17-Year Old Ariel Schwartz of the Arlington Soccer Association Spearheaded the Festival

On February 24, 2007, approximately 200 people gathered together in the Annandale High School gymnasium for a day of fun and remembrance at the First Annual Dave Williams Memorial TOPSoccer Festival.

Approximately 50-60 TOPSoccer players from five local clubs - Arlington Soccer Association, Burke Athletic Club, McLean Youth Soccer, Alexandria Soccer Association, Fauquier County Soccer Club - and a team of athletes in wheelchairs worked on their dribbling and shooting skills, played soccer games, had some fun with a rainbow-colored parachute and soccer bowling, ate lunch and enjoyed each other's company and fellowship. The TOPSoccer players were accompanied by "buddies" from local recreational, travel, and high school soccer teams, parents, and many of Dave's friends and colleagues.

The 50 athletes exchanged patches, received t-shirts and trophies, much like their siblings do at their soccer tournaments. This was a great opportunity for the players to play in games against other area teams which is a special occasion for most VYSA TOPSoccer clubs. Volunteers from Annandale High School were amazed by the level of skill many of the players had and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Many of these volunteers inquired how they could be involved in the future.

After the soccer games and a cool down, there was a moving tribute to Dave by Kip Germain, Annandale Boys and Girls Club Athletic Director. As many of you know, Dave was the guiding light behind TOPSoccer in Virginia. He passed away unexpectedly last April but not before helping to establish 20 TOPSoccer programs throughout the state. Karlyn McCoy, Dave's fiancée, was a special guest at the Festival and accepted a plaque on behalf of the participating clubs and the TOPSoccer players that expressed their appreciation for Dave's contributions to TOPSoccer in Virginia and for the opportunities he created for disabled children to learn to love the game that meant so much to him. Karlyn noted that Dave had always wanted to bring the TOPSoccer teams in Virginia together for an event like this and that it was a shame that he didn't live long enough to see it through to completion.

This event showcased theses wonderful and unique athletes in Virginia. Every child wore a smile on his or her face from start to finish. This was a beautiful reminder of what soccer is all about.

The list of people who helped with the Festival is too long to identify everyone by name, but a special word of thanks is owed to seventeen year-old Ariel Schwartz of the Arlington Soccer Association who spearheaded the Festival from start to finish. Without Ariel's constant supervision, support, and encouragement, the Festival would not have been the success that it was.
 

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Revised:  04/30/2008