What the club offers

Programming runs from pre-academy stages through U18, with continuity designed to build solid foundations before players move into higher tactical demands. The boys and girls academy serves players seeking structured club training, while MLS NEXT fields tiered U13 through U19 teams in both the MLS NEXT Academy Division and MLS NEXT Flex. Competition also spans NorCal Premier pathways, National Premier League play, NorCal Youth Premier League bands, U9–U19 state cups, Region 5 leagues for younger ages, and single-day play-date events across Northern California.

The club operates a dedicated goalkeeper curriculum covering technical shot-stopping, distribution, positioning, tactical organization of the defense, psychological leadership, and physical preparation. Academy training is year-round: the season begins in March and continues with training, league games, and tournaments that often run Friday through Sunday in the Bay Area, Sacramento region, and broader Northern California. Tournament calendars are set with families at the first team meeting based on roster level and the annual player development plan.

Development approach

Technical direction comes from Jorge Tote Castañeda as technical director and head of methodology, with academy and MLS NEXT staff aligned on player-centered training. The club emphasizes sportsmanship alongside physical and mental education in a safe setting, with instructors who hold licensing and professional playing or coaching experience. Goalkeeper development is treated as a club-wide priority because competitive teams are built from strong shot-stoppers who can command the box and initiate attacks.

MLS NEXT participation connects Santa Rosa players to one of the highest youth platforms in North America, with tiered rosters, college-placement support, and exposure events such as MLS NEXT Fest scouting showcases. Recent academy successes include NorCal Premier and state-cup titles across multiple birth years, reflecting a competitive culture that pairs community values with high-level match play.

Training sites and match days

Academy tryouts and training blocks use Elsie Allen High School in Santa Rosa. MLS NEXT home fixtures are scheduled at Santa Rosa High School, with away travel to regional complexes such as Salt Lake Regional Athletic Complex for flex-league opponents. The club has invested in FIFA-certified turf at Lawrence Jones Middle School to expand quality training surfaces for local players. Families should confirm field assignments for their player’s team each season because schedules rotate with league assignments.

Registration, fees, and tryouts

New players pay a $200 registration fee that includes Adidas training apparel, a backpack, and a US Club Soccer player pass. Returning players pay $200 plus monthly dues through ACH authorization. An annual membership fee of $100 applies except for players who register between December and February. Monthly dues are $100 for players ages 6–19, due by the fifth of each month; high-school players are billed for nine months, while others pay twelve months. Players who leave and return pay a $200 re-entry fee. Tournament and travel costs are shared equally among families on each roster. Payments are bank-to-bank ACH only—cash, cards, and PayPal are not accepted—and ACH is not canceled for injuries under 60 days without a physician note covering a longer recovery.

Open academy tryouts for boys and girls run May 4–28, 2026, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Elsie Allen High School. Families select the academy or MLS NEXT program in the club’s tryout registration system to view age-specific dates and reserve a spot. Summer camps and specialty training sessions are offered periodically for additional touches between seasons.

Contact and community

The club office and team store are open Monday through Friday, 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Questions about joining, paperwork, or program fit can go to President Adolfo Mendoza at adolfomendoza@atleticosr.org or through the online contact form. Atlético Santa Rosa also runs community outreach—from backpack drives to local festival appearances—and accepts donations to support aspiring players through its giving program.