In tried and tested Protagonist Soccer method, we reached out to Inland Empire FC for a quick Spotlight article and owner/head coach Oswaldo “Ozzie” Moreno was happy to reply. He has worked as youth soccer coach with clubs like Chivas USA(SB)Pumas Academy, Golden State FC Riverside FC, Southern California SC(NPSL), and then he got involved with Inland Empire FC as an assistant coach, way back in its beginnings, in 2011. We asked Ozzie the basics…

When was the club founded and why? What's the origin story of Inland Empire FC?

2011 when the league started, we decided to make a team based in San Bernardino where young players will have the opportunity to play at a higher level if they didn’t have the opportunities of college ball. as a youth coach, my idea was to help place young players into college and universities and I keep doing so. 20+ players so far playing in college.

There are so many teams in Southern Cali, where do you draw your players from and how do you keep other clubs from recruiting them?

Since I've been involved with youth players, they come to us and they know we have a good program for the players that want to take advantage of it. They try to recruit the players and some of them leave but eventually they come back. we are like a family once you are here. we support each other on good and bad.

Some clubs are connected to a youth club, and some aren't - are you? If not, do any of your players or coaches spend time at other clubs that do work with youth teams?

We are planning to build a club where everyone has the opportunity to play without spending big amounts of money and with the training that will put them on top of the list when getting recruited. I have players that coach club as well.

Running a club can get expensive - do you have fans that show up and help you out a little bit? Do you depend on sponsorship? How do you cover all the associated costs?

It is expensive; however, we depend on our work, so everyone works and helps a little bit here and there but most of the expenses come from me. I would like to have sponsors so my burden is less. We had a sponsor for our uniforms this season.

Some teams just shut down in the off season. Once the season is over, when do you start getting ready for the next one? Do you take a break, or is it full time?

We don't take a long break because otherwise the players start getting out of shape and lose their touch sometimes.

What can we expect from Inland Empire FC in 2020? Pushing for a league title or just playing for fun? Where will we find you next season?

Winning the title is in the head of everyone and that's why we are here!! 2020 will be our year to compete and have fun competing at the same time.

Now what can you expect from a team and a coach that never give up. That's the answers.

If you want to sponsor Inland Empire FC, or just want a little more information, check them out here.