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USL San Diego Loyal

SD Loyal Launches Skateboard Collaboration with Willy Santos

July 21, 2023 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
San Diego Loyal News Release


SAN DIEGO - San Diego Loyal SC announced today that it has partnered with legendary skateboarder Willy Santos and his online skateboard shop, Willys Workshop, to launch a first of its kind SD Loyal x Willy Santos skateboard deck. The innovative collaboration unites soccer and skateboarding, celebrating two of the world's most iconic sports.

Featuring the classic dog character used on Willy Santos Birdhouse decks of the late 90's and early 2000's, a limited edition run of the skateboard deck is available now, in-person only at The Shop @ SD Loyal in Mission Valley (open Monday-Saturday 12-5 p.m.) and online at willysworkshop.com.

"In our four-year history, this is the most unique collaboration we've been a part of," said SD Loyal President, Ricardo Campos. "A skateboarding legend and San Diego's own, Willy Santos has been a loyal ambassador to our club since day one. Skateboarding culture in San Diego is authentic and bold, characteristics shared by our most dedicated supporters and fans. This was a special way to pay homage across both sports."

Born in the Philippines, Santos and his family settled in Mira Mesa as his father was a US Navy engineer. Santos began competing in amateur skate tournaments locally in San Diego and turned pro at the age of 15. One of the skateboard industry's first Filipino pioneers, Santos would later team up with San Diego's Tony Hawk as part of the Birdhouse Project. Along with landing his own Vans signature shoe in 1997, Santos would go earn numerous accolades and be featured in countless skateboarding magazines and videos.

"The similarities I see between soccer and skateboarding are uncanny," said Willys Workshop owner and founder, Willy Santos. "Both sports bring people together in a unique way. The passion and intensity I see from the fans at SD Loyal home games is the same spirit I see from neighborhood kids getting together at local skateparks. It's a togetherness that goes beyond the sport. It was really exciting to come together to merge that passion through a skateboard collaboration."

For more information about Willy Santos and Willys Workshop, visit willysworkshop.com.

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