MEET THE CAPO FC PRESIDENT

Peter Carey is not only the President and Club Director of CAPO FC, he is also a Marine Corp Veteran, resident, and small business owner in San Juan Capistrano. Soccer has been part of his life since the age of 5. After his service in the Marines, he began coaching in local Recreation Leagues. All-in-all, Carey has been actively coaching competitive soccer and servicing his community for over 20 years.

“I started coaching a year after I got out of the Marine Corps and realized how important it was for kids to be involved in team sports,” states Carey. “I knew about leadership and mentorship and wanted to do my part. It didn’t take long for me to realize this was definitely my calling. I’ve been on this wave ever since, and I thank God for the relationships and close-knit family this game has brought me.”

Peter was raised in a passionate soccer family with his two brothers by their single mother; she worked two jobs throughout their childhood to be able to give them the opportunity to play competitive sports. “My mom knew that playing sports would be a great way to keep us busy and off the streets. I’m so grateful for the sacrifices she made for us.”

As a youth, Carey played for the Original San Clemente Soccer Club coached by Clyde Best (West Ham United), Martin McGrogan (Coventry), Paul Cahill (Portsmouth), Laurie Abrahams (Charlton Athletic), and at San Clemente High School coached by Mike Pronier. After High School, Coach Carey joined the United States Marine Corps where he proudly served with Marine Light Helicopter Squadron 267 (HMLA – 267) from 1994-1999. Carey currently holds a BA in Organizational Leadership through Cal Baptist University, USSF National C, NFHS, NSCAA Level 6, and is a licensed Cal South Youth Coaching Instructor.

In 2006, Coach Carey founded Capistrano Football Club (Capo FC). His goal was to create a club in the community that would provide a path for all players to participate, develop, and grow regardless of background and without the financial hardship. He knew they had local talent; however, a lot of that talent was being wasted due to the “pay to play” system that runs the vast majority of clubs in California.

“When we began in 2006, we started with just three teams. By 2010, we had grown to more than 20 teams and were competing at every level. Our players were earning spots on their high school teams and continuing their journeys through college. Soccer became our pathway to developing young leaders, not just athletes. We implemented homework clubs, leadership initiatives, and mentorship programs because we believed in supporting the whole person. We could see the difference we were making in our community, and the results spoke for themselves. That growth has been incredibly rewarding, and today our efforts have come full circle. We are proud to now have 30 youth teams competing in SoCal Soccer League, NPL, USL Academy, along with our senior teams participating in the US Open Cup, USL League Two, USL Women’s, and NISA professional soccer leagues”

Carey is currently the Head Coach at St. Margaret’s Episcopal School. Prior to St. Margaret’s, his list of coaching credentials include:

1. 2006-Current – California Premier League and Capistrano F.C. – Director/Founder/Pro Team Head Coach
2. 20023-Current – St. Margaret’s Episcopal School (SMES) – Head Varsity Coach & Middle School Soccer Coach
3. 2021-2023 – JSerra Catholic High School – Varsity Coach
4. 2018-2021 – St. Margaret’s Episcopal School (SMES) – Head Varsity Coach, MS Coach, Student Advisory, and Upper School Student Dean
5. 2011-2017 – San Juan Hills High School – Head Varsity Coach
6. 2009-2018 – Irvine Valley College – Assistant Coach with the Men’s & Women’s Program
7. 2008-2011 – Capistrano Valley High School – Coached Boys Soccer
8. 2007-2008 – Capistrano Valley Christian School – Girls Varsity Head Coach
9. 2006-2008 – Chivas USA Academy – Youth Coach
10. 2000-2006 – San Juan Soccer League – Youth Coach

Carey and his wife, Natty live here in San Juan Capistrano with their 4 kids: Anthony, Eric, Carlos, and Mia. Carey has been an active member of Calvary Chapel Church since childhood. Along with his wife, they own and operate Capistrano Boxing Gym & Bold As Lions Academy.