SAN JOSE, Calif. – Chevron U.S.A. Inc. (Chevron), Open Goal Project and the San Jose Earthquakes will host the Chevron Soccer Academy in Monterey, Calif. – a partnership designed to integrate soccer and science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) learning. Through this collaboration, local youth will see visible pathways to success on and off the field.
Approximately 300 boys and girls ages 9-18 from Monterey and surrounding areas (Salinas) will receive firsthand soccer training from professional coaches and get an up-close look at what it takes to play soccer at a high level. The Academy will also feature a special appearance on July 12 and 13 by Brandi Chastain, a two-time FIFA Women's World Cup champion, two-time Olympic gold-medalist, coach and sports broadcaster, and current Earthquakes players. And players will be inspired by STEM learning through the science of soccer, as part of Chevron’s commitment to equipping youth with the critical skills they will need to succeed in jobs of the future.
The program is designed to help ensure all children have access to youth soccer at a time when income disparity can limit youth from competing in the sport they love.
“Chevron is excited to partner with Open Goal Project and the San Jose Earthquakes to bring the Chevron Soccer Academy to the Monterey area,” said Andrea Bailey, Corporate Affairs Representative for Chevron in Monterey. “Students will not only learn soccer techniques from former professionals but will also learn the science behind soccer the sport they love. We hope this will spark interest about their futures off the field.”
The San Jose Earthquakes have a long history of cultivating the game of soccer within diverse communities. The Earthquakes focus on giving opportunities to local youth by providing them an opportunity to tryout and join their academy, which allows them to play at little to no cost. The Earthquakes aim to help individuals grow and develop on and off the field.
The girls’ combine will take place on July 12; the boys’ combine will take place on July 13; and the coed tournament will take place on July 14. All events will take place at CSU Monterey Bay with a focus on standard game play and strategy.
