On Friday afternoons at Muirwood Park in Pleasanton, the field looks a little different in the best way possible. It’s here that Pleasanton RAGE Girls Soccer Club’s TOPSoccer Program comes to life, playing the beautiful game and reminding us what sports are all about.
Pleasanton RAGE’s TOPSoccer program is designed for girls and boys ages 6–18 with intellectual, emotional, and physical disabilities, creating a space where every athlete can participate, connect, and simply enjoy the game. With the support of professional staff coaches and volunteer “buddy” coaches, many of whom are high school-aged players from Pleasanton RAGE and Ballistic United Soccer Clubs, each session is built around inclusion, patience, camaraderie, and fun.
What makes TOPSoccer special is not just the structure of the program, but the environment it creates. The impact extends beyond the players on the field, with meaningful growth for both participants and their youth buddy coaches. Players are supported at their own pace, friendships form naturally, and families become part of a welcoming and supportive community. It is a reminder that access to sport is critical for all, and every player deserves a place on the field.
As programs like TOPSoccer continue to grow, they are strengthened by a broader community of support. From volunteers and families to local organizations and businesses, it takes a collective effort to create spaces like this where every player can thrive.
If you’re interested in learning more about TOPSoccer, supporting the program, registering a player, or volunteering, we’d love to connect.
Please visit: https://pleasantonrage.org/topsoccer
TOPSoccer Coach, Lauren Candia: lauren@pleasantonrage.org
Business Development Director, Yami Ramirez: yami@pleasantonrage.org
