How it all statred

Apple Valley Storm Soccer Club was originally established in 1993, serving the High Desert with a small number of teams over the years. While the club existed consistently, it remained limited in size and opportunity. In 2009, Paul Casarez took over leadership of Apple Valley Storm with a clear vision for the future. At that time the club had only 2 to 4 teams, which created a major challenge — the Coast Soccer League required a minimum number of teams in order to host home games. Paul was told that Apple Valley Storm could keep its home games, but only if the club reached at least 7 teams.That moment became the turning point. Rather than focusing on growth through sheer numbers, the vision was to build quality over quantity — to create a strong club that could retain local players, stop the constant migration “down the hill,” and provide a legitimate high-level soccer pathway within the High Desert. The goal was to open doors that had never been opened before for local players. Immediately, the work began. In that same year, the club grew to five teams, then quickly reached the required 7 teams. The following years saw steady intentional growth:

  • 12 teams
  • 14 teams
  • 17 teams
  • and continued expansion as the club’s foundation strengthened

A key moment in Apple Valley Storm’s rebuilding process came when Cal South State Cup events were hosted by Apple Valley Storm at Brewster Park Soccer Complex. Serving as the host club for these State Cup events allowed Apple Valley Storm to generate vital revenue, while also establishing Brewster Park as a true soccer destination in the High Desert. Hosting State Cup at Brewster Park Soccer Complex not only helped financially support the club’s growth, but also accelerated the development process by reinvesting directly into teams, operations, and long-term stability. This period played a significant role in strengthening the club’s foundation and supporting its expansion into higher levels of competition. The next major objective was clear, reach the Premier level of Coast Soccer League, which at the time was the highest league available. All major clubs and academies competed there, and breaking into that level had long seemed out of reach. That changed in 2017, when the 2002 Boys team, coached by Paul Casarez, earned promotion into Coast Soccer League Premier Division. In the very first season, the team accomplished something historic —winning the league outright, competing against 15 team league, including five academy programs, in the fall season. That success opened doors that had previously been closed. Apple Valley Storm teams were finally accepted into elite tournaments such as Surf Cup and Manchester City Cup, creating new opportunities and exposure for players across the club. From there, the momentum carried forward into other age groups. Since that breakthrough, Apple Valley Storm has continued to grow its reputation on a regional and national level, earning:

  • Three National Championships
  • Multiple National and State Cup titles
  • Multiple Regional championships
  • Success in the National League

As of 2026, Apple Valley Storm stands at 25 competitive teams competing in SoCal League, with national exposure and a proven pathway for High Desert players. At one point, the club was ranked #62 boys club in the nation, a milestone that reflected how far the program had come from its early days. What began as a small local club has become a respected name in youth soccer — built through vision, persistence, and a commitment to giving High Desert players the opportunity to compete at the highest levels without leaving home.

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Storm's Journey

A legacy of excellence since 1993

1993

The Beginning

Apple Valley Storm Soccer Club is established, providing youth soccer opportunities in the High Desert. In the early years, the club fields a small number of teams and maintains a consistent local presence.

2009

The Turning Point

In 2009, Paul Casarez takes over Apple Valley Storm with a clear vision: build quality over quantity, retain local talent, and create a legitimate High Desert pathway to high-level soccer.

At the time, the club had 2–4 teams and faced challenges hosting home games in the Coast Soccer League.

That year:

• The club rapidly grows to 5 teams, then 7 teams

• Apple Valley Storm earns the right to host home matches

• A long-term development plan is set in motion

2010–2017

Building the Foundation

Storm continues steady, intentional growth:

• Expansion to 12 teams, then 14 teams, and beyond

• Emphasis on coaching, structure, and competitive standards

• Apple Valley Storm hosts Cal South State Cup events at Brewster Park Soccer Complex, generating revenue and reinvesting directly into club growth

• Brewster Park becomes a recognized soccer destination in the High Desert

2017

Premier League Breakthrough

The 2002 Boys team, coached by Paul Casarez, earns promotion into the Coast Soccer League Premier Division, the highest level at the time.

🏆 Historic Achievement

In their first season, the team:

• Wins the Premier Division outright

• Competes against 15 teams, including 5 academy programs

• Opens doors to elite tournaments such as Surf Cup and Manchester City Cup

This moment changes the trajectory of the club.

2018–Present

National Recognition

With doors now open at the highest levels:

• Apple Valley Storm earns 3 National Championships

• Wins multiple National Cup and Regional titles

• Competes successfully in the National League

• At one point, ranks #62 boys club in the nation

2026

Storm Today

• 25 competitive teams

• Competing in the SoCal League

• Serving players from Apple Valley, Victorville, Hesperia