CAL NORTH SOCCER

est. 1969

Cal North Hosts MLS NEXT Qualifier in Roseville

Cal North welcomed MLS NEXT Academy Division clubs, players, coaches, and families to Roseville, California for a three-day regional qualifier, October 30 - November 1, 2026. Teams arrived with a clear objective: compete for the opportunity to punch their ticket to the MLS NEXT Cup.

Hosted in partnership with MLS NEXT, Roseville Soccer Club, and the City of Roseville, the event brought together competitive youth programs for a weekend of high-level soccer, player development, and opportunities to compete against top talent from across the region. With MLS NEXT Cup qualification on the line, every match represented an important step toward the season's ultimate goal.

Beyond the competition, the qualifier highlighted the strength of Northern California’s soccer community, bringing together clubs, families, local partners, and soccer leaders in support of the next generation of players.

Cal North extends its sincere appreciation to MLS NEXT, Roseville Soccer Club, the City of Roseville, Placer Valley Tourism, participating clubs, volunteers, event staff, and community partners for their collaboration and support.

Through events like this, Cal North remains committed to growing the game, strengthening our soccer community, and creating opportunities for young athletes to compete, develop, and reach their potential.

Check out our Event Recap!

Event Recap

MLS NEXT Featured on Local News

📹 GoodDay Sacramento

📹 Fox 40 News

Cal North Supports Clubs at MLS NEXT Qualifiers Utah!

Cal North traveled to Provo, Utah, to connect with Cal North clubs competing in the MLS NEXT Qualifiers, supporting our regional teams as they battled for an opportunity to punch their ticket to the MLS NEXT Cup.

Throughout the weekend, we connected with club leaders, coaches, and players to hear firsthand about their experiences competing on the MLS Next stage. From the level of competition to the opportunities these events create for player development, our interviews captured what makes this journey meaningful for clubs across our region.

We were proud to be on the sidelines cheering on our regional clubs as they competed for their place at the MLS NEXT Cup.

Want to hear directly from our clubs?

Check out our Provo Qualifier interviews for a behind-the-scenes look at their experiences, perspectives, and the excitement of competing at this level.

Cal North remains committed to supporting our member clubs, elevating their stories, and creating connections that strengthen soccer throughout Northern California.

Watch Our Interviews!

Cal North Brings Club Leaders and Coaches Together for VIP Event

As part of the MLS NEXT Qualifiers in Roseville, Cal North welcomed club leaders and coaches from participating teams to a special VIP networking event at Topgolf.

The evening provided an opportunity for leadership and coaching staff from across the region to step away from the competition, connect with fellow club representatives, and build relationships within the Northern California soccer community. Guests enjoyed complimentary food and drinks while taking advantage of a relaxed atmosphere designed to encourage conversation, collaboration, and networking.

Cal North was also pleased to connect attendees with representatives from Veo, creating opportunities to learn more about the technology and resources supporting clubs, coaches, and player development.

Beyond the matches, events like this highlight the importance of bringing our soccer community together. Cal North remains committed to creating meaningful connections, strengthening relationships with our member clubs, and supporting the leaders and coaches who continue to grow the game throughout Northern California.

Cal North Announces 2025–2026 Of The Year Award Winners

Cal North is proud to recognize the outstanding coaches, volunteers, referees, administrators, and organizations who continue to make a lasting impact on soccer throughout Northern California.

The 2025–2026 Cal North Of The Year Awards celebrate the individuals and teams whose dedication, leadership, sportsmanship, and commitment to player development strengthen our soccer community both on and off the field.

This year’s honorees include:

Recreational Coach of the Year: Joseph Geddes - Roseville Soccer Club
Competitive Coach of the Year: Jose “Chiva” Cuevas - Sigma X FC
Young Referee of the Year – Female: Peyton Johnston
Young Referee of the Year – Male: Gavin Antonich
Volunteer of the Year: Alex Arsenault - Sigma X FC
TOPSoccer Coach of the Year: Lauren Candia - Pleasanton Rage
Administrator of the Year: Shelley Ganaway - Fruitridge SC
Team Recognition: Sigma X FC - Visalia, California

Each honoree represents the passion, service, and leadership that help our game grow. From developing the next generation of players and officials to creating inclusive opportunities and supporting club operations, their contributions extend far beyond the field.

