CANAL FC

at Marin FC

The Canal FC ... a local launching point providing access to competitive soccer.

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A group of young players make their way down the grassy field at Pickleweed Park, shouting plays to their teammates during a scrimmage, while others maneuver their soccer balls around a set of cones and into a goal. After five years of planning and organizing, the dream of having a competitive Football Club in the Canal neighborhood is now a reality.

There is no shortage of competitive youth soccer leagues in Marin but the high costs and travel times are prohibitive for many families. The Canal FC was created to lift those barriers and provide youth with access to competitive sports. 

Participation is low cost and scholarships are available to families. Practices are held in the neighborhood -- the City of San Rafael donated the field costs -- and Marin FC and other funders are covering the costs of coaching and operations.

In addition to years of behind-the-scenes planning, outreach to the community was a critical step in the formation of the club. The players, girls and boys ages 9 to 15, began their participation at a football clinic in April.

The Canal FC is the brainchild of Omar Carrera, CEO of Canal Alliance, Evan Cross, Marin FC President, Marina Palma, Voces del Canal, and Joaquin Escoto, Founder of Access U Foundation. The Canal FC is structured as a program under the Marin FC.

Carrera credits the multiple organizers for making the program a reality: “The partnerships we have built with the City of San Rafael, Marin FC and the Access U Foundation help us lift the barriers that prevent talented kids from continuing to play this sport at a competitive level.”

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Canal FC trains twice weekly (Tuesdays and Thursdays) at Pickleweed Park under professional coaches. Saturday morning games are held at 9:00am and 10:30am either inter-squad or with invited nearby clubs. The fall season extends until November 23.

The program is for both boys and girls ages 9 through 15 who reside in the Canal or the greater 94901 area. Contact info@canalfc.org for additional information.

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