Approximately 370 boys and girls from the from the Salinas community attended Chevron Soccer Academy events at CSU Monterey Bay the weekend of July 12-14. The Chevron Soccer Academy presented by Open Goal Project consisted of a girls combine, boys combine and co-ed tournament. Participants received coaching from former and current professional players.

In addition, the combines featured the unique opportunity for youth to be coached by two-time Women’s World Cup champion, Brandi Chastain, just days after unveiling her Rose Bowl statue. In addition, each participant left with knowledge about the science behind soccer through the Chevron STEM Zone and autographed soccer balls from the coaches.

On Sunday, prior to the round-robin style tournament, the event kicked off with a special announcement from Chevron as they presented the Salinas Regional Sports Authority with a $50,000 donation to support the development of a new soccer facility in Salinas. With this additional commitment to youth soccer, Chevron will continue to empower the next generation on and off the field within communities where they work, live and operate.

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Approximately 350 boys and girls from Lost Hills, Schafter and Bakersfield attended Chevron Soccer Academy events in Bakersfield the weekend of June 1-2. A boys combine kicked off the weekend at California State University - Bakersfield’s stadium field on Saturday morning, followed by the girls combine in the evening. On Sunday, attendees returned for a round-robin style tournament, culminating in a medal ceremony to recognize the winning teams.

The weekend focused on empowering attendees with skills and knowledge that lead to future success both on and off the soccer field. Attendees gained an understanding of how science and soccer intersect within the Chevron STEM Zone and learned valuable lessons from current and former professionals that will lead to future success on and off the pitch. Chevron Soccer Academy coaches for the weekend included former National Team members from the United States, Mexico, Honduras and Canada, as well as a former English Premier League player.

Saturday evening’s girls combine also featured two-time World Cup winner and Olympic gold medalist, Brandi Chastain. Brandi helped lead the combine’s passing station throughout the evening and concluded the day with an inspiring Q&A session. She spoke to the young girls about believing in themselves, the importance of following one’s dreams and what is was like to score arguably U.S. soccer’s most iconic goal during the World Cup Final 20 years ago.

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Approximately 250 boys and girls from the Hawthorne community had the opportunity to experience professional soccer coaching at the Chevron Soccer Academy in Los Angeles, California. The combines were held at California State University – Los Angeles on March 23-24, 2019.

The combines highlighted more than just athletics, with programming that integrated Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) in soccer and intangibles like hard work and self-confidence. Participants had the opportunity to learn from a talented group of current and former professional coaches, including former National Team players Edson Buddle (U.S. Men’s National Team), Victor Bernardez (Honduras Men’s National Team) and Janelly Faria (Mexico Women’s National Team). Additionally, students were surprised with appearances from Los Angeles Football Club players Lamar Batista and Latif Blessing. The combines wrapped up with a special question and answer session with the coaches, where participants received advice about soccer, school and the importance of believing in oneself.

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Approximately 300 boys and girls from the Mendota, Huron-Coalinga Unified, Firebaugh and Fresno communities participated in the Chevron Soccer Academy at Chukchansi Park the weekend of September 21-22. The Fresno event included a boys combine on Saturday and a girls combine on Sunday, both of which included special appearances by Fresno FC players and the team’s mascot, Fuego.

The combines also included a number of coaches with professional and National Team experience, including members from the United States, Honduras and Canada teams. Attendees rotated through a series of soccer stations ranging from small sided games to agility and fitness drills, as well as the Chevron STEM Zone, designed to explore the intersection of science and soccer. To wrap up each combine, coaches provided advice to attendees about soccer, academics and self-empowerment through a question and answer session followed by autographs.

The Chevron Soccer Academy was also recognized Saturday evening during the FC Fresno game for its commitment to providing accessible soccer opportunities in the Fresno community and for equipping attendees with the tools needed to excel both on and off the pitch.

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Approximately 150 boys and girls from Coalinga-Huron Unified, Firebaugh, Mendota and Fresno attended our first-ever tournament––a round-robin format event coached by current Fresno FC and Fresno FC Ladies players.

Throughout the day, coaches emphasized intangibles that translate beyond the soccer field, such as hard work, sportsmanship and teamwork. This message was reinforced by Lynn Williams, a Fresno native, current NWSL Champion and US Women’s National Team player, who shared her story with the group.

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