Castro Valley TOPS Players Honored

Pictured are coaches Barry Gardin and Jay Rothstein (top left) along with players Leonardo, Adam Alhaithani, Callan Cartwright, Liam Park, Ryan Valala, Ben Barraza. Christopher Gardin, and Gerard Ludwig. Not pictured: Raef Harris, Garret Brain, Juan Gomez Ramos, James Burton, John Laurin Jr., and Patrick.

Castro Valley Soccer Club's (CVSC) program for special needs players is getting recognized this week in honor of their return to the pitch following an extended hiatus. CVSC's TOPS (The Outreach Program for Soccer) players is the only program of its kind in Alameda County.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the previous season was canceled which resulted in an extended break for the dedicated and committed players.

"Although they missed an entire season all of our returning players picked up where they left off two years ago demonstrating through their enthusiasm, effort, dedication, and desire to do their best that soccer is indeed a beautiful game that can be enjoyed by everyone regardless of their abilities and can bring out everyone’s best," coach Barry Gardin said. "Also all of our new players quickly got up to speed and demonstrated the same level of enthusiasm, effort, and desire."

Gardin added that the tremendous success of the 2021 TOPPS soccer season was due to the enthusiasm and commitment of all of the players, parents, volunteers, and staff.