San Jose Earthquakes Academy

EIN: # for-profit · Tax status: 501(c)(3) nonprofit

Overview

The San Jose Earthquakes Academy is the youth development arm of the San Jose Earthquakes (MLS), located in San Jose, California. The academy operates within the mls-next platform and provides the only MLS-affiliated youth-to-pro pathway in the Bay Area. Established as part of the broader MLS academy system, the Quakes Academy fields teams at U14, U15, U16, and U18 age groups. The Town FC (MLS Next Pro) serves as a USL-level bridge between the academy and the first team.

Financials

As part of an MLS franchise, the academy is a cost center within the Earthquakes organization (for-profit). It does not file separate nonprofit 990s. The academy operates as a free-to-play model for accepted players.

Teams & Players

Four age groups: U14, U15, U16, U18. Operates as a selective academy (tryout-based, limited roster spots). Not a traditional club with mass membership.

League Affiliations

• mls-next — Full MLS academy (top tier)
• MLS Next Pro — The Town FC (bridge team)

Facilities

• paypal-park — 18,000-seat stadium in San Jose. Shared with Bay FC (NWSL).
• Training facility — Adjacent to PayPal Park. Plans for state-of-the-art expansion including locker rooms, weight room, dining hall, medical treatment, hydrotherapy.
• santa-clara-county-fairgrounds-complex — Expansion project for youth/public use fields.

Leadership

• luchi-gonzalez — Academy Director.
• Luis Garcia — U14 Head Coach (2025-26).
• Ivan Mirkovic — U15 Head Coach.
• Renato Bustamante — U16 Head Coach.
• Alex Covelo — U18 Head Coach.

College Placement

The academy’s pathway is pro-focused rather than college-focused. However, players who do not sign professional contracts often commit to D1 programs.

Competitive Position

The Quakes Academy is the apex of the NorCal boys pathway. Since inception in 2015, 40+ players have earned USL Academy contracts and 25+ have signed professional contracts. Players Tomo Allen and Rohan Rajagopal were named to the MLS Next All-Star Game.

The academy works with affiliate clubs (notably bay-area-surf) to identify and develop talent. It does not compete directly with independent clubs for registration fees since it is free-to-play.

Investment Thesis

Not an acquisition target (MLS-owned). However, the Quakes Academy relationship is critical context for any NorCal strategy:

• Independent clubs that feed players to the Quakes (like bay-area-surf) have a strategic relationship worth preserving.
• The free-to-play model means the academy pulls top talent without competing on fees.
• Any acquired club should maintain positive relations with the Quakes pipeline.

Open Questions

• What is the formal affiliate/partner club network?
• How does The Town FC (MLS Next Pro) integrate with the academy pathway?
• What is the status of the expanded training center project?