Editor’s Note: Every quarter, US Club Soccer announces the most recent class of Players First-licensed clubs. In the weeks to follow, the newest clubs will be highlighted with Q&As from their directors.

Q: Why did San Jose Surf first apply for Players First licensing?

Jodi Washington, Girls Director: San Jose Surf applied for Players First licensing to confirm and validate how we structured the club and if the path we chose fell in line with US Club Soccer’s expectations.

Q: What does it mean for San Jose Surf to now be an official Players First-licensed club?

Washington: This licensing provides validation that our club is truly centered around nurturing, developing and influencing our players lives in a positive manner, both on and off the field.

Q: What makes Players First licensing different from other initiatives or programs your club has participated in?

Washington: The fact that Players First licensing is offered directly from US Club Soccer is an immediate differentiator. In addition, it shines a light on other clubs who align with the same principles we believer are important to growing the future of this sport and the kids as participating members.

Q: What would you like the parents of San Jose Surf to know about what this means to them?

Washington: We’d like the Surf parents to know that our club has done it right. We have developed a plan of action that will grow their kids as players, individuals and contributing members of society, whether they continue playing this game or head in a different direction.