2022 Meet the Underdogs: San Fernando Valley FC bridging opportunity gap for young players

Owners of San Fernando Valley FC, Carlos Cortez (head coach) and Christine Cortez (president), built an organization that fulfilled their and their athletes dream of being able to bridge the gap between young athletes’ who wanted to continue competitive play beyond their youth years.

In 2015 and 2016, the Cortezes saw the struggle between their Under-19 athletes who wanted to continue playing at a high-level of competition which could not be provided by an average Sunday league.

The decision to move to the United Premier Soccer League (UPSL) soon followed in the Fall of 2017.

However, the Cortezes also wanted to construct an organization that focused on keeping cost as minimum as possible to keep these young athletes playing. They took into consideration the various backgrounds and demographics of each athlete that led to its strong foundation within the club.

Their goal would to eventually be able to provide the athletes the opportunity to play with no financial cost at all.

“We only required their time and commitment to training and playing,” said Christine Cortez. “We had a lot of immigrant players from underprivileged or single parent backgrounds so in addition we wanted to give them a healthy outlet.”

Joining the UPSL allowed their players to develop on a personal level but also expand their professional growth. San Fernando Valley FC was considered the youngest team at the time as the average player age was around 19 years old.

However, in its first club match that Fall, they were victorious in a 4-3 win which proved the level of talent the organization carried and would continue to carry as the year progress.

In its 2021 Fall season, San Fernando Valley FC held a 9-2-0 overall record in the SoCal North division and were named the SoCal North Division I Champions. In addition, the club was able to edge out both the SoCal East and South divisions for the SoCal Division I Western Championship title.

Adding to the whirlwind of the club’s success, San Fernando Valley FC earned its promotion to Premier Division for the 2022 Spring season.

“We are so proud of all our players and their achievements and so much time and effort went into this happening,” Christine Cortez said.

San Fernando Valley FC will be hosting the first round of the U.S. Open Cup on its home field at the Sepulveda Basin Sports Complex. The club secured its position in the tournament following a 2-1 victory over Capistrano FC in the final qualifying round.

While the club has gained a new following, the organization is grateful for everyone who has helped along the way to bring the Cortez’s dream to life.

“They also believed in us and our mission, which is to help and showcase local homegrown players,” Christine Cortez said.

The organization missions continue to be at focal point that drives the club and its decisions. They hope to continue to promote their athlete’s development with hopes of them reaching a professional level.

The club’s future goal is to be able to showcase their athletes’ skills and worth ethic on a larger scale but will continue to leap over obstacles until they have reached that point.

“There are so many young players who would benefit from our professional training and coaching program, and we’d love to have the ability to offer this on a greater level,” Christine Cortez added.

The San Fernando Valley FC’s foundation is centered around a positive and developmental focus atmosphere that athletes in the area are flocking too. The community has also become involved with the club and supports its mission to help improve the athletes in both a personal and professional growth.

The club has just seen the beginning of its success in the last five-year and continues with their momentum to be the best team in the Valley and in its SoCal North division.

“I don’t think it’s even hit us yet, that we achieved something that hasn’t been done by another team in the valley for so many years,” Christine Cortez said. “It’s an honor to represent Los Angeles and specifically, the San Fernando Valley.”