ABOUT US
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A group of young soccer players makes their way across the fields at Pickleweed Park, shouting plays to their teammates during a training match, while others dribble their soccer balls through cones and shoot toward the goal. After five years of planning and organizing, the dream of having a competitive soccer club in the Canal neighborhood is now a reality.
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While Marin has several competitive youth soccer leagues, the high costs and long travel distances have been a barrier for many families. That’s why Canal FC was created to remove those obstacles and provide youth with access to high-level sports.
Omar Carrera, Chief Executive Officer of Canal Alliance, highlights the organizers who made the program possible:
"The partnerships we’ve built with the City of San Rafael and ACCESS U Foundation have helped eliminate barriers that prevent talented kids from continuing to grow at a competitive level."
ACCESS U believes that every soccer player deserves an equal chance to attend college. It supports Latino and Black student-athletes from socioeconomically disadvantaged communities through the college recruitment process, with holistic academic and athletic support to help them achieve their college dreams and succeed in education, work and life.
Participation is low-cost, and scholarships are available for families that need it. Canal FC was founded in 2022 thanks to generous support from the City of San Rafael and funding from the Marin Community Foundation to cover coaching and operational expenses.
The team is led by Edwin Tenorio, a former professional soccer player from Ecuador. Our incredible community organizer, Marina Palma, leads registration and community outreach.
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Canal FC trains twice a week (Tuesdays and Thursdays) at Pickleweed Park, from August through November, with support from professional coaches and community volunteers. Matches will be held on Saturdays or Sundays between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m., against other Canal FC teams or with local clubs from the Marin Interleague Soccer Alliance (MISA).
This program is open to girls and boys ages 6 to 15 who live in the Canal neighborhood or within the greater 94901 zip code area.
For more information, contact us by email: