The AV Sharks Soccer club was founded in December 1993, and was registered as a non profit organization in January 1994. The Club had its humble beginning with one team and a fathers and coaches big dreams. The dream belonged to the now President and Head Coach Leonel Cardona of forming a competitive soccer club for his sons Nathan and Leonel and nephew Leo Arabia....

He wanted to establish a club, not just any club but a club that truly belonged to the competitive player regardless of his financial situation and based on the players abilities and talents rather than the parents pocket book. With this dream in mind the Sharks, SC was formed. With no where to play, not recognized by anyone, practicing at the local elementary school, uniforms made by the mother of one of the boys they forged on. They played pickup games and practiced under the lights at the local city park (without permission) until a newly formed league in Palmdale took them in as a whole team.

These boys shocked everyone with their skill, enthusiasm, and determination. In spite of them being registered a BU14 team because a couple of the boys were older the majority were U-13 players. Leonel Cardona and Freddy Arabia with the help of their wives Terri Cardona and Silvia Arabia worked with these families and boys until they all were, not a team but a family. Not one paid coach, no paid trainers and no outrageous fee to have the privilege of being called a club player.

Year after year the club grew and became what it is today. A strong club, built and sustained by the same dream. Because of this we can pride ourselves in that the majority of our coaches are bilingual. They are typically the parent of a team member, and have played Semi pro or professionally in their country of origin and/or received training as a coach in other soccer organizations. The managers for the most part are the spouses of these coaches. The money raised either by fund-raiser, sponsorship or donation go completely to the teams and the players in the form of registration fees for those who cannot afford to pay, equipment, training & tournaments.

Ten years later and 12 teams strong the Sharks have earned top positions in the El Camino Real and the Coast Soccer Leagues. The Boys under 18 team coached by Leonel Cardona and lead by his son and team captain Nathan brought home a State Cup Championship for the Sharks in the 1998-1999 season. We are proud to play in these competitive leagues and be part of CYSA-S. Next year we will be blessed with three new teams and three new coaches all based on the same dream and principal. We hope to continue on for many years supporting the family structure through the game.

As we look back at that first team of boys we can honestly say the Sharks stand for PRIDE, LOYALTY and HONOR. United for the good of the player and the sport. The Sharks are "SOCCER" the way soccer was meant to be!

Proud Sponsors