SC Del Sol
Overview
SC Del Sol is a competitive youth soccer club based in North Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Paradise Valley, Arizona. The club operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit under the legal name Soccer Club Del Sol Inc (EIN: 86-0995793), tax-exempt since April 2004. The club fields approximately 50 competitive teams with 1,000+ boys and girls ages 4-18.
SC Del Sol is a coach-led club where “all major decisions pertaining to players, teams and programs are made by coaching experts rather than volunteer parents.”
Financials
| Fiscal Year | Revenue | Expenses | Net Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $1,987,146 | $2,012,580 | $126,619 |
| 2023 | $1,799,303 | $1,978,314 | $438,059 |
| 2022 | $1,319,848 | $1,798,258 | $617,070 |
| 2021 | $1,884,148 | $1,511,925 | $1,095,480 |
| 2020 | $1,655,211 | $1,723,665 | $462,876 |
| 2019 | $2,562,575 | $2,940,845 | $531,330 |
| 2018 | $2,660,191 | $2,762,222 | $909,600 |
Source: ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer, 990 filings (HIGH).
Key trends: Revenue peaked at $2.7M in 2018 and has declined to $2.0M. Net assets have eroded from $1.1M (2021) to $127K (2024). The club has been operating at or near breakeven with occasional deficits. Executive compensation dropped to $0 in 2023-2024, suggesting leadership changes.
Financial trajectory is concerning — revenue down 25% from peak, net assets down 88% from 2021 peak
Teams & Players
~50 competitive teams. 1,000+ players (boys and girls, ages 4-18). (MEDIUM)
League Affiliations
- Girls Academy — U13 through U19. 2024 GA U19 National Champions
- Girls Academy Aspire — feeder program
- MLS Next — Boys, including Academy Division and new tier
- DPL — Girls
- USYS National League
Facilities
Primary training in the North Phoenix/Scottsdale/Paradise Valley area. Uses Reach 11 Sports Complex and Arizona Athletic Grounds for the Presidents’ Day Tournament.
Leadership
- Andy Ward — Assistant Executive Director
- Executive Director / President — unknown (role vacant or unfilled as of 2024 based on $0 exec compensation)
Competitive Position
Historically Arizona’s premier club, SC Del Sol has lost market share to Phoenix Rising FC Youth (3x the revenue) and Arizona Arsenal. The club’s Girls Academy national championship (2024) demonstrates on-field quality remains high, but financial trajectory suggests operational challenges. The Presidents’ Day Tournament (~$620K revenue) is a significant revenue contributor and brand asset.
Industry Context
SC Del Sol’s declining financial trajectory — revenue down 25% from peak, net assets down 88% from the 2021 high — raises questions about long-term operational stability despite continued on-field success (2024 GA U19 National Champions). Key assets include the Girls Academy franchise, the Presidents’ Day Tournament brand, and the Scottsdale/Paradise Valley geographic footprint serving an affluent demographic. The $0 executive compensation in FY2023-2024 suggests a leadership gap that may be a factor in the financial decline.
Open Questions
- Who is the Executive Director / President? The $0 exec compensation in 2023-2024 is a red flag
- What caused the revenue decline from $2.7M to $2.0M?
- What is the club’s facility arrangement — owned, leased, or municipal?
- Is the club actively marketing itself for acquisition?
- How active is the Rio Rapids SC Girls’ DA affiliate agreement (signed March 2019)? Does this partnership still provide a pipeline between NM and AZ?