SPOTLIGHT-REI DORWART
Creating community in the heart of SF, Rei Dorwart is building futbol by the bay. Street leagues, friendship, and the love of the game he grew up playing.
Who is Rei Dorwart?
Rei grew up just three blocks from where he now hosts Futbol by the Bay events. His love for the game began over 15 years ago, playing street leagues, and grinding on street courts to eventually get picked up by the San Jose Earthquakes academy. From contracts in Spain, to coaching, Rei's been living in the footy community his whole life. Now, he's building something that brings it all full circle.
What does community mean to you?
"Community means everything."
Street League is now in its second season. 15 weeks deep and still growing. It's more than games. Its 1v1 battles, pros playing in their off-season, kids chasing down a dream, and vendors posted on the sidelines. A mix of the people Rei has known since he was 5, and new faces who just love footy. Every event is an excuse to bring great people together, but it all starts with the game.
Whats your why?
"I wanted to build what I wish I had growing up."
Rei fell in love with the game on the streets of SF, Valencia & 19th, Friday night pickup games, winner stays on. It was creative and free. After years of playing high-pressure college and pro ball, he kept coming back to those street games. The fun, the flair, the freedom to try new moves, just like the ones he learned from his favorite players on YouTube.
"A big, big goal of mine is to provide an environment to remind people that there are cool, competitive arenas within the footy world, even if you're not playing pro."
How did you get started with Futbol by the Bay?
"It started with an Instagram page and a logo."
After years of playing and coaching, Rei felt the timing was right. He had the vision, the network, and most importantly, the momentum.
He didn't wait. he posted, experimented, and started hosting local events. Now he's running a real community here in the bay.
Not everyone's path is going to the league, but there are other ways to stay involved through competitions like this.
Any final thoughts?
"Were still learning. Still experimenting. Still growing. But that's the beauty of it.
Rei is building something that honors the culture, the community, and the people who play for the love of the game.
That's motion. That is Stride