Who We Are

Golden City FC was built on a simple idea: football has the power to shape a city’s identity. From our first conversations to our first training session, our mission has been to create a club that reflects the ambition, diversity, and creative energy of San Francisco.

We are not here to imitate traditional football culture — we are here to redefine it.
Our approach blends world-class performance standards with the spirit of a city known for innovation and bold ideas. Every decision we make, from our academy philosophy to our community initiatives, is driven by long-term vision rather than shortcuts.

At Golden City FC, people come first.
Players, coaches, staff, supporters, partners — each one plays a real role in shaping who we are. We believe in clarity, honesty, and a culture where hard work is matched by imagination. The result is a club built not just to compete, but to evolve, inspire, and grow alongside the community we represent.

San Francisco is a place where ideas rise — and so do we.
This is a club designed for the future: ambitious, modern, and rooted in the belief that football can be both competitive and meaningful.

Golden City FC: A new chapter for the sport, and a new symbol for the city we call home.

Founders

Ethan Marlowe — CEO & Club President

Ethan Marlowe is a former tech executive who spent more than a decade developing global products in Silicon Valley before shifting his focus to football. Born in Seattle and raised in a family of coaches, Ethan always believed the Bay Area deserved a club that matched the city’s ambition and innovation.
His vision is centered on three pillars: long-term sustainability, world-class player development, and a community-first identity. Ethan leads Golden City FC with a structured, analytical mindset while keeping the soul of the sport at the core of every decision. His leadership style is transparent, strategic, and relentlessly future-oriented.

Javier Castillo — Sporting Director

Javier Castillo is a former midfielder from Colombia who played professionally in South America before moving into talent development. For the last 12 years, he has been one of the most respected youth development specialists in the United States, leading academies that produced MLS and national team players.
Javi brings a football-first perspective to Golden City FC: modern scouting, data-supported decisions, and a strong belief in giving young players meaningful opportunities. His passion is infectious, and his impact is visible both on the field and inside the locker room.

Lucas Wen — Chief Brand & Strategy Officer

Lucas Wen is a San Francisco–born brand strategist known for turning bold ideas into culturally relevant identities. Before joining Golden City FC, he spent more than a decade leading creative direction for global sports, tech, and lifestyle brands.
With a background that blends design thinking, storytelling, and community engagement, Lucas is responsible for shaping the club’s visual identity, fan experience, and long-term cultural impact. His philosophy is simple: a football club should reflect the heartbeat of its city — authentic, ambitious, and forward-moving.
Lucas brings clarity, creativity, and strategic depth to every part of Golden City FC’s identity, ensuring the club stands out not just on the pitch, but in the culture of San Francisco.