About Open Goal Soccer
Soccer for Every Child. Growth for Every Goal.
At Open Goal Soccer, our mission is to create a safe, inclusive, and joyful environment where every child — no matter their abilities, background, or learning style — can learn, grow, and belong.
We started Open Goal because too many kids were being left out of traditional programs. Some needed more patience, some needed smaller groups, and others just needed someone to believe in them. We built a place where soccer is more than a game — it’s a pathway to confidence, friendship, and fun.
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OUR Story
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Open Goal Soccer began with a simple but powerful question: What if every child had a place to play — and truly belong?
Too often, we saw kids pushed to the sidelines. Not because they lacked heart, but because the game wasn’t built with them in mind. Drills were too fast. Instructions felt overwhelming. There was little space for children to learn at their own pace. Subtly, they were being told: soccer isn’t for you.
We knew it could be different.
Open Goal was created to reimagine the soccer field as more than grass and goals — but as a place of patience, encouragement, and belonging. Here, small victories shine just as bright as big ones: the shy child calling for the ball, the hesitant player taking their first confident dribble, the team cheering just as loudly for effort as for goals scored.
For families, it’s the relief of seeing their children welcomed and celebrated for who they are. For kids, it’s the empowerment of discovering that soccer is safe, fun, and truly theirs. For the community, it’s proof that inclusion strengthens the game — and the people who play it.
At Open Goal, our story is one of resilience, connection, and joy. Soccer here isn’t just about competition — it’s about confidence. It’s not only about developing players — it’s about nurturing belonging and trust.
Because when the game opens its doors to those who need it most, it doesn’t just change soccer. It changes lives. ⚽💚
Why Our Programs
🌱 Soccer Foundations
Starting something new can be intimidating, especially for kids who need patience, structure, or extra encouragement. Too often, these children are overlooked in fast-moving classes. Soccer Foundations was built as a welcoming first step.
With simple routines, supportive coaching, and small groups, this program helps kids feel secure while learning the basics. More than drills, it’s about creating a safe space where children begin to feel confident, capable, and proud of being part of a team. ⚽💚
🚀 Junior Development
As children grow older, they need more than the basics — they need challenge, leadership, and a space to practice real teamwork. Too often, programs at this age focus only on winning, leaving kids burned out or left behind. Junior Development was created to give kids a deeper, more balanced pathway.
Through structured drills, real scrimmages, and guided coaching, players refine technical skills while also building resilience, decision-making, and leadership. Here, success is measured not just by goals scored but by the confidence to take risks, the trust built in teammates, and the lessons that carry into school, friendships, and life. ⚽💚
🌟 Rising Stars
Kids in early elementary years crave belonging — yet many programs still focus only on drills or competition. Rising Stars was built to bridge that gap, giving children ages 5–7 both the skills and the friendships they need to grow.
Here, soccer becomes a place to practice teamwork, resilience, and joy. Small scrimmages and skill-building games help kids feel proud of their progress while discovering the confidence that comes from being valued on and off the field. ⚽💚
👣 Mini Kickers
Many young children are ready to explore, but too few programs truly welcome them at the earliest ages. Mini Kickers was created so kids as young as 3 can begin their journey in a space built just for them.
Through play, imagination, and gentle guidance, children discover soccer without pressure. With family support and patient coaching, they feel included, celebrated, and part of a team from their very first kick. ⚽💚
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What we Value
At Open Goal, soccer is more than a sport — it’s a place for children to belong, to be celebrated, and to grow at their own pace. Our values guide every session, every interaction, and every victory, big or small.
🌍 Inclusion - Every child deserves a place on the field. No matter their background, ability, or learning style, each player is welcomed as an essential part of the team. We design soccer that adapts to kids — not the other way around.
⏳ Patience - We meet children where they are, not where others expect them to be. For one child, success might be joining the warm-up; for another, scoring a goal. Every milestone is honored, because every step forward counts.
🌱 Growth - What matters most is progress, not perfection. From first kicks to game-ready skills, we celebrate each step of the journey. Soccer becomes a pathway for building confidence, resilience, and joy that extend far beyond the field.
