Diablo FC 97 girls help Kids with Special Needs

Oct. 12, 2008                                                                                                                             Photo Gallery

The story begins with our neighbor and dear friends since we moved to Clayton five years ago, the Beretta family. John, Olivia, and Cassie Beretta have been a wonderful part of our lives since we moved here. Their daughter Cassie, who just celebrated her 15th birthday, has special needs. My daughter Jade, a member of Diablo FC 97, and Cassie have been great friends.

Cassie’s father John has been involved in all of her sports, including soccer. Cassie plays in the VIP Program run by Concord AYSO. The VIP program is a unique division of AYSO for challenged players with physical, mental or developmental limitations.


At times, he is one of the only parents to help out at the soccer games (lining the fields, setting up and breaking down goals, helping with the kids on the fields, etc.). We were having dinner at their house one night and he mentioned that Cassie was going to be in the tournament that was coming up and asked if we wanted to go. Of course we said we would go but then my wife Tina asked if their league needed any help that day. She suggested maybe having the Diablo FC 97 under 11 girls team (nicknamed Aftershock) go out and help at the tourney. John thought that would be a great idea as teams needed “fill in players” and people to help with passing out food and clean up.

The majority of our Diablo FC 97 team was able to make it and were quite excited to help out. Most arrived not knowing what was to happen but were eager to lend a hand. They participated in the team photo where all teams were lined up for the National Anthem and pictures. Aftershock was announced on the loudspeaker as a Diablo FC team that has volunteered their time to help. After the opening ceremonies, the DFC girls were broken into groups and instructed by the refs how they would help out. Basically, they were asked to fill in as players and to assist the kids on the field. The girls started out playing aggressively, as they instinctually would, but quickly learned their roles as teachers and playmates offering guidance and praise.

Aftershock participated in games for kids ranging from four years up to adult. The groups would play in one game and then hustle across fields to start another. This went on until all matches were complete and ended in a nice lunch.

Throughout the day I constantly overheard parents of the various teams thanking our girls for their help. The tournament director once again thanked Diablo FC 97 on the bullhorn to much deserved applause from the players and their parents. Not only did our girls make a big difference in the player`s day but I truly believe our girls benefited in a big way by sharing their day helping those in need. Diablo FC 97 coach Megan Swann also came to thank her team and enjoy their endeavors.

For more information on the VIP Program offered by Concord AYSO visit their website, which includes a photo gallery from the Oct. 12 tournament.

The VIP program is a recipient every year of proceeds from Concord Cup, which is co-sponsored by Diablo FC.

By Jon Rafallo, husband of Diablo FC 97 Team Manager Tina Rafallo

Photo Gallery