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Napa Couple Launches Free Soccer Program—But Here's What They Risk Losing!

Staff

Staff

4 hours ago · Updated 4 hours ago

In an effort to combat the rising trend of kids spending more time indoors glued to video games and cellphones, two soccer enthusiasts from Napa, California, have created a vibrant community dedicated to encouraging outdoor play. Magali Ceballos and Enrique Fuentes launched Sorin Street Soccer in June 2025, providing a welcoming environment for children and teenagers to engage in soccer without the pressures of competitive leagues. Their focus is on fostering camaraderie and promoting healthy lifestyles rather than solely winning games.

The couple, who already coach recreational soccer, began their initiative by hosting pickup games on a basketball court at Vine Hill Park. “We started just because some of our rec players wanted to play during the summer, so we found a basketball court and hosted pickup games,” Ceballos said. The format allows players the freedom to switch between attacking and defending roles, enhancing creativity and enjoyment. “A lot of the kids enjoy it because they’re not in a fixed position,” she added.

What started with just a handful of players has now blossomed into a community of 15 to 30 participants each week, thanks to social media and word of mouth. “A couple kids from the neighborhood saw us playing and asked what we were doing, and then they started bringing their friends,” Ceballos explained.

Beyond casual games, Sorin Street Soccer organizes mini-tournaments and opportunities for kids to compete outside their local community, often with the assistance of local sponsors. “We want to give kids the opportunity to compete outside the community too, especially if they might not have the financial means,” Ceballos emphasized.

Fuentes sees this initiative as more than just a recreational activity. He notes that it helps players hone their skills without the burden of fees typically associated with organized sports. The games often feature a mix of older and younger kids, creating a mentoring environment where skills can be developed in a respectful setting. “Kids will make mistakes over and over, but they learn from those mistakes,” Fuentes said. “Creating an environment where kids can show up and know they won’t be judged helps them grow.”

This sense of community has resonated with local families. Yvonne Ting, who brings her sons, Andre and Austin Tsai, to practice, appreciates that the program connects youth regardless of their skills or socioeconomic backgrounds. Her husband, Alan Tsai, echoed this sentiment, stating, “Nowadays, the club soccer fees keep going up. Some very talented kids don’t have the resources to attend. This is an opportunity for them to polish their skills. Maybe be seen by a coach and move on to the club level.”

During the winter months, Ceballos and Fuentes partnered with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Napa Valley, transitioning to indoor futsal while maintaining the same street-soccer style. This collaboration allows them to utilize facilities at no cost, keeping participation free and connecting youth with additional resources. Michael Tillotson, the Director of Operations at the Boys & Girls Clubs, stated that the aim is to remove financial barriers and expand access to sports as costs continue to rise.

Fifteen-year-old Sebi Honig discovered Sorin Street Soccer while passing by Vine Hill Park one evening. “I saw them, I went over, and they asked if I wanted to play. They were super friendly,” he recalled. His father, Michael Honig, believes the program strikes a perfect balance, allowing kids to stay active while escaping the pressures typically associated with traditional club sports. “It was really his motivation, his interest … an opportunity for him to continue to improve his skills,” Honig said. “The group’s enthusiasm is infectious.”

For Ana Hernandez, Sorin Street Soccer offers a healthy distraction for her son, Julian Cortez, who has been participating for about a month. “I would tell other parents to bring their children because it allows them to socialize and compete with other children,” she said, expressing gratitude for the coaches’ dedication.

Sixteen-year-old Elian Hernandez became involved with Sorin Street Soccer not as a player, but as a photographer, after being invited by a teacher. His experience capturing the emotions of the game has been transformative. “This is more than just a little organization … they truly want to make an impact. They don’t do it for the money … this is plainly for the kids,” he remarked.

For anyone interested in joining this growing movement, here’s how to connect with Sorin Street Soccer:

Sorin Street Soccer is more than just a casual play program; it's a community initiative that underscores the importance of physical activity, teamwork, and personal growth. In a world increasingly dominated by screens, Ceballos and Fuentes are making a meaningful impact, providing a space for kids to thrive—both on and off the field.

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