🤝 Belonging - Open Goal isn’t just a program — it’s a community. Here, teammates become friends, and families feel supported. Parents often tell us the biggest win is seeing their child finally in a place where they are seen, accepted, and valued.
🛡️ Safety - Families trust us with their children, and we take that responsibility to heart. We prioritize both physical safety on the field and emotional safety in every interaction, creating an environment where kids feel secure enough to try, stumble, and grow.
Together
Open Goal was born from one belief shared by Jeffrey and Virgilio: soccer should open doors, not close them.
Jeffrey, an educator, innovator, and soccer parent, knows the weight families carry when their children are left out of traditional programs. Virgilio, a lifelong player, coach, and mentor raised on the fields of Queens, knows the power of soccer as a lifeline — a place of belonging long before competition.
Their journeys are different, but their conviction is the same: no child should stand on the sidelines. By uniting Jeffrey’s vision for inclusion with Virgilio’s passion for coaching and connection, they built Open Goal — not just a soccer program, but a movement. Here, every child is seen, supported, and celebrated, and families rediscover the joy of watching their kids grow with confidence, community, and purpose.
Our Commitment to Safety & Care
At Open Goal Soccer, safety isn’t an add-on — it’s the foundation of everything we do. Families trust us not only with their child’s development, but with their well-being, and we take that responsibility to heart.
That’s why our coaches and staff complete ongoing professional training that goes far beyond soccer drills. Each member of our team is prepared to meet children where they are, keep them safe, and create an environment where learning and joy can thrive.
What We’re Trained In
Child Safety & Protection
Health & Safety
Inclusive & Adaptive Practices
Person-Centered Planning
Professional Standards
Because when families know their children are safe, kids are free to do what they do best — play, grow, and shine. ⚽💚
Our Impact
At Open Goal Soccer, impact begins with one child — but it doesn’t stop there. Every kick, every cheer, and every small step forward sends ripples through families, communities, and the future.
For the Child
Every child deserves a safe place to belong. On the field, they discover more than soccer — they learn patience, resilience, and confidence. Whether it’s a first pass, first dribble, or first goal, each milestone builds belief that carries far beyond the game.
For the Family
Parents tell us the changes are profound. Kids who once stood on the sidelines now open up, make friends, and express themselves with joy. Families who struggled to find a welcoming space finally feel relief and pride, knowing their child is supported and celebrated.
For the Community
Soccer becomes the bridge that connects people. By embracing inclusion and diversity, Open Goal creates teams that mirror the world we want — a place where empathy, teamwork, and respect come alive, both on the field and in everyday life.
For the Future
The children we coach today will lead tomorrow. Equipped with resilience, empathy, and confidence, they will shape schools, workplaces, and communities where belonging isn’t just encouraged — it’s expected.
🤝 Our Resources
Together, we’re opening doors for every child.
At Open Goal Soccer, we believe the game is bigger than any one team. Creating safe, inclusive, and joyful spaces takes more than coaches and players — it takes trusted partners who share our values of inclusion, patience, growth, belonging, and safety.
That’s why we’re proud to highlight the resources and friends who guide, inspire, and strengthen our work:
Soccer & Player Development
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U.S. Soccer Coaching Education – equipping our coaches with tools and training to support every child.
Inclusion & Advocacy
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Autism Society of America – shaping programs rooted in dignity, acceptance, and empowerment.
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U.S. Center for SafeSport – ensuring the highest standards of safety and protection for every child.
Community & Education
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NYC Public Schools – connecting our mission to classrooms and families across the city.
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YMCA – extending our reach through trusted community hubs parents already value.
Trust & Protection
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O2 Sports Insurance - empowers us to focus on inclusion and growth by protecting our families and programs with trusted coverage, giving every child a safe place to play and belong.
🌟 Why It Matters
These aren’t just logos on a page — they’re proof that our work grows stronger with shared expertise and purpose. Our resources give families confidence, kids opportunities, and communities a foundation for lasting change.
💚 Join the Movement
When organizations, families, and communities align around inclusion, growth, and belonging, soccer becomes more than a game — it becomes a movement.
Together, We Can Open the Goal for More Kids.
👉 Be part of it. Together, we can give every child the chance to play, grow, and belong.