San Diego FC has made a significant announcement, revealing Joaquin Escoto as the Executive Vice-President for SDFC and the Right to Dream Academy. Reporting directly to CEO Tom Penn and closely collaborating with Tom Vernon, the Founding Partner of San Diego FC and the brain behind the Right to Dream Academy, Escoto will steer all decisions related to the academy. This appointment underscores the club’s dedication to nurturing the next generation of athletes and leaders.
“Joaquin’s arrival is cause for celebration,” remarked CEO Tom Penn. “His esteemed reputation in youth development, coupled with his extensive involvement in Southern California and across the U.S. and Mexico youth soccer scenes, makes him an ideal fit. His passion for Right to Dream is palpable, and we are confident in his ability to uphold our pledge of fostering talent at SDFC.”
With over 16 years of experience in soccer management, including co-ownership of Alianza de Futbol, the largest Hispanic soccer program in the U.S., Escoto brings a wealth of expertise to his new role. His recent tenure leading Global Football in the Americas at IMG saw him collaborate with esteemed organizations like FIFA, Conmebol, Concacaf, and MLS. Additionally, as a co-founder of ACCESS U Foundation, he has actively supported underprivileged scholar-athletes in realizing their academic and athletic potential.
In his capacity as EVP of SDFC and Right to Dream Academy, Escoto will oversee academic and campus operations, craft professional soccer and academic pathways for academy students, and strategically integrate with the wider Right to Dream ecosystem. He will play a pivotal role in shaping SDFC’s decisions and contribute to the club’s overall success, serving as a vital liaison between the first team and the global Right to Dream community.
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“I’m honored to join San Diego FC as EVP of the club and the Right to Dream Academy,” Escoto expressed. “Our vision is to revolutionize soccer in the U.S. through the Right to Dream Academy, providing top talent with a unique opportunity to flourish academically and athletically in a fully-funded residential program, a first in North America.”
The Right to Dream Academy’s holistic model emphasizes character development, football proficiency, and education, fostering not just elite athletes but also future leaders committed to positive change. Unlike the conventional pay-to-play model, the San Diego-based academy offers a fully-funded residential program, schooling, and football training, aiming to democratize access to talent development.
Set to commence operations in Fall 2025, the residential academy will cater to male students aged 12-18, with plans underway to establish a pathway for female athletes by Fall 2026, making SDFC the sole MLS club to nurture emerging female talent with a fully-funded program. The academy, located on a sprawling 28-acre campus in El Cajon, will boast top-notch facilities, including a state-of-the-art performance center, five soccer fields, and a vibrant communal hub fostering interaction among players, coaches, and staff.
In the words of Tom Vernon, “Joaquin’s leadership will be instrumental in shaping the future of soccer talent in San Diego and beyond. His expertise aligns perfectly with our mission to implement the unique Right to Dream methodology and make a lasting impact.” With Escoto at the helm, San Diego FC and the Right to Dream Academy are poised to redefine talent development in North America, setting the stage for a new era of excellence in soccer.