Cal North celebrated this year’s award recipients at Heart Health Park in Sacramento, during the Sacramento Republic FC matchup against Oakland Roots SC.

The event will bring together members of the soccer community to recognize the people and organizations helping shape the future of the game.

Congratulations to all our 2025-2026 honorees! Thank you for your continued commitment to your players, clubs, and communities. Your work embodies the very best of Northern California soccer.

Read our full article celebrating this year’s winners

Read Article

Make an Impact: Join the Cal North Board of Directors

Cal North is seeking qualified individuals to fill two open leadership positions on its Board of Directors: Vice President and Secretary. This is an opportunity to help shape the future of youth soccer across Northern California while supporting our mission to provide meaningful soccer opportunities for all players.

Whether your experience comes from soccer, business, administration, or community leadership, your perspective can help strengthen our organization and the members we serve.

Ready to get involved?

Start the application process today and review the qualifications and submission requirements.

Application deadline: November 13, 2026.

Start Application Here

Cal North's Marley Wilson’s WorldStrides Experience in Madrid

Recently, Cal North Executive Director Marley Wilson participated in a WorldStrides experience in Madrid, Spain, visiting leading football organizations including Atlético Madrid, LaLiga headquarters, Rayo Vallecano, and Real Madrid.

Beyond touring world-class facilities and experiencing Spanish football culture, the trip provided valuable insight into how international organizations approach league governance, academy development, financial sustainability, performance analysis, and the growth of the women's game.

One of the most important takeaways was that there is no single formula for success. Each organization operates within its own resources, identity, and objectives, reinforcing the importance of developing standards that are meaningful, achievable, and sustainable.

For Cal North, these international perspectives offer an opportunity to challenge conventional thinking, identify new ideas, and continue improving the support we provide to our member clubs, coaches, and players throughout Northern California. The objective is not to replicate another country's system, but to learn from global experiences and apply the lessons that best serve our soccer community.

U.S. Soccer Explores Potential Changes to Coaching Education

Changes to U.S. Soccer’s coaching education pathway may be on the horizon, and Cal North is staying ahead of the conversation to help keep our members informed.

U.S. Soccer is exploring potential updates to its coaching education structure, including proposed changes to coach development pathways, licensing requirements, continuing education, and license renewals. While these changes have not been finalized, they could impact coaches and clubs in the future.

At Cal North, we are actively monitoring these developments so we can share timely, accurate information and help our soccer community understand what these proposals could mean for them.

Want to know what’s being discussed?

Read our latest article for an overview of the proposed changes, key considerations, and what coaches and clubs should know moving forward.

Read Article

Interested in upcoming coaching courses?

There is grassroots, National D and National B courses coming up. Check them out.

See Upcoming Courses

U.S. Soccer Launches R90+ Referee Development Program

U.S. Soccer has launched R90+, a national referee development initiative designed to support the next generation of match officials through personalized coaching, mentorship, video analysis, and performance development. With a nationwide rollout planned across four regions, including the West Region in April 2027, the program aims to create a stronger pathway for referees to advance to higher levels of the game.

Learn more about R90+ and the future of referee development:

Learn More

Cal North’s Javier Arellano Takes the Stage at Noche Latina

Cal North’s very own Javier Arellano brought the energy as a guest emcee at Sacramento Republic FC’s Noche Latina on October 10, during the club’s 1–1 draw against Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC.

Celebrating the connection between soccer, Latin culture, and community, Javier represented Cal North with pride, passion, and authenticity.

We’re proud to see Javier sharing his talent on a bigger stage, and don’t be surprised if you see him touring and emceeing nationally soon!

Congratulations, Javier! Keep bringing the energy and representing Cal North!