Our Experience with the Crusader Soccer League We had a terrible experience with the Crusader Soccer League before we even set foot on the field for the first practice. As several other parents have already warned, this organization had no warmth and was completely unwilling to issue refunds even though it was not our fault. If you try to ask for one, expect to be shamed, argued with, and stonewalled. Unless you're literally being rushed to the hospital or deployed overseas, there's no reason they'll bend for you. They'll gladly pocket the $150‑plus registration fees. Our interactions with multiple employees were especially disheartening. Communication was cold and combative, seemingly designed to make the process as painful as possible. Prospective families should be aware that the league does not accept in‑person birth certificates (Not shown anywhere on their site); they force you to upload the document to their online system and then trust that the child's digital safety will be protected. (Ironically, the system is known to have bugs that let you sidestep this requirement entirely, yet they still expect your trust...) We were disgusted by the lack of care and transparency and if there's any positives here, we're just relieved we won't be tied to this league for years to come. Enjoy the money we needed, hopefully it was worth it Crusaders. read more

Families are given little to no flexibility with scheduling. If you can't make the practice time they assign -- even if it's something like Monday at 4:00 PM -- you have no options. There is also no refund policy. At best, they offer a credit for the following season, but there's no guarantee they'll be able to accommodate you then either. The organization frequently sends out emails asking for volunteers and parents to step up as coaches, and they've mentioned not getting first choice on fields. It feels like they are losing families due to these arbitrary and one-sided policies. They promote inclusivity, but in practice it doesn't feel genuine. Once they have your money, customer service and flexibility seem to disappear. I would strongly recommend reconsidering involvement with Crusaders. When I raised concerns, Modesto stated that he "doesn't care about bad reviews or losing parents," which I found very disappointing. read more

What an outstanding organization! Transparent tryouts and honest feedback. Victor Melendez has done an outstanding job as new Director. He is building a genuine community that your kids can grow with. His experienced and diverse coaching staff is prepared to offer something for everyone - from recreational to elite competition. If you want to be a part of a special club and community - check out Crusaders!!! read more

I have had multiple experiences in the past few years with this organization. Poor communication being one of their biggest problems. I'm not sure it could be any worse. For a program that supports children and sports their lack of correspondence is terrible. It is distressing to parents, children, and the community. I have emailed each person on the list of contacts with no response from any of them. Other than calling my bank to reverse the cost of registration, I'm not sure how to get their attention. If anyone in the community has suggestions please let me know. I know I will not have my kids play with this league again. read more

Get it together, this club does not represent the best interest for your child! DON'T do it, if your considering this club there are so many other opportunities for your child to thrive. If you would like details on my experience do not hesitate to contact me, happy to share details. read more

I wish I could give 0 stars. I have never done a review before but want to save other families from going through this! The communication from this organization is terrible. We spent 5 years (10 seasons) with Crusaders due to having a wonderful volunteer coach. My daughter loved him and the team. But throughout the years there was always something...from delayed uniforms, to missing photos, to inconsistent communication...but we continued on. In retrospect, we probably shouldn't have. This spring 2024 season was the last straw. Our volunteer head coach was fired, they had our girls playing against boys, with no explanation given, and then our season was cancelled. On March 22nd we were offered the option of a refund from Victor Melendez, the Director of Coaching. Fast forward a few months and the organization has stopped responding to all emails and phone calls. I guess we're not getting our $195 back. DO NOT JOIN THIS LEAGUE. So many other good ones out there that actually care about families and kids. read more

A great match for our soccer-loving 13yo. Coaching staff is professional and approachable. Good camaraderie amongst players.

