Community Spotlight: PLAY Soccer

PLAY Soccer is on a mission to create the most child-centric soccer program ever. Their flexible program, based in the South Bay, helps kids discover the joy of soccer in an inclusive environment that fosters skill development, lifelong friendships, and a commitment to positive change both on and off the field.

This is a sponsored post.

Community Spotlight: PLAY Soccer

Tell us about PLAY Soccer.

We started PLAY Soccer about 7 months ago, and wow, has it been a wild ride! We opened our first location in Manhattan Beach at the Mira Costa High School in January and our second location in Torrance at the HIT Factory Los Angeles in March.

What inspired you to launch PLAY Soccer?

I played soccer as a child for a few years but had a pretty discouraging experience when I was around 8 years old. I was playing in a local, parent-led league on the “Oreo Stallions” (I am 90% sure of the team name; that is what my mom remembers it as).

We were going back out to play after halftime when I suddenly got passed the ball. Incredibly excited, I began running as fast as possible towards the goal, took an opportunity, and made what I thought was a game-defining goal. The reaction was loud, and in my celebration, I didn’t realize that people were screaming mean things at me. Apparently, I didn’t realize that at halftime, the goal you are scoring in switches as you change ends! I had scored a goal into the wrong net, the other team’s goal. Eeek! I was afraid, and rightfully so, as the coach was livid. The aftermath was so bad that it pulled me away from team sports for years. 

Very simply, I started PLAY Soccer to give children an opportunity to be introduced to the game of soccer without ever having to worry about having anything like this happen to them. That is why our mission is to create the most child-centric soccer program ever.

What is one of your proudest moments?

We have all sorts of children who attend our programs, from confident to shy, excited to scared, etc. Soccer can be a scary sport with all the kids on the field, passionate parents, and tall coaches. But it’s really special to watch a child come out of their shell, grow in confidence, and become an active participant in class.

Our coaches and I are educators first and coaches second. So, for us, it is incredibly validating to watch kids absorb lessons that we know will carry them far beyond the soccer field into whatever life has in store for them in the future.

What can families expect when signing up with PLAY Soccer?

Funny enough, everything at PLAY Soccer starts with a smile, a high-five, and, most importantly, a name tag. I firmly believe that learning is easier and more engaging when you are communicated to by name.

You’ll get checked in and head over to your field first. Depending on your group, you will meet Coach Donovan, Aidan, Daniel, Rogelio, or Jared. Remember to go up and say hi, even if class hasn’t started yet. Everyone is lovely, we promise.

Now, parents can take a breather, catch up on text messages, lay in the sun and watch TikToks, or meet some new parent friends. Don’t worry—we’ve got the rest. All classes are done with space for parent viewing, so you will definitely still be included through words of encouragement and water breaks!

After your “end-of-class high-five,” feel free to chat with the coach about your child’s progress. We love these sorts of conversations!

Tell us a little about you.

My name is Donovan. I am 21 years old and live in El Segundo. I am a lifelong entrepreneur with a couple of funny past experiences, including DJ-ing at the Visitation Catholic School Food Truck Nights (I was a terrible DJ, but I had good fun!) or buying 2000 iPhone cables from China to try and sell through eBay when I was 11. Yes, I sold them all, but it took a long time.

Now, I focus my time on my first love, PLAY Soccer, and University.

Anything else you’d like to include?

Our mission includes an attempt to become the most flexible soccer program ever. We got rid of seasons and instead offer class credits. All you have to do is purchase however many you’d like to use and come when it’s convenient for you. Yes, that means you can come to either Torrance or Manhattan Beach. All you have to do is fill out a two-question form each time you want to make a transfer, and we will get you on the correct roster!

Any special offers you’d like to give our readers?

Yes. I truly believe in the quality of our programs, which is why we are giving every new player their first class for free!

This has no restrictions other than that you need to be a new player who has yet to attend a class with us.

If you’re interested, here is the link to sign up! PLAY Soccer Sign Up

PLAY Soccer

Website: playsoccersb.com
Phone/text: +1 310 304-4585
Email: info@playsoccersb.com

Reach out! We’re always good for a chat.