SAN JOSE, Calif. – This past July, Chevron U.S.A. Inc., Open Goal Project and the San Jose Earthquakes co-hosted the Chevron Soccer Academy on the campus of Cal State Monterey Bay. The three-day event was designed to bring high-level soccer training and STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) learning to local youth in Monterey County.
At a time where family income can often affect a child’s ability to play the sport they love, the Chevron Soccer Academy was created with acceptance and inclusion in mind. Approximately 400 boys and girls aged 9-18 attended the academy, which ran from July 12-14. The players not only enjoyed soccer training from many current and former professionals, but also had an opportunity to learn about the science behind the sport as part of Chevron's commitment to equipping youth with critical skills for the future.
San Jose Earthquakes midfielder Eric Calvillo and defender Kevin Partida, both of whom are bilingual in English and Spanish, were on-hand to instruct the kids and inspire the next generation of talented soccer players.
Numerous additional celebrities were also in attendance, including former Quakes players Victor Bernardez and Clarence Goodson, former U.S. Women’s National Team legend Brandi Chastain, and former Canada Women’s National Team defender/forward Lauren Sesselmann, among others.
About Chevron
Chevron is one of the world's leading integrated energy companies. Through its subsidiaries that conduct business worldwide, the company is involved in virtually every facet of the energy industry. Chevron explores for, produces and transports crude oil and natural gas; refines, markets and distributes transportation fuels and lubricants; manufactures and sells petrochemicals and additives; generates power and produces geothermal energy; and develops and deploys technologies that enhance business value in every aspect of the company's operations. Chevron is based in San Ramon, Calif. More information about Chevron is available at www.chevron.com.
About Open Goal Project
Founded in 2015 in Washington, D.C., Open Goal Project focuses on using soccer as a vehicle to provide opportunities for growth, on and off the field, for talented youth players from low-income families. In the forms of direct financial support, logistical coordination, intense mentorship, and free high-level programming, Open Goal Project strives to eliminate the obstacles and barriers to entry that keep many youth players on the sidelines. The high costs associated with pay-to-play youth soccer include registration fees, uniforms, transportation, lodging, meals, and supplemental training. Empowering talented youth players and their families with resources to navigate the pay-to-play system allows them the opportunity to reach their full potential as soccer players and young adults. Open Goal Project takes pride in leveling the US youth soccer playing field by bridging the gap and making soccer more accessible for young players who love soccer, while leveraging the game for the growth, development, and greater life experiences for the young men and women it serves. For more information please visit opengoalproject.org.
About the San Jose Earthquakes
The San Jose Earthquakes are one of 24 teams in Major League Soccer. The club won MLS Cup championships in 2001 and 2003 and took home Supporters' Shields for the best regular season record in 2005 and 2012. They are led by 2012 Volkswagen MLS Most Valuable Player Chris Wondolowski, the most prolific goal-scorer in league history. The club opened its new home, Avaya Stadium, in 2015. The stadium holds 18,000 fans and is one of the most technologically advanced stadiums in MLS. The organization was originally founded in 1974 and was one of 10 charter members of MLS when the league began in 1996. The club's non-profit arm, the Quakes Foundation, focuses on health and fitness initiatives for underserved youth in the Bay Area. For more information about the Earthquakes, log on to www.sjearthquakes.com.
