so we could set up on weekends. We have also had help painting fields by Alberto Estrella and now by Rene Quiroz.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am immersed in soccer, and my journey has gradually transformed. Starting with a small non-profit organization, I’ve steered it toward a remarkable evolution. Our mission? To provide exceptional value to our members while maintaining a commitment to affordability.
Value Over Brand: While some clubs prioritize their brand and charge exorbitant fees, we take a different approach. We’re not the cheapest, but offer the most bang for your buck. Our guiding principle is simple: deliver top-notch experiences without breaking the bank.
Hybrid Model: Our club has transitioned from an all-volunteer setup to a hybrid structure that blends professional expertise with dedicated volunteers. As the overseer, I manage various facets:
Organization: Ensuring smooth operations and strategic planning.
Marketing: Promoting our club and engaging with the community.
Finances: Keeping a keen eye on budgets and financial health.
Technical Side: Enhancing player development and coaching standards.
Qualifications and Passion: My commitment extends beyond the soccer field. I’ve pursued advanced coaching licenses, including the USSF A and UEFA licenses. Additionally, I hold a bachelor’s degree in general studies with a focus on sports management. But my passion doesn’t stop there—I’m currently completing my master’s in cybersecurity. This interest dates back to my youth and even influenced my decision to serve as a satellite communication specialist in the Air National Guard from 2006 to 2011.
Pride and Distinction: What sets me apart? It’s the fusion of soccer expertise, business acumen, and a cybersecurity mindset. I take immense pride in our club’s growth and our impact on aspiring players. Our journey isn’t just about goals scored; it’s about fostering a love for the game and building character.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Passion can drive you to do things you don’t initially want to do in order to achieve a goal. Growing up in a family of business owners, I developed a passion for both soccer and business.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://chulavistafc.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chulavistafc
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chulavistafc/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/chulavistafc
