When asking yourself about something to do near me in Berkeley with a group of friends or family, consider
Albany Berkeley Soccer Club
Why Albany Berkeley Soccer Club is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Albany Berkeley Soccer Club (ABSC) is a well-established, 50-year non-profit soccer community based in Berkeley, California. It offers a comprehensive youth soccer program serving over 2,000 players aged 3.5 to 23 years, welcoming all ability levels. ABSC specializes in fostering growth, competition, and a lifelong passion for soccer through diverse programs. Recreational teams cater to younger kids (ages 5-9) with age-appropriate training and local league play in Fall, Winter, and Spring seasons. For players aged 10 and above, the club offers both recreational and competitive options, including their year-round highly competitive Lightning Program for ages 8 to 18, which requires commitment and hard work. The club emphasizes respect, sportsmanship, teamwork, and fun with a dedicated staff of over 30 professional coaches and trainers managing about 200 teams across 18 fields in the area. ABSC also provides engaging soccer camps during summer and school holidays, as well as referee training programs starting from age 11 to build professionalism in young referees. Its extensive field network includes Gilman Turf fields, King Track & Field, Grove Park, among others, providing excellent venues for practice and matches. This makes ABSC not only a place to play soccer but a welcoming community hub where children can develop skills and friendships.
Here's what people think of Albany Berkeley Soccer Club
As of recent, Albany Berkeley Soccer Club holds a 3.8-star rating based on 25 reviews.
Reviews from players, parents, and employees reveal a generally positive experience with Albany Berkeley Soccer Club, averaging a 3.8-star rating from 25 reviews. Positive feedback highlights ABSC’s strong youth development programs, supportive coaching staff, and well-organized recreational and competitive soccer leagues, which appeal to a wide range of skill levels. Many emphasize the flexible scheduling and enjoyable atmosphere, especially appreciating the leadership programs and opportunities for referees, which help young individuals develop life and management skills while engaging in the sport. The inclusive focus on teamwork, respect, and fun also receives praise, reinforcing ABSC’s community-oriented philosophy. On the downside, some reviewers mention occasional challenges such as short breaks during games and limited employee benefits, reflecting operational constraints typical in non-profit sports organizations. A few note the pressures during the competitive seasons, which can induce some stress among participants and staff. However, management is generally described as supportive and encouraging throughout. Overall, the reviews validate ABSC’s mission and highlight its role as a valuable soccer and youth development institution in the Berkeley and Albany areas, offering a balanced, fun, and competitive soccer environment for kids and teens alike.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Bobby Dhadwar
My daughter started playing soccer last year, and we enrolled her in the ABSC recreational league. She quickly learned the basics of the game and, just as importantly, made new friends. The parent coaches devoted a lot of time and energy—seeing their commitment firsthand gave us a real appreciation for how much goes into volunteer coaching. This year, my daughter joined an ABSC competitive team. She adjusted well, built strong connections with her new teammates, and together they even won their NorCal bracket! She genuinely looks forward to practices and games, not just for the soccer, but also for the chance to hang out with her friends. The coaches have all been fantastic. ABSC staff stepped in to train and support her team, making a big difference—not just for the players, but for the parents, too. It’s a real relief to be able to just watch and enjoy the games, knowing our kids are in great hands. I’ve also been impressed by ABSC’s leadership. Toney, the club director, is approachable and engaged—it’s rare to find a club where parents can easily communicate directly with the director. Toney stresses that having fun comes first; improvement follows naturally, which I really appreciate. ABSC also offers scholarships to families in need, showing a commitment to making soccer accessible to everyone. One moment that really stood out: at an ABSC summer camp, Toney noticed two girls struggling to keep up during drills. He found out their cleats were too small and immediately brought over a box of properly sized soccer shoes so they could participate comfortably. That kind of kindness is above and beyond. From a parent’s perspective, I also value the club’s communication. Team managers use an app to keep everyone updated on practices, games, and any changes. The system runs smoothly thanks to dedicated parent volunteers. My daughter is excited for the upcoming season. She’s also had the chance to play as a guest with older teams, which really motivated her to keep working on her skills. For me, a great club is one where kids want to play, even after tough losses, and where the staff care deeply about the players’ well-being. ABSC definitely delivers on both counts. While our experience has been overwhelmingly positive, there are a couple of areas where the club can continue to improve: Clearer roles and responsibilities: For example, during rec, we once scrambled to find player cards before a tournament in Jack London. This past season, the team manager took on this responsibility by bringing hard copies to all games and tournaments, making things much smoother. Field conditions: Ensuring fields are in great shape is important, though I understand this depends on collaboration with the city and is sometimes outside of ABSC’s immediate control. Overall, ABSC has given our family a wonderful soccer community—and my daughter can’t wait for next season.
