On Feb. 25, Monterey Bay FC announced its new affiliation with Salinas Soccer Femenil, a nonprofit focused on providing opportunities for female soccer players, and Cosmos Femenil F.C., a local semi-pro women’s soccer team.
The partnership aims to develop local talent and provide them a path to play competitively.
“Monterey Bay FC, Salinas Soccer Femenil and Cosmos Femenil F.C. all share the same commitment of growing the game and expanding opportunities for young female athletes in our region,” said Oliver Wyss, chairman and chief soccer officer at Monterey Bay FC.
They seek to lay the foundation for Monterey Bay FC’s women’s team, which will debut this year in the USL W League. There will be an open tryout on March 8, International Women’s Day, from 10am-1pm at the Salinas Regional Soccer Complex.
“We wanted to make a statement that we're here to support women,” says Maria Zamora, co-founder and CEO of SSF.
SCF was founded in 2022 to expand access to soccer opportunities and visibility for girls and young women, and for female soccer in the region. The organization offers various programs, including Cosmos Femenil FC, a Sunday League and a girls academy.
Since its inception in 2022, Salinas Cosmos has won the United Premier Soccer League’s NorCal division three times and a state title.
“The collaboration between MBFC and the Cosmos is thrilling and the timing feels just right,” said Catherine Kobrinsky of the Salinas Regional Soccer Complex. “I have supported Salinas Soccer Femenil because a group of women leaders came together to build what this community needed. They recognized the depth of talent in the Salinas Valley and understood that access changes everything. In just three years, the vision has been proven. Cosmos F.C. consistently ranks at the top of their semi-professional league, and their girls' academy has already reached more than 300 young athletes and is still growing.”
SRSC will be the official training ground for the MBFC’s USL W league and USL Academy programs.
There will be a second tryout on March 28 at Cardinale Stadium. Details are still pending.
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