Ten Clubs Join NorCal Ahead of 2026-27 Season
UPDATED 2026-04-29, removed Union Academy FC. NorCal has been informed the collaboration between JSC and Stanford Strikers FC will not be moving forward at this time—both clubs will continue to operate independently in their current structures for the 2026/27 season and Union Academy FC will not become a NorCal Member Club.
[2026-04-13] NorCal Premier Soccer is excited to announce the addition of eight new member clubs, bringing current membership to an even 300 different youth soccer organizations all across the state and parts of Nevada.
Each of the clubs will begin play in NorCal competitions starting in the fall 2026 season.
Joining NorCal are Athletics Academy, Kerman Revolution SC, Mexico FC, Nevada FC, San Joaquin County Soccer Academy, West Hills United FC, Winchester Soccer League, and Wine County FC.
“We would like to extend our gratitude to the members of the New Club Committee for their diligence and thoroughness throughout the process of evaluating these new clubs,” said NorCal President Benjamin Ziemer. “Over time we have refined the vetting process for new clubs and significantly expanded the onboarding process through our new Club Services Department, to ensure that the clubs we accept are not only ready and fully equipped to begin their journey in our competitions with confidence and enthusiasm, but that they are able to positively compliment the existing youth soccer community.”
“This process includes taking into careful consideration the availability and accessibility of essential resources such as fields, qualified coaches and referees in a community, and most importantly, new clubs must be able to demonstrate that they already have access to these resources as well as an existing player pool. This year, a significant number of the newly accepted clubs are located in areas that historically have had fewer clubs, a trend that we believe can reduce travel requirements for league games, mitigates the impact on established clubs and provides greater opportunities for aspiring soccer players throughout Northern California.”
“As these newly accepted clubs begin their journey within NorCal Premier Soccer, they will integrate into the club soccer pyramid,” Ziemer added. “Each club carries its unique vision and aspirations for its football community and we are genuinely excited to extend our support and guidance as they navigate the club soccer environment.”
“We wish these clubs the best as they embark on their journey within NorCal Premier Soccer competitions.”
Below is a brief overview of each of the eight new NorCal member clubs:
Athletics Academy – Region 6
Founded in 2023 in the Sacramento area, Athletics Academy began as a small initiative supporting Ukrainian refugee children through soccer, providing both technical development and a sense of stability and community.
In the ensuing three years, Athletics Academy has grown into a more structured youth academy that features multiple teams from the U5-U13 age groups, expanding rapidly to compete in indoor leagues as well as NorCal competitions through a partner club.
“Our philosophy is centered on long-term player development, game understanding, and creating a positive and disciplined environment,” said Athletic Academy’s Muzafardzhon Rakhmanov. “We follow a game-based training approach that encourages players to think, make decisions, and develop technical skills within realistic match situations. Our goal is to help players grow not only as athletes, but as confident and responsible individuals as well.”
“Athletics Academy is committed to providing a positive and supportive environment where players can develop both on and off the field,” Rakhmanov added. “The club works closely with local families and the community, creating opportunities for young players to grow, compete, and enjoy the game. We are excited to join NorCal Premier Soccer and look forward to contributing to the league’s competitive and developmental environment.”
Kerman Revolution SC – Region 7
Based out of Kerman, a city 15 miles west of Fresno, Kerman Revolution SC has served as a quality recreational program for its city for years now, but is looking to make the leap to the competitive side of the sport as well.
The core values Kerman Revolution SC represents are passion, excellence, integrity, teamwork, respect, development, and community.
“Kerman Revolution Soccer Club is dedicated to fostering a passion for soccer within our community by providing high-quality coaching, a supportive environment, and opportunities for growth both on and off the field,” said Kerman Revolution SC President Rudy Cubillos. “We aim to develop skilled players who embody the values of sportsmanship, teamwork, and dedication, while also promoting diversity, inclusivity, and respect for all.”
Mexico FC – Region 2
Beginning with just a single team all the way back in 2018, Mexico Futbol Club has expanded in the ensuing years, now featuring 12 teams from the 2008 to 2017 age groups made up of players from the Watsonville area.
Starting at the lower competitive levels, many of Mexico FC’s youth teams have flourished, reaching the higher levels of play while capturing several tournament titles as well.
“Mexico FC focuses on the holistic development of individuals, using sports as a tool to prepare them for the future,” said Mexico FC’s Jesus Rodriguez. “Our goal is to develop soccer players who can achieve personal success while building their athletic skills and values both on and off the field.”
“Mexico Futbol Club thanks NorCal for the opportunity to continue growing and for providing pathways that allow talented young players to continue their athletic and personal development,” Rodriguez added.”
Nevada FC – Region 6
While Nevada Futbol Club was founded just two years ago, it’s currently one of the fastest-growing clubs in Northern Nevada, with more than 30 teams in the U5-U19 age groups.
The club, which is based in the south part of Reno, already features a WPSL team and a men’s semiprofessional team that the club hopes will serve as the top level of their development pathway.
