The Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation and San Diego FC Inaugurate New Training Facility

Introduction

Sharp Healthcare Performance Center and Right to Dream Academy Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

With the soccer season here, the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation and San Diego FC (SDFC) celebrated the grand opening of the Sharp Healthcare Performance Center and Right to Dream Academy on Wednesday, Feb. 5. The center is a historic achievement and the first of its kind on sovereign Indian land.

“This complex stands as a symbol of progress, unity, and the bright future that lies ahead for both our team and our community,” said Cody Martinez, SDFC Vice Chairman and Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation Chairman.

Both SDFC Vice Chairman Cody Martinez and SDFC Chairman Sir Mohamed Mansour shared their gratitude and passion for the training facility and academy. They expressed their commitment to enhancing the San Diego community through soccer and the future of developing young players with opportunities to succeed.

During the event, attendees participated in a breakfast gathering, engaged in meaningful networking opportunities, and were inspired by motivational speeches. In honor of Kumeyaay culture and heritage, the ceremony included a blessing of the property with a prayer and sage smudging, as well as traditional Kumeyaay bird singing symbolizing respect and unity with SDFC.

Afterwards, guests toured the facility and academy to learn more about the soccer team’s initiatives and opportunities for the young academic athletes.

Facility Overview

What is the Sharp Healthcare Performance Center?

Located on Sycuan tribal land, the Sharp Healthcare Performance Center is home to both the San Diego FC’s training facility and the Right to Dream Academy.

The Sharp Healthcare Performance Center equals a total of 125,000 square-feet, featuring a 50,000 square-foot sports facility with a state-of-the-art gym, kitchen, dining area, locker rooms, and five full-sized soccer fields made up of three natural and two synthetic turf fields. Both the team and academic student-athletes will train on the fields and utilize the facility.

The facility also features a cultural focal point, located in the dining hall, where professional players, coaches, and teachers foster positive engagement with academy students to better their future as an athlete and academically. The team and students are here to conquer both on and off the field.

“We are here to win. You heard us say it, we are here to win and we are not afraid to say it,” said SDFC head coach Mikey Varas.

Youth Development

What is the Right to Dream Academy?

Every child deserves an equal shot at opportunity. That’s why the Right to Dream Academy is nurturing young talents to pursue their dreams through a unique blend of soccer, education and character development.

“Right to Dream will set a new standard for youth academies and grassroots soccer programs. Not only in San Diego but across North America,” said SDFC Chairman and Governor Sir Mohamed Mansour.

Being the first of its kind in North America, young athletes from the ages 11 to 18 will be admitted to the academy through a fully funded residential and educational program. Students will live in a dormitory and receive top-tier education, elite-level football training, and a character development program, ensuring they can achieve their full potential on the field and in their education.

After six years in the academy, the student athletes will have the tools to succeed off-the field, as a professional soccer player or at a top high school, college or university with a scholarship.

Conclusion

Recap of Events

The ribbon cutting of the Sharp Healthcare Performance Center was a success. Both SDFC Vice Chairman Cody Martinez and Chairman Sir Mohamed Mansour shared their vision and passion of improving the San Diego community. By bringing the first Major League Soccer team and first soccer youth academy to San Diego, the facility is now open to kick off the future of sports and education.

About Sycuan Casino Resort

Sycuan Casino Resort began as a humble Bingo Palace in 1983. Now more than 41 years later, it has become a community landmark and one of San Diego’s premier casino and resort destinations. Sycuan includes a 12-story luxury hotel tower with over 300 guest rooms and 57 suites. Guests can enjoy a wide range of onsite amenities including a variety of new restaurants from fast-casual to fine dining, meeting and event space, a full-service spa, fitness center and a state-of-the-art pool and gardens area with a lazy river and swim-up bar. Sycuan also boasts an expanded casino floor for a total of 2,400 slot machines and 54 table games in a variety of gaming options. Sycuan is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For more information visit www.sycuan.com or call 619.445.6002.