Meet The Founder

Led by founder and head coach Rado Stefanov, Ridgeplay blends technical training, tactical understanding, and personal development, all in an environment where kids are encouraged to take risks, learn from mistakes, and find joy in the game.

Rado brings nearly a decade of coaching experience in San Francisco across competitive clubs, schools, and community programs. His work has included SF Vikings SC, SF Aftershocks, and Street Soccer USA, where he helped lead the Shared Schoolyard Project and other initiatives bringing soccer to hundreds of young players across schools and community centers throughout the city.

SFVSC B14 Red Jaguars  - Fall 2024 | NorCal Gold Division Champions, Spring 2026

In 2020, Rado joined SF Vikings SC, where he has coached multiple competitive teams across different age groups. He also serves as Head Coach for both the boys’ and girls’ soccer teams at Presidio Middle School, guiding the programs through multiple playoff runs, including a boys’ semifinal appearance and a girls’ city championship in 2025. Rado has also served as Head Coach of Riordan High School Varsity Boys in the WCAL.

His own playing experience, including time with the SF Vikings SC men’s team and San Francisco Hibernian FC, has also helped shape his connection to the competitive side of the game.

Ridgeplay Academy carries all of this forward - creating an environment where young players can improve, compete, take risks, and grow without losing the joy that brought them to the game in the first place.