Over the last 5 years San Diego Surf has supported 165 players to play at a collegiate level, with 130 of those playing for D1 Schools. Check out some of our collegiate alumni below to see how San Diego Surf has impacted their playing careers.
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Why Surf?
“Surf’s reputation and mission to create the Best of the Best drew me to the club. Jason Donlon’s professionalism and no-nonsense approach to navigating youth soccer culture convinced me to join. The club offers unparalleled growth opportunities for my players and myself. I’m proud to be a part of Surf Nation.”
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Why Surf?
“Surf offers a professional, competitive, and supportive environment that prioritizes both player development and coaching excellence. With access to top-tier facilities, a nationally recognized program, and a strong history of producing elite talent, coaches are empowered to grow their careers while making a real impact. The club’s commitment to innovation, education, and community creates a dynamic culture where coaches are valued, challenged, and given the tools to succeed at every level.”
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Why Surf?
“I am very grateful to be coaching at San Diego Surf, one of the nation’s top clubs. The learning, resources, development, and support this club provides for not only its players but for me as a coach is something not many clubs can offer. The community environment that Surf provides for me is also something that I cherish.”
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Why Surf?
“It has given out best opportunity and experiences for players and coaches. A place to grow and learn. It provides the best community and comfortable environment to provide the best experience for our families. ”
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Why Surf?
“Coaching for San Diego Surf Soccer Club provides me with the opportunity to impact young athletes’ lives positively, develop their skills, and foster a love for the game. It also is a chance to share my passion for soccer, build a community, and engage in a fulfilling activity that aligns with my values and interests. And it doesn’t hurt that I get to share the field and coach & work with and learn from. Getting to work with some of the best staff in the country is an amazing experience. ”
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Why Surf?
“The opportunity to be part of the best club in the nation, alongside the challenge of working with the top players and staff, was something I felt truly honored to accept.”
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Why Surf?
“I chose to coach at San Diego Surf Soccer Club because of its commitment to developing players at the highest level while fostering a love for the game. Surf’s tradition of excellence, combined with its focus on creating pathways for the players to reach their full potential, aligns perfectly with my own coaching philosophy. Being part of a program that emphasizes both individual growth and team success inspires me every day, and I’m proud to contribute to a club that has such a strong impact on youth locally and nationally.”
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Why Surf?
“Coaching Surf’s National & Regional Select Teams is awesome.”
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Why Surf?
“Growing up playing soccer in San Diego, Surf was always a name that commanded respect and gave you an idea of the quality of team that you were about to face. I was excited to join an elite club in San Diego and contribute to that quality that people associate with the name Surf.”
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Why Surf?
“I chose this soccer club because of the quality of training and the opportunities it provides. The coaching staff’s vision matches my goals, and I believe this is the right place for me to take the next step in my development.”
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Why Surf?
“I am passionate about coaching youth soccer in San Diego Surf South because it allows me to guide players, ages 5 to 18, in both their athletic and personal growth. Beyond technical and tactical training, I emphasize the importance of mental performance by implementing mental skills to create a more complete version of the player. What inspires me most is seeing players use the information they learned to improve, compete, win, and become the best of the best on and off the field. Helping them unlock their potential and foster a lasting love for the game is what makes coaching so meaningful to me.”
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Why Surf?
“Surf is a well-known youth soccer club with the mission of creating Best of the Best experiences & opportunities for players, coaches, families. They emphasize competitive play, high-level coaching, player development, college exposure, and more.”
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Why Surf?
“It was clear that I committed to Surf due to their professionalism, high-quality coaching, and a disciplined commitment to player development. I am proud to be part of an Elite competitive youth soccer program.”
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Why Surf?
“I chose to coach at Surf because I believe in the club’s mission of developing players at the highest level while creating an environment where kids can grow both on and off the field. Surf has a strong reputation for competing in top tournaments, producing talented players, and fostering a culture of excellence, commitment, and teamwork. I wanted to be part of that standard and contribute to helping players reach their full potential.”
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Why Surf?
“I chose Surf because I believe it is the best platform for the development of players and coaches from their beginnings until they become part of the best of the best. It is an honor to be part of this institution.”
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Why Surf?
