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 2022, Ventura 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 Ventura Surf’s Ronny Shields to learn more about how Surf has helped their club, players, coaches, and administrators and their upcoming season goals:
What is the biggest value of being part of the Surf Nation community?
Being part of Surf Nation gives Ventura Surf access to a national network of elite-level clubs, best-in-class coaching methodologies, and player development opportunities. It provides players with a clear pathway to collegiate and professional levels while maintaining Surf’s high standards for excellence. The Surf brand also enhances player retention, tournament access, and overall player experience.
Additionally, being a part of Surf Nation means access to a shared philosophy of excellence, where Ventura Surf can implement best practices in training, club management, and player progression. It also allows Ventura Surf to compete in premier-level tournaments and leagues, offering their players a chance to play at a high-level consistently.
Beyond competition, the Surf brand carries a sense of credibility and prestige. Families recognize Surf as a proven pathway for development, making Ventura Surf an attractive choice for top-level players in the region. This helps the club grow and retain high-caliber athletes year after year.
Finally, the Surf network provides an unparalleled support system. From shared resources, coaching collaborations, and leadership guidance, Ventura Surf benefits from being aligned with one of the most well-respected soccer organizations in the country. This affiliation allows the club to continuously improve and offer the best possible experience for its players, coaches, and families.
What are some Club highlights from 2024 that really stood out?
Expansion of the FUNdamental Academy and Tiny Tots program provides the youngest players with a strong foundation in the game and fosters a lifelong love for soccer within the community. Strengthening player development and club leadership through the addition of top-tier coaching staff. Key hires include Andrew Montenegro (A License, UCSB Associate Head Coach), Shaun Callahan (C License, ODP Staff Coach), CJ O’Keeffe (C License Coach and Area Director), along with rising stars Coach Cam and Coach Clarissa. This diverse mix of experienced and emerging coaches has enriched the club’s training philosophy, bringing fresh perspectives and best practices to enhance player development.
Hosting elite-level finishing clinics led by some of the best in the game, including local legend Pat O’Brien, the technically brilliant Coach Ziggy, outstanding goalkeeping instruction from Coach Clarissa, and UCSB’s Andrew Montenegro. These sessions provided players with specialized training to sharpen their skills in high-pressure finishing scenarios.
There has been significant growth in player participation across Ventura County, with expansion into Thousand Oaks and a strengthened presence in Ojai. This growth has allowed the club to form stronger, more competitive teams by bringing together the best talent in the region, further solidifying Ventura Surf’s reputation as a premier destination for player development.
Ventura Surf has grown each year – when you look back, what do you contribute to that?
Ventura Surf’s rapid growth is a testament to its unwavering commitment to elite coaching, player development, and a thriving community culture. The club consistently attracts and develops top-tier talent by fostering a professional training environment with clear pathways for advancement. Players benefit from expert coaching, high-level competition, and a structured approach emphasizing technical excellence and character development.
Beyond the field, Ventura Surf’s strategic expansion into new areas like Thousand Oaks and Ojai has significantly broadened its reach, allowing more athletes to experience the club’s high standards. This growth has strengthened the player pool and created opportunities for regional select teams, ensuring that the most talented players in the area can train and compete at the highest level.
By continuously investing in coaching education, infrastructure, and player-centric programs, Ventura Surf has built a sustainable model for success and solidified its reputation as a premier soccer destination in the region.
Ventura Surf seems to invest in its coaches, and you seem to have built a great group of staff, both on and off the field, who are invested in the program—what’s the secret sauce?
The secret to Ventura Surf’s success lies in its strong club culture, built on collaboration, mentorship, and continuous learning. The club is committed to assembling a diverse and highly qualified coaching staff, including former professional and collegiate players, and investing in their ongoing development. More than just a team, Ventura Surf fosters a family-like atmosphere where coaches are deeply invested in the growth and success of their players and the club.
One of the club’s greatest strengths is its open and dynamic coaching environment, where staff members from diverse backgrounds bring unique insights and experiences to the table. Through a culture of shared learning, coaches exchange ideas, refine best practices, and integrate fresh perspectives into their training methodologies.
A defining feature of Ventura Surf’s coaching philosophy is its innovative staff meetings, where coaches gather in physical circles to encourage open dialogue and inclusivity. This structure ensures that every voice is heard, fostering an environment of trust and continuous improvement. Meetings conclude with discussions on challenges and solutions, reinforcing a collective commitment to raising the standard of coaching and player development. Ventura Surf continues to set the bar for excellence in the soccer community by prioritizing education, collaboration, and innovation.
As we are now in 2025, what are some of the KPI’s you have set for the Club?
In 2025, Ventura Surf is committed to advancing its mission of providing elite player development, top-tier competition, and a strong community-driven soccer culture. A key priority is increasing the number of top-tier tournaments for elite teams, ensuring players gain invaluable experience competing at the highest levels. To further support player progression, the club is expanding its development programs, introducing more specialized training in finishing, goalkeeping, and positional problem-solving to refine technical and tactical skills.
Staying true to its mission of creating clear pathways for players, Ventura Surf is actively strengthening partnerships with college programs, giving athletes increased exposure and greater opportunities to play at the next level. Additionally, the club is focused on sustainable growth, increasing membership while maintaining an exceptionally competitive club rate and ensuring that elite training remains both accessible and of high quality.
Beyond the pitch, Ventura Surf is deepening its connection with the community. Recognizing that a strong soccer culture extends beyond training sessions and match days, the club is launching new initiatives to enhance volunteer involvement and actively pursuing plans to develop its dedicated training complex. By aligning these efforts with its core mission—developing players, fostering a love for the game, and building a lasting legacy in youth soccer—Ventura Surf continues to raise the standard for excellence in the region.
Learn more about Ventura Surf at https://venturasurfsoccer.com/