With a mission to build a strong soccer community founded on leadership, integrity, and player development both on and off the field, Nevada FC is committed to providing the highest level of coaching and competition, helping develop well-rounded athletes and highly competitive teams.
“Nevada Futbol Club represents the highest level of competitive youth soccer in Northern Nevada,” said Sporting Director Andrew Robles. “Our teams consistently set the standard by delivering strong and competitive results, maintaining a true player-first culture, and creating an environment that develops confident, committed, and resilient athletes. NVFC is more than a club; it’s a selective community where standards are high, expectations are clear, and earning a roster spot carries real prestige.”
Real Sporting Academy – Region 6
Real Sporting Academy is a non-profit club founded in 2003 which is operated out of Elk Grove and focuses on serving an underserved community through a whole-athlete developmental philosophy that emphasizes not only technical soccer development, but also lifestyle, nutrition, and life skills.
The club will enter NorCal competitions for the 2026/27 season operating from their facility at Creekside Church in Elk Grove.
Richmond Quakes – Region 4
Established in 2016, Richmond Quakes is a non-profit with a mission to provide affordable soccer to the youth of Richmond.
The club brings together a pool of roughly 100 competitive players across multiple age groups and is committed to keeping soccer accessible to Richmond families through low player fees and financial aid programs.
San Joaquin County Soccer Academy – Region 8
Founded just two years ago in Tracy, San Joaquin Soccer Academy was established from a long-standing connection to the local community and a shared commitment to creating accessible, high-quality soccer opportunities for youth players.
Originally, SJCSA just hosted indoor skills clinics during spring break, but due to a strong community response, the program added weekly training sessions throughout the rest of 2024.
The following year, San Joaquin County transitioned to fielding teams in competitive play and now fields five different squads, with plans to add a sixth for the upcoming season.
As part of its nonprofit mission, the club offers financial accessibility across all teams, giving at least one full and one half scholarship per team to lessen the impact of cost on some families.
“Our acceptance into NorCal Premier represents an important milestone in the club’s development and aligns with our long-term vision of elevating competitive standards while maintaining affordability, inclusion, and strong community values,” said SJCSA’s Jas Dhillon. “We look forward to contributing positively to the NorCal environment and continuing to develop players who are not only technically strong, but also confident, disciplined, and well-rounded individuals.”
West Hills United FC – Region 7
Representing the community of Lemoore and the regions just outside of it, West Hills United FC currently operates 20 teams from the U9-U17 age groups, filling a need for the area just south of Fresno.
Previously, West Hills had partnered with Central Valley Premier FC to establish a strong presence in the Northern California soccer community, but now United have branched out on their own to serve the Southwest Fresno and West Kings County areas, with the support of CVFC.
“West Hills United FC’s club philosophy is to develop intelligent and creative soccer players and play a constructive, insightful style of soccer,” said West Hills United President Raul Luna. “We play possession, attacking-based soccer, giving our players the opportunity to problem solve using various amounts of technical, tactical, creative, and physical skills. We aim to be a model program for youth soccer and to be recognized for a high level of soccer competency, cognition, and character, which will enable our players to achieve at the next level in life as well as soccer.”
“West Hills United is committed to building a clear and supportive pathway for players as they grow within the game,” Luna added. “From foundational development to competitive play, our goal is to guide players toward reaching their highest potential, whatever that may be. Whether that path leads them to high school soccer, college opportunities, or simply a lifelong connection to the game, we prioritize helping each player grow as an athlete and an individual. Our focus is long-term success, ensuring players are prepared for the next stage of their journey on and off the field.”
Winchester Soccer League – Region 2
Representing the communities of South San Jose and Campbell, Winchester Soccer League has been active since the year 2000 and currently fields roughly 50 teams on both the boys and girls side of the game in their in-house league.
Initially created to provide sports opportunities for the area, Winchester hopes to promote sports and healthy living, develop soccer skills, keep children away from the streets, shape its athletes into responsible citizens, promote respect, discipline, and teamwork, and encourage each player to take care of their studies and maintain good grades.
Led by Ernesto Gonzalez and Margarita Rodriguez, Winchester supports athletes from the U7-U17 age groups and has placed several teams in NorCal competitions prior to entry as a full member club.
Wine Country FC – Region 5
Wine Country FC was founded back in March of 2023 as a nonprofit organization focused on serving low-income families by offering affordable, high-quality soccer programs in west Santa Rosa.
Currently the club fields eight teams, serving roughly 100 different youth players on the boys and girls side from the U8-U15 age groups.
“Our mission is to ensure that all youth–regardless of financial background–have access to development, mentorship, and the positive benefits of the game,” said Wine Country FC’s Francisco Castanon. “We remove barriers so the game is open to everyone.”
“At Wine Country FC, our greatest influence comes from within–our players and our community,” Castanon said. “Their dedication, resilience, and passion for soccer shapes our identity and guides our mission. We exist to serve them, support their development, and create opportunities for every player to grow both on and off the field.”