“I chose to coach at Surf Soccer Club because of its strong reputation for helping players grow in a positive and competitive environment. The club’s focus on hard work, teamwork, and continuous learning aligns with my own coaching philosophy. I wanted to be part of a program where players can develop, enjoy the game, and build a true passion for soccer. I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the growth of dedicated athletes and support them in reaching their full potential”
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Why Surf?
“I chose San Diego Surf because their values align with my coaching philosophy. A relentless commitment to player development, playing with courage, and holding high standards on and off the field. I’m passionate about the craft of coaching, and Surf provides the environment, resources, and competitive culture that allow both coaches and players to grow. For me, it’s not just about winning games, it’s about shaping players who understand the game, embrace the work, and carry themselves with excellence. Surf embodies that mission.”
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Why Surf?
“I chose to coach at one of the nations top clubs because it provides an incredible environment where I can continue to learn and grow. I am fortunate to be surrounded by top coaches, whose experience and knowledge consistently push me to improve. I am truly grateful to be part of an organization that challenges me, supports my development, and offers endless opportunities for growth and learning.”
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Why Surf?
“I chose to work at Surf because it’s an environment that challenges me to grow as a coach while giving me the opportunity to make a real impact on young players. The club’s culture of excellence, player development, and community aligns perfectly with my passion for teaching both the person and the player. Being part of Surf means being part of something bigger—helping athletes reach their potential on and off the field.”
14x SoCal Tournament Champion
Promoted 12 Socal G2013 players to ECRL, GA, and DPL level post 2024-2025 season
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Why Surf?
“I coach at San Diego Surf because of the healthy culture they have created for our young players. At San Diego Surf there are high expectations for coaches, players, and family yet the expectations are attainable due to the support provided by all involved. This culture results in maintaining the highest level of play and supports longevity which in turn provides a place for long term friendships, bonds, and development on and off the field.”
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Why Surf?
“I chose to coach at Del Mar Surf because I like to be part of, and contribute to, The Best of The Best. I strongly relate to its culture of excellence and pursuing greatness. My personal mission is to develop strong, successful, well-rounded individuals who exhibit good sportsmanship and a relentless winning mentality. I practice and teach extreme self-accountability by developing an individual and deep sense of excellence in everything we do – especially when it comes down to a holistic approach to competitive football soccer; fostering an environment that enables our players to thrive and reach/expand their potential.”
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Why Surf?
“I grew up in small-town Iowa, where Surf’s reputation had already reached 20 years ago. So when my son wanted to play competitive soccer, Surf was the obvious choice—I knew it was the best of the best in Southern California. After a few great years as a Surf parent, I was blessed with the chance to join as a coach and bring my own training and coaching experience to the field. Now it’s a full family affair, and we’re grateful to be contributing to Surf’s legacy of excellence and tradition of developing players.”
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Why Surf?
“The opportunity to coach great players, in a fantastic club, at one of the country’s best facilities, and to do so while watching my own kids have fun and grow in the same environment is a incredibly rewarding experience.”
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Why Surf?
“For me, coming back to Surf means rejoining a club that is close to my heart. Surf is the Nation’s best training environment for high-performing female players, and having the opportunity to help the next generation of professionals has always been a passion of mine. I gained invaluable experience during my time with Wave, learning from the best female coaches and players in world football, understanding what it takes to play and win at that level, and can’t wait to share my experience and help the players here at Surf”
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B2013 NPL-Head Coach
B2015-Head Coach
B2016-Head Coach
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Why Surf?
“While being a soccer coach in competitive youth soccer for over a decade, I have always known Surf to consistently be one of the most elite youth soccer clubs in the nation. It’s an honor for me to join this club that has unparalleled success, elite coaches, and a level of professionalism that is second to none. My desire to develop and nurture players to better themselves both on and off the field aligns spectacularly with Surf’s ideology and goals as a soccer club.”
Zone One Girls – Head Coach 2016
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Goalkeeper Coach
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Coach, Surf Junior Youth Academy Boys & Girls
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Coach, Surf Junior Youth Academy Boys & Girls
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Why Surf?
“I’m excited to start coaching at Surf because Surf is the elite soccer club in San Diego. I am excited to spread my knowledge at this club and am also happy to coach at Surf because I get to work alongside my dad, which is a very fun and unique experience for me.”
