Joe Dugan is an experienced executive in sports management. He has more than 30 years of business experience in the technology, travel & tourism, real estate and sports industries.

 

A dynamic and experienced leader and former Division 1 collegiate student-athlete, Joe founded the San Francisco Elite Academy in 2014. Joe is the Executive Director & President, serving as the club’s top executive overseeing all aspects of business & soccer operations, strategic planning, and overall management of the club.  Joe is widely recognized to have a keen eye for developing & identifying talent - on and off the pitch. As a result SF Elite now offers national platforms for boys & girls, an unprecedented achievement in San Francisco. Additionally, the club now offers a men’s & a women’s team, completing the player pathway.
 

Joe works closely with SF Elite coaching directors on all aspects of the program. Additionally, Joe continues to ensure the long term financial stability of the SF Elite by launching the Raising the Game Campaign. This success has allowed him to attract and retain some of the most talented coaches, management & office staff in Northern California.  

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Joe believes in the importance of making a difference – professionally and personally. In addition to the San Francisco Elite Academy granting over $1,000,000 in financial aid since 2014 from the funds he has raised through private donations and community partners, he also volunteers with various community projects. Joe has dedicated his life to helping others succeed. Joe’s actions demonstrate his belief that when we give more, we become more. 

 

Joe retired from competitive soccer in 2005 following a distinguished 17-year playing career. Joe played at the University of San Francisco (USF) under legendary coach Steve Negoesco and for the Cork Corinthians from 1989-1990, winning the Beamish Cup in Cork, Ireland. The Corinthians also made the quarterfinals of the FAI Cup. After a season playing for the SF Glens in 1990-91 in the San Francisco Premier League, Joe accepted an offer to play professionally in Sydney, Australia first with Marconi and then with the Wollongong Wolves before settling in with Club Western Suburbs, located in Sydney. After returning to San Francisco, Joe competed for the original SF Glens in the SFSFL until 2005, winning the premier league title in 2001.

He lives in San Francisco with his wife Jenny and two children, Aidan and Ryan.

 

“I challenge you to become the best version of YOU. Join the ranks of others at SF Elite who have gone on to win State Cups, to earn college scholarships & become leaders in the community”

-Joe Dugan