About
Soccer With A Purpose (SWAP) is a youth soccer organization that offers private training, a Technical Development Program (TDP), teams, and other youth soccer training and play. The program began as a private training program rooted in a passion for player development and later expanded its activities to include a full range of youth soccer options.
• Ages: 5–18 years old
Founded in 2009, Soccer With A Purpose (SWAP) evolved into a full soccer club in 2015 to give players a complete club experience built on strong values and high standards. The program is based out of San Gabriel and trains and plays on some of the best facilities in the area. It offers several programs to help players accomplish their set goals and aims to provide the environment that is most suitable for each player and their needs. The professional coaching staff is described by the program as one of the best in all of Southern California, and the club is committed to providing the highest quality of training for players.
Rafa leads the program and has over 25 years of playing and coaching experience at nearly every level of the game. He played college soccer at Cal State LA and professionally in Mexico, and has coached at the youth, Development Academy, high school, college, and international levels. His experience includes being named U.S. Development Academy National Coach of the Year in 2008 and serving as an assistant coach for the Mexican Women’s National Team during their Olympic qualification. He has led the girls’ program at Gabrielino High School since 2012. Rafa’s philosophy centers on teaching the game the right way and developing individuals to elevate the entire team.
Soccer With A Purpose (SWAP) was created to promote a balanced approach to soccer development, academic success, and community service to shape responsible, well-rounded young athletes. The program states that it was created to promote a balanced approach to soccer development, academic success, and community service. Its slogan is “SOCCER WITH A PURPOSE Play and train for the audience of ONE!” Rafa has said, “The key is to find and use the right tools that can help each individual become motivated enough to do everything it takes to achieve their personal goals. You want players hungry to become better. If they get better, the whole team gets better. It’s never the other way around. To me, that’s player development and that’s what I strive to accomplish in every session.”
Last updated March 26, 2026.
• Ages: 5–18 years old
Founded in 2009, Soccer With A Purpose (SWAP) evolved into a full soccer club in 2015 to give players a complete club experience built on strong values and high standards. The program is based out of San Gabriel and trains and plays on some of the best facilities in the area. It offers several programs to help players accomplish their set goals and aims to provide the environment that is most suitable for each player and their needs. The professional coaching staff is described by the program as one of the best in all of Southern California, and the club is committed to providing the highest quality of training for players.
Rafa leads the program and has over 25 years of playing and coaching experience at nearly every level of the game. He played college soccer at Cal State LA and professionally in Mexico, and has coached at the youth, Development Academy, high school, college, and international levels. His experience includes being named U.S. Development Academy National Coach of the Year in 2008 and serving as an assistant coach for the Mexican Women’s National Team during their Olympic qualification. He has led the girls’ program at Gabrielino High School since 2012. Rafa’s philosophy centers on teaching the game the right way and developing individuals to elevate the entire team.
Soccer With A Purpose (SWAP) was created to promote a balanced approach to soccer development, academic success, and community service to shape responsible, well-rounded young athletes. The program states that it was created to promote a balanced approach to soccer development, academic success, and community service. Its slogan is “SOCCER WITH A PURPOSE Play and train for the audience of ONE!” Rafa has said, “The key is to find and use the right tools that can help each individual become motivated enough to do everything it takes to achieve their personal goals. You want players hungry to become better. If they get better, the whole team gets better. It’s never the other way around. To me, that’s player development and that’s what I strive to accomplish in every session.”
Last updated March 26, 2026.
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