Surf Nation is comprised of like-minded coaches and administrators dedicated to our Surf mission to provide the best experiences and opportunities for their athletes. Since 2023, Western Washington Surf has been a proud partner of Surf Nation, and we have thoroughly enjoyed the partnership. We have watched their amazing club grow and seen them take full advantage of being under the Surf brand.
We sat down with Western Washington Surf’s Chief Executive, Marlon Mejia, to learn more about how Surf has helped their club, players, coaches, and administrators and their upcoming season goals:
Being new to the Surf Nation Family, what was the biggest reason behind joining the Surf Family?
The primary reason for joining the Surf Family was Surf’s unwavering commitment to player development and the shared vision of providing top-tier soccer experiences. Surf’s reputation for excellence and the robust network of resources and support made it easy to decide to join a community that values growth, professionalism, success, and opportunities at every level.
Over the last 6 months, you have made a big investment in the quality of staff you have in Western Washington Surf – what was the major driving force here?
The driving force behind investing in the quality of our staff was the desire to elevate our club and our training programs. Our goal is to provide our players with the best possible guidance throughout each player’s journey. We have brought in four A-licensed coaches and two B-licensed coaches, significantly enhancing the expertise available to our players. Additionally, we continue to invest in, encourage, and support our coaches through coaching education opportunities. This investment enhances player development and inspires our coaches to continually improve and elevate their own performance. By investing in highly experienced coaches and support staff, we aim to create an environment where players can thrive and reach their full potential, ensuring they receive the expertise and mentorship necessary for their development and continue to grow their love of the game!
Can you provide some insight into the Western Washington Surf player development pathway?
Western Washington Surf offers a comprehensive player development pathway focusing on long-term growth. Starting from our Surf Juniors program, we nurture young talent with age-appropriate training to develop foundational soccer skills and a love for the game. Our Surf Juniors program emphasizes fun, learning, and basic technique development.
As players progress, they move into our Premier Pathway, which further refines their skills and prepares them for higher levels of competition while allowing them to enjoy the game without the pressure of elite soccer. Our aim here is not only to develop skilled players but also to foster a positive experience. For those who demonstrate exceptional talent and commitment, our Elite teams provide advanced tactical and technical training, competitive match play, and exposure to collegiate and professional opportunities. Our integrated approach combines physical, mental, and technical development, ensuring a clear progression to collegiate opportunities and beyond.
As we close out the 23/24 Season – what are some of the Club’s highlights?
The 23/24 Season has been monumental for us, beginning with our rebranding to Western WA Surf on November 1st, 2023, which has truly changed everything. We hosted our first Copa Surf tournament, which was a resounding success and well-received by participants and spectators alike. Following our tryouts, we saw a significant increase in registrations, expanding our player pool and team count and further strengthening our club. Our teams performed exceptionally well in various tournaments, notably Surf Cup NW, where several of our teams reached the semifinals and had three clinch championships, exemplifying our players’ and staff’s hard work and dedication. Our Elite Players have had fantastic experiences through the Surf Select program and opportunities to guest play with Surf Nation affiliates. The power of the brand truly makes this relationship special, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose across the Surf Nation Family.
As you move into the 24/25 Season, can you share some of the club’s KPIs you have set going forward?
Moving into the 24/25 Season, our key performance indicators (KPIs) focus on enhancing player development and organizational growth. These include increasing player retention and satisfaction rates, achieving higher success rates in competitive tournaments, expanding our coaching staff with additional specialized trainers, and strengthening our community engagement initiatives. Our ultimate goal is to build on our success and continue providing unparalleled opportunities for our players beyond our current footprint. Central to our mission is instilling the Love of the Game in every player, ensuring their passion for soccer grows alongside their skills and achievements. This comprehensive approach underscores all our efforts, fostering a supportive and positive environment for everyone in the Western Washington Surf family.
Being part of Surf Nation has opened up many opportunities for us, and we are thrilled about the possibilities ahead.
Learn more about Western Washington Surf at https://westernwasurf.com/
