When the 2026-27 soccer season kicks off next month, the San Diego Sockers Youth Club will make its debut as the newest league in the North County San Diego region, representing a merger between the Rancho Santa Fe Attack and Cardiff Soccer Leagues.
Last fall’s merger brought together two youth leagues with long roots in their respective communities. The Cardiff Soccer League, known as the Mustangs before rebranding as the Sockers in 2021, was founded over 40 years ago. The Rancho Santa Fe Attack was created over 55 years ago when a group of passionate and dedicated Rancho Santa Fe residents got a small group of boys together at the Rancho Santa Fe Community Center to introduce them to the sport that was still growing in this country in the early 1970s. Over the years, both leagues have pledged to promote a positive youth soccer environment, where players grow their skills both on and off the pitch.
Under the terms of the agreement, both clubs changed their names and will play in rebranded kits in the Sockers’ team colors of blue and yellow. A special heart on the jerseys marked “MT” commemorates Malcolm Tovey, the longtime director of the RSF Attack, who passed away in 2024.
As the club is affiliated with the Major Arena Soccer League team, the San Diego Sockers, players will have opportunities to visit and scrimmage on the Sockers’ professional training and athletic facilities at Oceanside’s Frontwave Arena and attend games with complimentary tickets.
“We are incredibly excited to welcome RSF Attack. This collaboration is more than just a union of teams and coaches—it’s a celebration of culture, community, and shared passion for the beautiful game,” said Cardiff Sockers Executive Director Kraig Chiles in a news release. “Together, we’ll create opportunities for growth, unity, and lasting impact both on and off the field. I’m proud to see the community grow stronger and more vibrant as we join forces to inspire the next generation of players.”
The new uniforms for San Diego Sockers, the new league formed after the merger of the Cardiff Sockers and Rancho Santa Fe Attack. (Courtesy SD Sockers)
Chiles, a San Diego-bred soccer player who played for Poway High School and San Diego State, is currently playing his last professional season with the 16-time champion MASL Sockers. The Sockers’ all-time leading scorer will even have his own bobblehead night on Feb. 7.
“We, the Sockers organization, are very happy and excited about this new opportunity to grow within our community,” said Sockers General Manager Chiky Luna in the news release. “We are excited to welcome all of our new members to our Sockers family, and together, we will grow into a stronger family. We are also happy to welcome back one of the leaders of this project, Nate Hetherington, back into the Sockers family, where he belongs.”
Hetherington, a former Sockers player, has been with the RSF Attack since 2000. He now serves as the Sockers youth league’s executive director with Chiles.
“With this relationship, our players will have unique access to the long-standing legacy of the club and the chance to model their development after one of the most successful indoor teams in history,” Hetherington said in the news release. “By learning from the pros, we gain an understanding of the technical and tactical advantages of the small-sided game. These skills translate directly to the outdoor game—empowering youth players to become more confident, creative, and effective on the ball. We are excited for what is to come.”
Tryouts for the San Diego Sockers U10-U14 age groups will be held the week of Feb. 23. Tryouts for U7-U9 have concluded for the upcoming season but some spots remain for qualified players. To learn more about tryouts, visit sdsockersyouth.org