Director, Surf Junior Youth Academy Boys & Girls
Zone 1 Girls Head Coach
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“I joined Surf 21 years ago and have been working with the youngest ages for 10 years now. A friend of mine told me when I was offered a Surf job, that if I wanted to be the best – that I need to be with the best. I am happy that I listened. The programs and coaches around me have changed, but my principles and philosophy have not, as they are the very same since day 1. I am a strong believer in TECHNICAL SOPHISTICATION as the cornerstone of every player’s development. I believe only in the saying that “perfect” practice makes you perfect, not just practice. I am a proponent of paying attention to the smallest of details and teaching, rather than coaching. I want the kids to be in a safe environment, to have passion, to work hard, to love the experience, to be great teammates and to have fun more than anything whilst getting better every day.”
“I love our Surf facility and my fellow coaches at Surf, and I never drive to my “job” feeling that I am going to work. As my best friend told me once:”to many other coaches this is a job, to you it is a calling”. I don’t know about the others, but I believe he nailed it in explaining me. I love to see Surf kids do their very best, eager to listen and learn, wanting to get better, being passionate and “crazy” about the sport. After all, there is no better one out there.”
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Why Surf?
“I joined San Diego Surf Soccer Club because of its dedication to developing players at every stage and its reputation as one of the premier soccer programs in the nation. My goal is to help connect athletes from across San Diego to the Surf pathway, creating opportunities for them to grow, compete, and reach their full potential.
I am especially passionate about promoting girls’ soccer and providing young female athletes with the tools, training, and support they need to succeed both on and off the field. By fostering confidence, teamwork, and a love for the game, I strive to help shape the next generation of players who will represent Surf and the broader San Diego soccer community with pride.”
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“I coach at Surf to help kids fall in love with the game while developing their skills, discipline, and confidence. Surf’s environment challenges players at the highest level and prepares them to succeed both on and off the field. Surf is the Best of the Best.”
Head Coach, Girls
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Why Surf?
“I am honored and excited to re-join Surf as a coach. There is no question in my mind that Surf is the best club in San Diego and one of the best in the country: the facilities are unparalleled and the Surf family goes above and beyond to retain the best coaches in the area. I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to work alongside these amazing coaches and staff and help develop the next generation of leading soccer talent.”
About Jaewoo:
Jaewoo joins Surf’s club with extensive professional playing and coaching experience. Jaewoo is a former professional player from Korea, playing in Korea and other overseas Asian countries, after which he started coaching soccer. He grew up in Korea playing soccer and moved to United States in 2012.
Jaewoo has a wide range of coaching experience. In Korea, he coached professional-track middle and high school teams. In the US, he coached San Diego ZEST FC, which is a USL2 division team, for three years, with the goal of creating a path to pro for San Diego based under-23 players.
Pre-ECNL Head Coach, Girls
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“San Diego Surf Soccer Club is the ideal environment for a player and coach who is hungry and motivated to develop further and grow. It is an absolute honor to work in the best youth soccer club in the country.”
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“San Diego Surf Soccer Club provides the best environment for players to grow on and off the field. I have been a part of this club as a player and as a coach. It is truly an honor to be able to help players develop a passion for the game, excel as problem solvers, and compete amongst the best.”
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Why Surf?
“Coming to Surf was an opportunity to work with incredible coaches, coaching at a winning organization and train on the best youth facility in Southern California.”
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Why Surf?
Surf is widely regarded as one of the top clubs in the country and I’m honored to be on staff. To be around such talented coaches, directors, and players, is always something I aspired to. Very grateful to Billy Garton and the opportunity to represent Surf.
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“I developed as a youth player at Surf. With that foundation and plenty of luck, I was able to progress and play at the highest levels. It is an honor to be able to bring it full circle, show our local players that The Dream can become a reality, and continue the high-quality soccer education that Surf coaches have been providing for decades.”
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Why Surf?
“Coming to Surf is an opportunity to work with the best coaches, players, and facilities. It is the pinnacle of club soccer in the Nation and I am excited to grow as a professional soccer coach and bring continued success to San Diego Surf.”
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“To coach at Surf is a premier opportunity to work professionally alongside the best coaches, surrounded by the best players, on of course the best facility in Southern California.”
Director, Zone One Boys
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“Very grateful to Josh for the opportunity to work at Surf. Seems I’m arriving at an exciting time for the organization with lots of truly progressive things happening. I’ve been a coach/director at other rival clubs in the past and couldn’t help be impressed by the growth and development that was going on at Surf. Delighted to be here, can wait to add my own skill set to the mix here at Surf.”
