SDFC execs reach out ahead of new season, dedicating court in Colina del Sol
Dante Ulanday - News Moderator 
San Diego FC held a court dedication at Colina Del Sol Park on Saturday morning to celebrate the club’s Parks & Pitches multi-sport courts initiative.
Among the speakers were SDFC founding partner and club chairman Sir Mohamed Mansour, founding partner and club vice-chairman Cody Martinez, chief executive officer Tom Penn and Qualcomm executive vice president Don McGuire.
“What an amazing job that has been done here,” said Mansour, hours ahead of the start to the team’s second season. “Thank you to all the boys and girls who came out here today to practice on the court, including our wonderful Right To Dream Academy kids. We spent the whole day with them yesterday and it was so touching. Most off all, I want to thank the people of San Diego for your support and trust in us.”
SDFC’s Parks & Pitches initiative develops courts and fields in public parks into play spaces centered around soccer. The club adopted a hyperlocal, community-centric approach to work directly with the community, local artists and youth on the spaces.
Penn called Saturday “a step forward in partnership” with the community after SDFC staff did a full day of service and clean up of the park.
“It’s just so special to be back in this historic place that has serviced so many people for so many years,” he said. “It’s just an honor to be a force for good for all of you in this community.”
The pitches are enhanced with art installations, along with programming and local vendors, in hopes of bringing together community members of all ages. The Colina Del Sol Recreation Center also received donations of soccer gear, benches and other equipment Saturday. It’s all available to community members at no additional cost.
“We are so proud of this partnership and our continued commitment to San Diego,” McGuire said.
The event also included the heads of the Italian branch of the Royal House of Bourbon. Prince Charles and Princess Camilla, and their daughters, Princess Carolina of Bourbon and Princess Maria Chiara of Bourbon, among other international representatives, attended the dedication.
