San Francisco Seals Origin Story
SF Seals Origin Story
The San Francisco Seals began in 1981 when founder Tom Simpson established the San Francisco United Soccer Club. He wanted to give his talented sons and their friends a place to play after college since there were limited soccer-playing opportunities after graduation. Starting as a U-19 youth team, we quickly rose to prominence in Northern California soccer. Early highlights included a semifinal run at the 1984 Gothia Cup in Sweden and a stunning victory over Santos FC in Brazil during international tours across Europe and South America, showcasing our growing reputation as a "super club."
In the early 1990s, we transitioned into a senior amateur team in the renowned San Francisco Soccer Football League (SFSFL). As the San Francisco United All Blacks, we clinched multiple league titles with a roster of local talent and international players from countries like Brazil, Ireland, and Russia. In 1997, we stepped onto the professional stage in the USISL D-3 Pro League as the San Francisco Bay Seals. That year, our unpaid, passion-fueled squad—featuring bartenders, construction workers, and even a sports reporter—made history by reaching the semifinals of the 1997 US Open Cup, nearly upsetting MLS side Kansas City in a penalty shootout.
In 1997, SF Seals, featuring our Director of Coaching Shani Simpson and technical Director Shane Watkins, was named "Team of the Year" by USA Today.
From our grassroots origins to our Cinderella run in the Open Cup, the San Francisco Bay Seals embody the spirit of soccer: relentless dedication, diverse talent, and a deep love for the game. Our story is one of community and triumph, and we’re proud to carry that legacy forward.
For an in-depth look at the history behind the SF Seals, click below!
15 former Seals youth players have gone on to play for the National Team. An astounding 43 players who have worn the Seals shirt have gone on to play professionally for teams all around the world.
The SF Seals currently manage over 60 teams, boys and girls, from U8-U19 plus a highly competitive U23 college prep program. Our teams span all levels from SFYS recreational and upper house leagues to NorCal competitive travel teams. In addition, a full pathway for MLS Next teams from ages U13-U19 (excluding U18).
The SF Seals supports the passions of our youth players and understands that being on a team and working together to grow and learn is important to youth development. Our soccer program is aligned with the U.S. Soccer Development Academy guidelines established to help players learn and compete in the global world of soccer.
Historical Facts
Youth Soccer History
SF Seals are 45 years old and the first and only youth club in San Francisco’s history to grow into a professional franchise
First SF youth club to travel to Europe, 1985 (Sweden, Germany, and Ireland)
The Second American Youth Soccer Club to play in the Northern Ireland Milk Cup in 1985
First SF Youth Club to play in Brazil against professional clubs, 1989
First SF youth soccer club to win a State Cup in USYSA in 1990 and 1991
First to win the Regional champion in USYSA 1990
First SF club to play in the USYSA National championship (McGuire Cup Final) 1990
Only the San Francisco Club won the International Cup of Minnesota “USA Cup” in 1990
Only the San Francisco Club to win the Denver International Cup 1991
The only youth club in San Francisco history to become a professional franchise, and oneof a small group of clubs in United States history to accomplish this rare feat.
Adult Soccer History: 1992-2009
Playing as SFUSC, we were the first and only youth team to enter senior men’s soccer “SFSFL” after being prevented by CYSA from playing in USYSA in 1992. We reached the final of the State Cup Open Championship in 1992.
The founding member of the USL in the United States Western Region, featuring primarily under-19 players in 1991, became the second professional soccer club in San Francisco, and the first to last more than a single season (11 matches)
The only SF USL2 club to win five division titles (93, 94, 95, 96, and 97), four regional championships (94, 95, 96, 97), and three national championship finals (95, 96, and 97).
The first US professional soccer club to play international matches in China in 1997 and in Vietnam in 1998, representing San Francisco in Sister Cities Competitions. The 1998 match was a historic event, marking the first time the US and Vietnamese flags flew side by side since the end of the Vietnam War.
US Open Cup D3 national championship 1997
