San Francisco is its home, but San Nicolas de Ibarra, Jalisco, in Mexico is where this club originates from. What makes the San Francisco Soccer Football League so amazing is the diversity of clubs and their immigrant stories - to tell us everything we’d need to know about CD San Nicolas, co-owner Eric Cabrera was happy to provide us the answers.

Tell us the origin story of CD San Nicolas - when was it founded? By whom and what is its mission?
San Nicolas de Ibarra; Jalisco, Mexico is where our club originates from. A small pueblo off of Lake Chapala; known for its rooted cultural customs like fishing and the charrería. Club San Nicolas originated in the late 80s and played in the league; La Savatina and Liga Latina, in the Bay Area. As many migrated to the San Francisco area, Club San Nicolas became a team that immersed themselves with their fans and became a community. Sundays were constant gatherings, barbecues, bailes and of course futbol.

Club San Nicolas had many achievements in La Savatina and Liga Latina through its 3 years of life; but with growing families and cost of living increasing, many migrated out of San Francisco causing the team and name to dissolve.

In 2022, David Venegas piloted a free youth program in San Nicolas de Ibarra, Jal. to provide a healthy and positive outlet for the youth of the pueblo. With that, Club Deportivo San Nicolas surfaced. Establishing youth clinics, youth soccer teams, women’s open team and a men’s open team; and participating in regional leagues and tournaments.

In 2023, with an opportunity and support from SF Fog and the SFSFL, Juanmanuel Venegas and Eric Cabrera resurfaced the name of San Nicolas in San Francisco. The mission stayed the same; to provide a positive and healthy community for anyone that wants to compete at a higher level. Staying true to its traditional mission and roots, but with a new attitude. Always paying homage to the road before ours.

Tell us about your badge and colors – how does it connect to the community?
Our badge features a bull and banner; this reflects the heritage and spirit of el pueblo. With our kits being red and white; with an alternate black. The badge has definitely evolved and has a lot more character. Including the colors; before being a striped green and white kit. Now with the solid red home kit and white away; with loud street numbers on the back.

What league or leagues does your club participate in and why did you choose those to join?
CD San Nicolas currently participates in the San Francisco Soccer Football League which is the longest standing men’s soccer league in the United States; celebrating 125 years. As owners and players; we grew up in the SFSFL and wouldn’t pick anywhere else. Having parents, uncles, siblings and friends all, at one point, being a part of the league.

How does the club cover its costs, and how can people support you?
As owners; Juanmanuel and Eric cover the majority of the cost. Providing the opportunity to practice, compete and be a part of the CD San Nicolas community. Lucky, this 2026 season a Socios program has started. With much interest in showing support for the team; a membership program has kicked off and provides extra funds to support the team on Sundays. Bringing back a fan base.

Merch is also made and sold; to provide extra funds and gear for anyone on the sidelines.

How did you finish last year and what are your goals for next season?
Last season, CD San Nicolas finished mid-table, staying in the Majors division in the SFSFL. Currently, CD San Nicolas is in a tight race to get promoted and make its way up to the Premier division. Our goal is to continue to compete in any division; but shooting for the Premier.

How does CD San Nicolas participate in or give back to their community?
At CD San Nicolas we pride ourselves in our roots and continuously grow as a community. Hosting youth summer camps is something we pride ourselves in offering. Helping middle school and high school athletes begin their journey in competitive soccer by providing academic and athletic guidance. New this year; we also had a shoe and cleat drive. Partnering up with Pacifica United SC 2012 boys; CD San Nicolas collected and donated shoes to the youth of San Nicolas de Ibarra. Over 40 pairs of shoes and cleats were collected and are still being distributed to el pueblo.

If there were one or two teams, within a 100 miles of you, to play a friendly against – who would you play and why?
With US Open Cup dreams we are open to traveling and competing; no matter the distance. With goals to one day compete against SF City FC and El Farolito.

Follow CD San Nicolas on Instagram HERE