Great Falls Reston Soccer Club – Building Confident Kids

by Sarah Golden, staff writer

GFR U Littles (Above) and GFR Fall Boys 16U teams Photos contributed by GFR

Many things come to mind when you think of Reston. Lake Anne Plaza, one of the community’s earliest landmarks, is a defining feature. Less immediately recognized, but with nearly as long a history, is the Great Falls Reston Soccer Club.

The club began operating in the area roughly a decade after Reston was founded and has since coached generations of local players. Today, many who once played in the program now watch their grandchildren take the same fields. Hillary Lane, the club’s director of travel operations, said the organization takes pride in how deeply interwoven across generations it has become. Lane, a former player whose father also volunteered as a coach, now oversees travel programming.

Despite the mention of “travel,” Lane said families should not feel intimidated. The club offers programs for toddlers through young adults of all ages and ability levels. Programming begins as early as ages 2 to 3 (U3), focusing on movement and outdoor play, and continues through U19. An adult recreational league is also available.

At around U6, children are introduced to teamwork and basic game structure. By U9, players may move into a more competitive travel league, while those who prefer a recreational path can continue at that level. The club also offers an academy program for recreational and travel players, providing additional training with professional coaches.

“The club is for anyone who wants to play at any level,” Lane said. “Whether a child is here for their first kick at U3 or pursuing a college scholarship, we strive to provide every athlete with a high-quality experience in their community,” Executive Director Paula Abbate said.

As a nonprofit, the club works to ensure accessibility across financial backgrounds. In partnership with Fairfax County and local businesses, it maintains a scholarship program to support families in need. With an annual financial aid budget of about $175,000, the goal is to ensure any child who wants to play has that opportunity.

Volunteerism is another cornerstone of the organization. The club regularly seeks parent and teen volunteers, including for a buddy program that pairs volunteers with children with disabilities in a supportive setting.

For more information, visit www.gfrsoccerclub.org/