If you ask Ryan Sarna why he decided to bring an MLS GO league to Vallejo, CA, the answer is simple—the kids asked for it.
They wanted to play soccer, but leagues around the area were either too expensive or too bare-bones, so Ryan stepped up and built something better.
As a former PE teacher and longtime coach, he’d seen how quickly kids could be priced out of sports. So when the idea for a local, affordable soccer league came up, it wasn’t a question of if, but rather how fast they could get it off the ground.
Putting Community First
Before launching soccer, Ryan and his team had already built a trusted league model through the Coach Sarna League, a nonprofit named after Ryan’s grandfather—a respected coach, educator, and Marine. The mission has always been clear: give every kid a chance to play, no matter their financial situation.
That approach resonated. So when families started asking for a soccer option, Ryan knew the demand and the need was there.
“We’ve got a strong community that loves soccer,” he said. “But around here, most of the affordable leagues weren’t high quality. The more expensive ones cost anywhere from $500 to $1,000, and a lot of families just can’t afford that.”
Registration for their first MLS GO season opened in December. By February, more than 400 kids had signed up.
A Fast, Focused Launch
Launching a new sport came with plenty of challenges. Field space was hard to find, and the league had to shift plans before finally locking in a location just weeks before the season began. However, Ryan and his team were used to moving quickly.
“We did what’s worked for us in the past,” he said. “Social media, word of mouth, our flag football families—those were all big for us. We had a lot of kids excited to join.”
The MLS GO PLAYBOOK played a big role in getting the season off the ground, especially with coaches who were new to soccer.
“I used the PLAYBOOK almost to the T,” Ryan said. “The practice plans, the videos—it was all super helpful. A lot of our coaches came from football, and the PLAYBOOK gave them the tools to succeed right away.”
One detail that stood out to parents and players alike? The jerseys. Each team had its own identity, and every division featured at least one team representing the San Jose Earthquakes.
“In a lot of leagues around here, every kid just gets the same shirt,” Ryan said. “We came in with 30 different jerseys. That made it feel special and something the kids could be proud of.”
From the Classroom to the Pitch
Before running the league full-time, Ryan spent years teaching PE and computer science—often in schools where sports programs were underfunded or nonexistent. Coaching became his way of connecting with students and building trust.
“It was about showing up, being consistent, and giving kids something to be part of,” he said. “That’s what mattered.”
That mindset carries over into everything the Coach Sarna League does today. Beyond soccer, the nonprofit organizes team hikes, community events, and even service trips to an orphanage in Baja, Mexico, which are opportunities designed to give kids more than just playing time.
Earlier this year, Ryan took his soccer teams to their first-ever MLS professional match. “We packed into a 12-passenger van, and half the kids had never been to a game before,” he said. “Watching their faces when they walked into that stadium, that was a moment I’ll never forget.”
Advice for New League Operators
With their first MLS GO season in the books, Ryan is already looking ahead. More players. More coaches. More opportunity to grow.
His advice for anyone thinking about starting their own league?
“You’ve just gotta do it,” he said. “Take the step and go for it. Focus on the details, stay organized—and if your heart’s in the right place, good people will come out and support you.”
And as the league looks ahead to its next season, Ryan plans to keep using the MLS GO PLAYBOOK to support coaches and keep building something bigger for Vallejo’s soccer community.
