What ages and program levels does Los Angeles Surf SC offer near San Marino?LA Surf organizes competitive pathways across MLS NEXT for elite boys, Girls Academy and GA ASPIRE for top girls, DPL and Elite Academy League tiers, plus Soccer Shots for young children and MLS GO recreational play. The San Marino region connects San Gabriel Valley families to these platforms; exact team options depend on age group and demand, and players may also be placed at other LA Surf locations after tryouts.
About
Los Angeles Surf SC is one of the largest youth soccer organizations in the Los Angeles area, built around a mission to deliver the best experiences and opportunities for players at every stage. The San Marino region is among the fastest-growing hubs in the Surf network, drawing families from San Marino, San Gabriel, Alhambra, South Pasadena, Arcadia, and neighboring communities into a development-driven program where professional coaching and clear competitive pathways are the standard—not the exception.
What the club offers
Across the LA Surf family, families can match a child to the right level: MLS NEXT for elite boys, Girls Academy and GA ASPIRE for top girls pathways, Development Player League (DPL) and Elite Academy League (EA) tiers, plus grassroots Soccer Shots sessions for the youngest players and MLS GO recreational options. The San Marino location connects local players to these club-wide platforms; team availability varies by age group and level, and families may also be considered for rosters at other LA Surf regions after tryouts. The highest Elite bands concentrate additional training and national travel, with boys primarily training around Pasadena and downtown Los Angeles and girls competing in Girls Academy, ASPIRE, and DPL structures.
Development approach and player placement
Open tryouts each year place returning and new players into structured LA Surf training sessions led by licensed coaching staff. Starting with the 2026/27 season, age groups follow a school-year birth window (August 1 through July 31) so teammates align with classmates—a shift LA Surf is adopting club-wide to match national youth soccer standards. A selective playing-up policy allows advanced players to request older age groups, but placement requires demonstrated physical, technical, and tactical readiness; most athletes are best served trying out in their correct birth-year group. Coaches may invite returning players before open tryouts, yet the majority of roster decisions finalize during the tryout cycle. When competitive spots are unavailable, staff guide families toward alternative programs rather than leaving them without a next step.
Tryouts, commitment, and seasonal rhythm
Annual open tryouts align with Southern California tryout windows, with pre-registration for the 2026/27 season open across San Marino and Arcadia-area sessions serving the San Gabriel Valley. Families register through JoinLASurf.com; returning players must register each season. Players may attend tryouts at any LA Surf location and be considered for teams across programs and regions. In-season evaluations are also available for families who miss the open window—after registering, staff review information and may invite athletes to a training session for assessment. Competitive commitments typically run 12 to 14 months with two to three team practices per week. Non-high school players receive winter and summer breaks; high school-age players pause during the high school soccer season except MLS NEXT boys, who remain in the club pathway year-round per league rules. Team invitations go out in tiers over roughly four to ten days after tryouts, with 48 hours to accept an offer.
Costs, aid, and gear
Club fees vary by program, age group, and location; families receive specific pricing after registering for tryouts and receiving a roster offer. LA Surf awards more than $250,000 in need-based scholarships annually, with documentation required and funds allocated per team. Uniforms are mandatory and ordered through Nike and Surf Soccer Post partners, shipped directly to families.
Contact and local leadership
Regional questions for the San Marino hub can reach Director Rob Gallo at gallo@wearelasurf.com; Girls Academy placement help is available through Michael Quigley at m.quigley@wearelasurf.com. General club questions go to the Pasadena office at (626) 685-9503, player placement at (626) 344-1095, or K.Mediano@wearelasurf.com. Families navigating program options can also contact onboarding specialist Marjorie Kellerman at m.kellerman@wearelasurf.com. The corporate office is at 325 N. Altadena Dr., Pasadena, CA 91107.
Explore more teams
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Frequently asked questions
Where does the San Marino region serve and who leads local programming?The San Marino hub primarily serves San Marino, San Gabriel, Alhambra, South Pasadena, Arcadia, and surrounding communities, often grouped with Arcadia for tryout scheduling. Rob Gallo directs the San Marino region at gallo@wearelasurf.com, and Michael Quigley supports elite girls placement at m.quigley@wearelasurf.com. The club office is at 325 N. Altadena Dr., Pasadena, CA 91107.
When are tryouts and how do families register?Open tryouts run annually within Southern California tryout windows, with pre-registration open for the 2026/27 season. All players, including returners, register at JoinLASurf.com. Families who miss open tryouts can request in-season evaluations through the same portal; staff may invite athletes to a training session after reviewing registration details.
What is the time commitment for competitive teams?Competitive seasons typically span 12 to 14 months with two to three practices per week. Non-high school players receive winter and summer breaks. High school-age athletes pause during the school soccer season, except MLS NEXT boys who stay in the club pathway year-round per league requirements.
Does Los Angeles Surf SC offer financial aid?Yes. LA Surf awards more than $250,000 in need-based scholarships each year. Documentation is required, and aid is allocated per team. Families should contact the club after tryout registration or when reviewing a roster offer for current fee details and scholarship steps.
How can families contact Los Angeles Surf SC?Call (626) 685-9503 for general questions or (626) 344-1095 for player placement. Email K.Mediano@wearelasurf.com for administrative help, gallo@wearelasurf.com for San Marino regional questions, or m.kellerman@wearelasurf.com for onboarding support when exploring program options.
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