I don't know what the other two people have a problem with?? This league is one of the best. There are two seperate parts of the league competitive and recreational. If you plac rec soccer your coach is a volunteer, usually one of the players parents it can be really hit and miss. Competitive however has paid professional coaches, my sons coach also coaches the San Diego Sockers. You get what you pay for! My son loves soccer and he has learned so much since moving up to competitive. The price is high but if you break it down over a year span ( which is about how long the competitive season lasts) it isn't much more than other sports. Check out the website, this league is a top competitor in the county and will remain so with the talented coaches. If you wanna pay $80 for a season, you get a volunteer coach who may have little to no experience, quit complaining! read more

Crusaders Soccer - Soccer Near Me - San Diego, California

I agree. You are getting volunteer coaches on the rec side. However, these people are volunteering their time and spending their own money. If you do not like it, then you are more than welcome to volunteer yourself. On another note, this league is disorganized. There is no information on their website. The info that is there is old. Some as old as 2007!!!! Their website has old links that are dead. If you want people to join your league, for rec or club, you need to have a good internet presence!!!! read more

My daughter will be playing her 5th season of rec soccer with Crusaders. My son played 3 seasons of soccer before he decided he did not want to play any longer, due to a lack of interest in soccer and wanting to only play baseball. In all of the different seasons they have played between them there has only been one bad coach, but that is not the fault of the league as they are just volunteers at the rec level. My daughter will be playing during the upcoming spring season and will be with her same coach she had during the Fall season per our request. Scott one of the best rec coaches the league has for the division she is in. I always recommend Crusaders to anyone that is looking to put their child into soccer. read more

This program is so disorganized and unethical. i believe what a previous reviewer stated about them going broke. I signed my son up for soccer this fall season and once the coach gave out the day and time of practice,it did not work for my family. I contacted the coordinator Lauren Castillo and all I got was the runaround. They refused to put my son on a different team and refused to give me a refund, saying I could get credit. What a rip off!!! This is highly unethical and I will be pursuing legal action if they continue to refuse to give me my money back. SUCH A DISAPPOINTMENT FOR THE SAN CARLOS COMMUNITY!! Consider Oranje Soccer instead. read more

I have all 3 of my children playing in the competitive league for CSC and all I can do is sing its praises. The time and effort put forth by the head coach Rene Miramontes, in hiring qualified coaches is above and beyond anything I could ever imagine. All 3 of my children have made amazing strides in their athletic development. All 3 of them are goalkeepers and have the most amazing coach. Victor Melendez is tough, fun, but very rigorous. His expectations are high and he holds his players to the highest quality of play. I believe CSC is the only league which actually offers a fulltime goalkeeper coach. Makes a huge difference when you play other teams and see how their goalkeepers lack in the skills necessary to make accurate, and crucial on the spot decisions during a game. My family and I love CSC and would not go anywhere else. read more

Love the coaches here! My child has learned so much from CSC. I do not get involved in Soccer Politics, all clubs have their ups and downs with Presidents and coaches, etc. I choose to stay out of the drama, my only goal is for my child to learn and have a great experience (win or lose). CSC has met all my expectations and then some. read more

Most disorganized kids soccer club in San Diego. Hard to reach. Rude. Condescending. Total chaos. If you're looking for a soccer league for your child-- LOOK ELSEWHERE!!!!!! read more

Rumor on the street is that they are going broke. They are known for poor management and have been for the past 5 years. Our experience here was lousy. They gave us a great coach but didn't tell the families that his contract expired at the end of the year. So all of our GU12 players and families just moved to the Del Mar Sharks. So did the GU14s. Local quality clubs are Fusion, Oranje, Liverpool, United, Hotspurs, Albion and Sharks. Friends from school are happy at Liverpool, Oranje and United. Try out anywhere else but CSC. Make sure you like the coach wherever you go. Good luck! read more

Both my sons have played soccer in Crusaders with the oldest trying Competitive last year with a new team in Lakeside - not good. The other played Recreation with Crusaders and just did Future Stars with Coach Eric and we were very happy with that. I was impressed by the coaches, they were very good. My son really liked it and was upset when he had to miss with an illness. I wish they had this a few years ago. read more

Our family and cousins have played for CSC for many years. One received a full scholarship at the most expensive high in SD playing soccer and later college, another one played soccer at the Air Force Academy. CSC has decent fields and good coaching. Like ALL soccer clubs coaches come and go. The club is one of the oldest in San Diego and by no means is going broke, read more