A Legacy in the Making
San Francisco City Football Club, founded in 2001, holds the distinction of being the oldest community‑owned soccer team in the United States. From its inception, the club has been built on a supporter‑driven governance model that places decision‑making power in the hands of its members, who vote on key club matters and receive season tickets and merchandise as part of their stake in the organization.
The club’s visual identity — iron and gold — mirrors the city’s own colors and motto, reinforcing a sense of belonging that extends beyond the pitch. This ethos stands in stark contrast to the profit‑first approach of many professional outfits, as SF City FC continually emphasizes community representation and local engagement.
Kezar’s Past and Future
Kezar Stadium, a historic venue nestled in Golden Gate Park, first opened its gates in 1925 and was rebuilt in the 1980s. Over the decades it has hosted everything from NFL games featuring the 49ers to major cultural festivals, cementing its role as a symbolic heart of San Francisco’s sporting heritage.
The recent announcement that Golden City FC will lease Kezar under a 15‑year agreement has forced SF City FC to temporarily relocate to Cox Stadium. While the move presents logistical challenges, the club’s supporters have rallied, maintaining traditions such as the Kezar Union’s vibrant chants and the practice of letting children serve as ball‑kids, preserving the match‑day atmosphere that defines the club’s identity.
Beyond the senior side, SF City FC invests heavily in youth development, partnering with local organizations like the San Francisco Vikings to provide pathways for aspiring players. This commitment to grassroots growth underscores the club’s broader mission: to weave soccer into the cultural fabric of the city while honoring its storied past.