Built to represent the city at the grassroots level, Eli Jimenez, owner of Club Atletico de San Francisco opens up about where the club gets its identity from and how they recruit locally. Give or take, most costs are covered by the club, and their aim is gain promotion up the levels of the San Francisco Soccer Football League.

Tell us the origin story of Club Atletico de San Francisco - when was it founded? By whom and what is its mission?
I founded Club Atletico de San Francisco, LLC. (“Atletico San Francisco”) back in 2022 as a gateway for all things futbol related in the San Francisco Bay Area. Our mission is to create more than just a futbol team. We are building a modern club that intersects sport, culture, apparel, and technology – rooted in San Francisco. We believe the club should be more than what happens on the pitch. It should represent the city, inspire its community, and create opportunities for the next generation.

Tell us about your badge and colors – how does it connect to the community?
Our badge emphasizes San Francisco and California as our identity and the futbol brings those identities together.GG Bridge identifies our connection to the city. The grizzly bear carries a broader California identity. And the ball next to the bear establishes futbol as the purpose around which everything else is built upon.

What league or leagues does your club participate in and why did you choose those to join?
Our club plays in the San Francisco Soccer Football League (“SFSFL”). We started to compete in the league in 2023. We joined the SFSFL because it is the highest level of amateur competition in the area.

How does the club cover its costs, and how can people support you?
Currently, cost associated with the club are self-funded by me. However, we are actively trying to establish our brand with apparel and technology. Visit www.atletisf.com for our current offerings. All sales fund our club. Our technology side is currently being built and look forward to revealing it soon.

How did you finish last year and what are your goals for next season?
We just finished the 20226 season and finished in 4th place. Our goal for next season is to win our division to get promoted to the next division. The SFSFL has 3 division (Premier, Majors, and First). We currently compete in the First division.

How does CA de SF participate in or give back to their community?
Our players are recruited in the Bay Area. We provide them to join our club almost free of cost. Also, we have partnered with Here For Kids International (“HFK”), where we have donated clothing. HFK is a nonprofit organization with a mission of “Teaching the Eternal Joy of Service”. www.hereforkids.org and on Instagram @hereforkidsintl. We look forward to our next donation.

If there were one or two teams, within a 100 miles of you, to play a friendly against – who would you play and why?
Currently, we are just focused on playing teams in the bay area. No particular club in mind.

Follow Club Atletico de San Francisco on Instagram HERE