San Diego Loyal Soccer Team Launches Skateboard Collaboration with Willy Santos

Blair Alley
·2 min read

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.

Loyal to his SD soil
Loyal to his SD soil

Featuring the classic dog character used on Willy Santos Birdhouse decks of the late 90s and early 2000s, 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."

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 Birdhouse Projects.

“The similarities I see between soccer and skateboarding are uncanny,” said 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.”

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