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“I chose to come to Surf to contribute to delivering the vision of the club to create the best training environment for players in the country!”
Head Coach, Girls
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“If you want an opportunity to work with the most professional Club in the Country, then you must work for SD Surf. The legacy of the Club only continues to improve. Surf sets the bar in what the Standard should be in every category, it’s an absolute privilege to have an opportunity to come back and be part of such a great organization.”
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“The reason why I am at Surf is very simple … great coaches, amazing families and the best facilities in San Diego!”
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Why Surf?
“I chose to coach at one of the nation’s premier clubs to be part of a culture that demands excellence. The high standards, exceptional coaching staff, and top-tier facilities make Surf an unparalleled environment. I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to this community and be part of the Surf family.”
Head Coach, Boys
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“I wanted to be with the best club in America . At the same time I wanted to grow as a coach and learn from great coaches like Billy Garton and Josh Henderson . I am so thankful for the opportunity Surf has given me and can’t wait to share my knowledge of the game.”
Head Coach, Boys
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“The opportunity to coach for one of the best clubs in the country in the best city in the country was too good to pass up. It’s an exciting next step in my career and a welcomed challenge. Surf is the pinnacle of youth soccer, and having grown up in Southern California, it’s always been an organization I wanted to be a part of.”
Head Coach, Boys
College Coordinator
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SD Surf’s mission to “create the best of the best experiences and opportunities” is something that I’m excited to be a part of. Their phenomenal record on the field and work rate off the field demonstrates just how serious they are about their mission statement.
Head Coach Boys
Coaching Experience: Rebels SC, San Diego United, Coronado FC
Brian Aleu has built an impressive resume with over 20 years of coaching experience here in San Diego. He has had continued success at every level, college, club and high school.
Brian is currently entering his 8th season as Men’s Head Coach at Cuyamaca College where under his direction the Coyotes quickly became one of the most consistent and respected soccer programs in Southern California. In only his 3rd season at the helm, Cuyamaca College was crowned 2015 Men’s Pacific Coast Athletic Conference Champions and that same year Brian was awarded PCAC Coach of the Year. The Coyotes won their second Championship in 2019 with a record of 9-1-2 and again Brian was awarded with Coach of the Year honors.
Brian comes to Surf from Rebels SC where his BU16 team was 2019 California Regional League Champions. In 2018 his Rebels SC BU14 team were crowned Super Y League National Champions and Surf Cup College Showcase Super Black Group Champions. While coaching at Coronado FC Brian’s BU16 team won the State, Regional, and National titles in 2013. That year he received the Nike Developmental Coach of the Year award.
While Head Coach at Coronado High School Brian had unprecedented success, with 6 CIF titles and 1 CIF Regional title. He was awarded CIF San Diego Section Coach of the Year in 2013 and 2015.
Brian played collegiately at California Baptist University and Point Loma Nazarene College. He went on to play professionally in the Australian Premier League and then returned to play locally for San Diego Blaze of the Southwestern Indoor Soccer League and San Diego Pumitas of the National Premier Soccer League.
Brian is proud to be part of the Surf family, working for an organization that has developed a proven formula for success and with a coaching staff that is dedicated to maximizing the potential of each player and team.
Head Coach, Boys
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ECNL Boys – Head Coach
2021/2022 ECNL NATIONAL CHAMPIONS
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ECNL Boys U14, U16 – Head Coach
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Why Surf?
“One of the most ambitious well run clubs in the country. Surf has a great track record and strong example of leadership.”
Goalkeeper Director- Boys and Girls
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“Who doesn’t want to live in San Diego, train at a top performing facility and have plenty of resources to offer kids the best experience possible? I love being a part of a club where I can learn from the other coaches, both while in the office and on the fields. The culture that we have here at Surf not only focuses on the development of the players, but also of the staff. Being able to walk around the facility and watch all of the players continue to excel their skills and enjoying football is something that really makes me enjoy coaching at Surf.”
Title1
Title2
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Director of Coaching
ECNL Girls – Head Coach
National Technical Director
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Why Surf?
“The challenge working at the best Youth Soccer Club in America was an opportunity I felt honored to accept.”
ECNL Girls Director
ECNL Girls – Head Coach
Technical Director, Girls
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ECNL Boys Director
ECNL Boys – Head Coach
2022/23 ECNL Boys Coach of the Year
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