8-year-old Vin Ferrarese pushes limits and inspires us all—on his way to Nationals, one stride at a time.”

Over the past eleven years, Mendocino County Soccer Academy (MCSA) has grown from a small grassroots program into a thriving organization serving over 1,000 young athletes county-wide. With nineteen competitive select teams and three primary programs, MCSA has built a reputation for helping rural athletes reach bigger stages and achieve incredible success.

Take Allie Huff, for example. Allie started with our Grassroots program at age three, played up two age groups on our girls’ select team for six years, and now trains with some of the best players in Northern California. Her commitment, combined with MCSA’s developmental philosophy, led her to the U.S. Youth National Soccer Training Camp in Chula Vista—competing among the best players in the country. Allie’s story is a testament to what’s possible when talent meets opportunity, even in small communities like ours.

Now, Mendocino County is celebrating another young athlete. Vincent “Vin” Ferrarese, just eight years old from Elk, has qualified for the National Cross Country Meet after placing 10th at the regional meet in Fresno with an impressive 2K time of 8:23. Vin will represent Mendocino County at the Blue River Course in Shelbyville, Indiana this weekend, showing once again that big dreams can take root in small places.

Vin’s success didn’t happen alone. Motivated by his older brother Dom, who inspired the family to set training goals and stick to them, the Ferrarese family embraced hard work and commitment. This same dedication—combined with the launch of MCSA’s new Cross Country program—has helped Vin thrive.

“Vin’s story is a perfect example of what happens when kids are given opportunities to push themselves, set big goals, and receive consistent support,” says Coach Michael Teagardin, MCSA Cross Country Director. “We’re not just teaching kids to run—we’re helping them discover their own potential, step by step.”

For Shane Huff, MCSA Co-Founder and President, Vin’s story represents both a continuation and a new chapter.

 “When we started MCSA over a decade ago, we wanted to give kids in Mendocino County the chance to play, compete, and grow at a higher level. We’ve seen what’s possible in soccer—NCS championships, college athletes, and national team opportunities. Now, with our expansion into other sports, we’re evolving into the Mendocino County Sports Academy. We’re building pathways in soccer, wrestling, swimming, track, and flag football.”

MCSA’s soccer success has always been rooted in a philosophy of long-term development, community focus, and a belief that small-town athletes deserve the same opportunities as

Allie Huff (right) represents Mendocino County at the U.S. Youth National Soccer Training Camp in Chula Vista, training with some of the country’s best young players.

kids in larger cities. That philosophy is now the foundation for a much bigger vision: the Mendocino County Sports Academy—a multi-sport hub designed to help athletes of all backgrounds grow, compete, and achieve their goals.

“This is a special time for our community,” says MCSA’s Executive Director Ian Fitzpatrick. “We’ve proven that small-town kids can succeed at the highest levels with the right support and structure. Vin—and the Ferrarese family’s commitment—is just the beginning. Expanding into new sports allows more kids to discover their passions, develop life skills, and reach for their potential.”

Vin’s story captures what MCSA has always been about hard work, community support, and believing that small-town kids can achieve big dreams. Whether on the soccer field, the cross-country course, the wrestling mat, or the pool, the Mendocino County Sports Academy is here to help every child discover what’s possible.

Vin will compete on the national stage this weekend, but his story is just the beginning.

Stay tuned over the coming weeks as we roll out exciting details about our new wrestling, swimming, flag football, and track and field programs, which will launch this spring. If Vin’s success inspires you, imagine what your child could achieve.

Big dreams are happening here, and Mendocino County Sports Academy is just getting started.

Follow Vin’s journey and stay connected as Mendocino County Sports Academy launches new opportunities for kids across our community. Visit mendocinosports.com for updates.