Julianna Riley
Best to avoid this club, given the current leadership. Many families hear the warnings, but move forward anyway, chalking the complaints up to overly-sensitive helicopter parents. But eventually, folx see it for themselves. As an involved community member, I've seen this play out time and again. The director is toxic, treating both parents and employees with disdain. What makes it hard to walk away is that kids, families and coaches have grown tight and want to hold on to those bonds. Eventually, though, the adults reach a breaking point and kids suffer a break-up of their teams. Save yourself the heartache and check out other orgs. There are multiple local options.
Natalie Bueno
The coaches are very engaging and make it fun for the kids. My daughter was hesitant at the beginning but now loves and it and looked forward to it. Couldn’t be happier 10/10
Brayan Olivares
Great club coaches are very friendly with parents and kids. All kids are engaged in fun skillful activities.
Zach Horton
100% recommend this club. Coaches and management create a positive learning environment. You can tell everyone is passionate with what they do.
How to reach Albany Berkeley Soccer Club
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Website: None
Why Albany Berkeley Soccer Club may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Albany Berkeley Soccer Club with your friends? Because it offers a unique blend of community, fun, and active participation that makes for an ideal gathering spot. This club isn’t just a place to watch or play soccer—it is a vibrant hub where people of all ages and skill levels come together with shared enthusiasm and energy. Whether your group is made up of avid soccer fans, beginners wanting to learn, or families searching for a lively outing, ABSC caters to all. The club fosters a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere that encourages teamwork and social interaction. Its long-standing history and reputation for positive youth and community-focused development add to the trustworthiness and warmth you can expect. When you bring friends or family to ABSC, you are not only partaking in an engaging sport today but joining a community tradition that has thrived for nearly 50 years. This makes ABSC an excellent venue to make lasting memories, bond over soccer, and enjoy spirited activities in a safe, structured, and supportive environment.
What activities are available at Albany Berkeley Soccer Club suitable for a group meetup? First and foremost, ABSC offers recreational soccer leagues for players as young as 3.5 years up to 19, as well as competitive teams for older youth, ensuring there’s something for every skill level and age group. Groups can engage in fun league matches spanning Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer seasons, perfect for rallying friends for shared games or cheering sessions. In addition, ABSC runs highly popular soccer camps during school holidays and summer—these are lively, skill-building sessions for children from 4 to 18 years old, blending fitness, soccer skills, and socializing in an energetic setting. For those interested in officiating or learning new aspects of the sport, the Jr. Referee program trains young referees starting at age 11, adding another layer of involvement for groups with diverse interests. Beyond organized gameplay, the club utilizes several well-kept fields and turf areas across Berkeley and Albany, providing expansive outdoor space ideal for casual gatherings, picnics, or impromptu scrimmages, making it a versatile venue for group activities beyond formal matches.
