Arlington Soccer Association Celebrates 40 Years!

Recreational youth soccer began in Arlington, VA in 1968. It was started by the Arlington County Department of Recreation with four teams for boys ages 15 and under. Games were scheduled, referees assigned and fields lined by County personnel as they did for other sports.

In January 1970, a group of soccer parents wanting to enlarge the youth soccer program met and formed the Arlington Soccer Association (ASA). When ASA asked to be able to play soccer during the spring months, the County made fields available but due to budgetary restraints said that they could only provide personnel for a fall soccer program. In many ways that decision of the County was the most vital decision in the life of the Arlington Soccer Association. ASA volunteers began by registering players, scheduling games, arranging for the assignment of referees, lining fields and otherwise taking over the management of the youth soccer program.

By the fall of 1970 the soccer program had expanded to 20 boys teams with U15 and U12 divisions of 10 teams each. Registration increased to 300 players. Today, almost four decades later, over 4,500 players on more than 300 teams participate in the rec program of the Arlington Soccer Association, with an additional 750 playing travel soccer, making ASA the largest youth sports organization in the county.

Throughout all these years, the ASA has always made it a point that any child that wanted to play soccer would be given that opportunity, no matter what his or her financial situation might be.  ASA wants to continue that tradition and in recognition of the association's 40^th anniversary, ASA is launching a campaign to raise funds for our financial aid program. 

Your contributions will help guarantee that any child who wants to play soccer in Arlington can.  Each season over 300 kids receive either partial or full financial aid.  Every $55 that we raise guarantees that one more child can play the game they love.

ASA also uses our financial aid program to help fund our Soccer Plus program.  The Soccer Plus program offers free soccer activities designed to support academic tutoring for at-risk students in Arlington Public Schools.  Conducted as an after school program, Soccer Plus is offered at several elementary schools around Arlington County.  Students experiencing academic difficulties, at risk of gang involvement or simply needing positive role models are selected, by the schools, for this program.  Currently, we offer Soccer Plus at 5 schools and reach over 300 children through the program.

Your contribution is worth more than you think! 
United Bank has stepped up and will match 10 cents of every dollar raised (up to a $10,000 donation).  In addition, a donor has stepped up to match dollar for dollar any donation of between $100 - $250.  So your donation of $100 is really worth $220, or what it takes for 4 kids to play a season of the sport they love.

Help us reach our goal by June 30, 2010.  Please donate today.  All donations are tax deductible.

Sincerely,

Justin Wilt
Executive Director
Arlington Soccer Association

Start Fundraising Now