More Than a Club.
Southwest Soccer Club is Temecula Valley's oldest youth soccer organization, founded in 2001.
We provide programs for players ages 4–19, offering a clear pathway from beginner development to high-level competitive play. Our teams compete in top leagues across Southern California, including SoCal Soccer League, SoCal National One, and elite showcases, giving our players consistent opportunities to grow, compete, and be seen.
As the oldest soccer club in Temecula, we've built a legacy of developing elite talent in a competitive, structured, and supportive environment.
The Southwest Soccer Club Story
At SWSC, we focus on more than just results. Our licensed coaching staff is committed to player development, technical excellence, and building strong character on and off the field. We take pride in creating a positive club culture where players, families, and coaches work together toward long-term success.
With a history of hosting premier tournaments and developing competitive teams year after year, Southwest Soccer Club continues to be a trusted home for players who are serious about the game and their development. We don't just teach soccer; we instill discipline, sportsmanship, and resilience in every player that wears our badge.
Join SWSC and be part of a club where development, competition, and community come together.
The Five Pillars of Development
- 1Club Culture Building a supportive, competitive family.
- 2Identification Scouting and recognizing unique potential.
- 3Education Tactical intelligence and technical mastery.
- 4Evaluation Continuous feedback and performance tracking.
- 5Expansion Growing the player and the program globally.
Meet Our Leadership
Guided by decades of international professional experience.
Rachid Elbekraoui
Executive Director / CEO
Founder and Program Director of Southwest Soccer Club Academy since 2006. With an MBA and comprehensive international experience, Rachid has managed competitive clubs and global youth soccer programs for decades.
Top Credentials
- — MBA (Masters – Business Administration)
- — USSF “A” License (#A3920)
- — French Football Fed License
- — Frank Hoak's License (Goalkeeping & Pro Coaching)
- — Coerver License Instructor & Director (2001-2011)
- — Global Finance & Strategic Management
- — 10 state cup championships
- — 35+ players played college
- — 7 players in Mexican pro league
- — 2 players in Europe
Experience
- — 15 Years International Pro Playing
- — 15 Years Pro Soccer Coaching
- — 10+ Years Competitive Club Management
- — 8+ Years Coach Training Experience
- — 8+ Years Tournament Director Experience
- — 8+ Years P&L Management Experience
- — 7 Years Electronic Material Engineering & Management
- — 15+ Sales and Marketing Management
Mike Martinez
Director of Youngers
Building the foundation for our next generation. Mike's philosophy focuses on hard work, loyalty, and building strong relationships to maximize player development and team chemistry.
Top Credentials
- — Specialized Youth Coaching License
- — Player Development Certified
- — Team Chemistry Specialist
Experience
- — Decades of Youth Coaching
- — Foundation Phase Expert
- — Mentoring Young Athletes
Hector Avalos B08
Coach
Southwest Soccer Club (Southwest Soccer Club)
Top Credentials
Experience
Leave Us a Review
Helped your player grow? We'd love to hear about your experience.
Review on GoogleElite Pathways
Proud members of SoCal League and SOCAL National 1 League .
Our Location
Club History Q&A
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who founded Southwest Soccer Club?
- Southwest Soccer Club (SWSC) was founded in 2001 by Program Director Rachid Elbekraoui. It is the oldest operating youth soccer club in Temecula, California.
- What coaching licenses do Southwest Soccer Club directors hold?
- Program Director Rachid Elbekraoui holds a USSF 'A' License, which is the highest coaching credential offered in the United States, held by fewer than 1% of soccer coaches nationally.
- Does Southwest Soccer Club help players reach college soccer?
- Yes, Southwest Soccer Club has successfully placed over 35 players into college soccer programs across the United States. Alumni have also gone on to play professionally in MLS, the Mexican Pro League, and Europe.
- How many championships has Southwest Soccer Club won?
- Southwest Soccer Club has secured 10+ State Cup Championships throughout its 25-plus year history in Temecula Valley.
Our Story
25+ Years of Youth Soccer in the Temecula Valley
At a glance
- Founded: 2001 — independently operated in the Temecula Valley for 25+ years.
- Leadership: A USSF “A”-licensed Program Director, the highest U.S. coaching credential, with background-checked staff.
- Pathway: Recreational through competitive SOCAL National 1 League, all under one club.
- How we start: A free evaluation and honest fit assessment — no tryout pressure. Call (951) 760-9914.
Southwest Soccer Club is one of the Temecula Valley's oldest independently operated youth soccer clubs, developing local players since 2001. That longevity is the point: while newer programs come and go, we have coached the same community for more than 25 years, from first-time beginners to college-bound athletes.
In our experience, a club's real track record is measured in decades, not slogans. So we let the work speak — a USSF "A"-licensed Program Director, a full recreational-to-competitive pathway, and generations of Temecula Valley families we have coached over the years. We found long ago that consistency and honest guidance keep players in the game, and that is what we have built the club around.
Common questions
How long has Southwest Soccer Club been around?
Since 2001 — more than 25 years serving the Temecula Valley. We are one of the area's longest-running independently operated youth soccer clubs, which is the track record we lean on most.
What makes Southwest Soccer Club different from newer clubs?
Two things: longevity and honesty. We have coached this community for 25+ years under USSF-licensed leadership, and we start every family with a free evaluation instead of a sales pitch — even when the honest answer is to begin at a lower level first.
Learn more: meet our coaching staff · our programs · contact us .
Have questions? We're here to help.
The right fit depends on your child's age, level, and goals. Contact us for more information and we'll answer your questions and set up a free evaluation.
Two things matter to every soccer parent: safety and coaching. On safety, the CDC's HEADS UP program explains the concussion signs every family should recognize. On coaching, our director holds the USSF “A” License, the highest coaching qualification in U.S. soccer, earned by fewer than 1% of American coaches.
Reviewed by Rachid Elbekraoui, Founder and Program Director of Southwest Soccer Club. He holds the USSF “A” License, with 15 years of international professional playing and coaching experience and 10+ State Cup championships. Serving the Temecula Valley since 2001. Last updated July 2026. Meet our coaching staff.