Why is Albany Berkeley Soccer Club the perfect place for social meetups and celebrations? One key advantage is the strong community foundation the club offers. With a volunteer-driven philosophy supported by professional coaching, ABSC creates a friendly, family-like atmosphere where newcomers and veterans alike feel comfortable and involved. Visitors benefit from top-notch facilities including multiple grass and turf fields like Gilman North and South Turf and Grove Park, which provide ample space and comfort for groups to spread out and enjoy activities side-by-side. Additionally, the club’s alignment with professional youth development standards ensures activities are safe, age-appropriate, and engaging, reducing the stress of planning group outings with children or mixed-age participants. Whether your group wants to host a birthday party, organize a friendly soccer tournament, or just have a relaxed social day at the fields, ABSC’s open layout and community spirit make it easy for groups to customize their experience. This combination of structure and flexibility is rare in sports venues and highlights ABSC’s dedication not only to soccer skill but also to enriching community life.
How does the Albany Berkeley Soccer Club support youth development and fun for all skill levels? ABSC implements a curriculum grounded in the U.S. Soccer Federation’s Player Development Framework, which focuses on building technical skills and fostering teamwork and sportsmanship. This structured but fun approach is designed to nurture a lifelong love of soccer while promoting physical health and social skills. The club’s commitment to age-appropriate training means that players always engage in activities matched to their developmental stage, which boosts confidence and enjoyment. For more serious players, ABSC’s Lightning Program offers a competitive environment where commitment and skill are emphasized, allowing ambitious athletes to compete at higher levels. However, for the majority who enjoy the sport recreationally, the emphasis remains on fun, respect, and personal growth without the pressure of intense competition. This balance creates an inclusive culture where children and teens of all abilities are welcomed and encouraged to participate, making it a highly attractive destination for friends and family groups with diverse interests in the sport.
What facilities and locations does Albany Berkeley Soccer Club offer for hosting group activities? The club utilizes an impressive range of fields and outdoor spaces in the Berkeley and Albany areas that are designed for high-quality soccer experiences. These include Gilman North Turf, Gilman South Turf, Gabe West Grass, and several others such as King Track & Field and Fielding Field. The variety of turf and natural grass options ensures games can be played comfortably in different weather conditions and seasons. These facilities provide expansive sidelines and open areas perfect for socializing, cheering on teams, and hosting group events such as team picnics or social gatherings. The club office located at 1442-A Walnut St, Berkeley, serves as a central contact and organizational point, contributing to smooth coordination for group visits or events. The accessibility and size of these venues mean that whether you have a small group of friends or a large family reunion, ABSC has the spatial capacity and well-maintained environment to accommodate your group comfortably.
How does Albany Berkeley Soccer Club foster community and character beyond just soccer? More than a sports club, ABSC actively promotes respect, sportsmanship, and teamwork as core values embedded in everything it offers. Through its programs, members learn not only how to play soccer but also essential life skills such as cooperation, leadership, and fairness. The volunteer-driven nature of the club encourages parental and community involvement, strengthening local ties and supporting positive role modeling. By using coaching methods founded on the latest youth development research, ABSC ensures that children grow holistically—not just as athletes but as respectful, confident individuals. The club also offers leadership opportunities for youth through referee programs and team captain roles, giving young members responsibility and a voice within the community. This focus on character building makes ABSC a meaningful place to rally with friends or family—not only for the fun of sport but as a celebration of shared values and communal growth.
What makes Albany Berkeley Soccer Club stand out despite its 3.8-star rating? While the club’s user rating is moderately positive, the extensive recreational and competitive programs, long-established history since 1975, and dedication to community inclusion offer significant advantages. Reviews may reflect challenges typical of large volunteer organizations, such as communication glitches or scheduling complexities, but these are balanced by the club’s passion, professionalism in coaching, and robust support network. The true value of ABSC lies in its breadth of opportunities—over 2,000 players, 200+ teams, and more than 18 fields involved—and its reputation as the largest recreational soccer program in the East Bay. For groups looking for an active, engaging, and well-organized destination to meet, play, and enjoy the outdoors, ABSC provides a comprehensive experience that transcends any rating. Its emphasis on fun, development, and community spirit ensures that visitors find a welcoming and lively environment ideal for social meetups and family outings alike. With so much going on year-round, Albany Berkeley Soccer Club remains a compelling choice for anyone wanting to rally friends and family in the East Bay area.