Est. 1970
History of Arlington Soccer
From four boys teams in 1968 to one of the region’s largest youth soccer organizations — over 10,000 players strong and built entirely by community volunteers.
10,000 +
Registered Players
540 +
Teams
50 +
Years of Soccer
250 +
Players in College
1968
Program Founded
1970
ASA Established
1973
Girls Teams Formed
1982
Beijing Competition
2011
Long Bridge Park
The Beginning
Formation of Arlington Soccer
Recreational youth soccer in Arlington, Virginia began in 1968, when the Arlington County Department of Recreation launched a small program with four boys teams (ages 15 and under). Games were played at Tuckahoe Field on Sycamore Street, with County staff scheduling games, assigning referees, and lining fields.
In January 1970, a group of dedicated soccer parents came together to formally establish the Arlington Soccer Association. When the County could only staff a fall program due to budget constraints, volunteers stepped forward to register players, schedule games, assign referees, line fields, and manage the growing program — laying the foundation for the community-driven organization that exists today.
In January 1970, a group of dedicated soccer parents came together to formally establish the Arlington Soccer Association. When the County could only staff a fall program due to budget constraints, volunteers stepped forward to register players, schedule games, assign referees, line fields, and manage the growing program — laying the foundation for the community-driven organization that exists today.
By Fall 1970
20 Teams
U15 and U12 divisions with 10 teams each — growing from just 4 teams two years prior.
Registered Players
300 Players
All managed by volunteers who stepped up when the County couldn’t staff the program.
Today
10,000+ Players
Serving families from Arlington and Falls Church across more than 540 teams.
Community Reach
540+ Teams
Spring and fall seasons offered every year — one of the region’s most accessible youth programs.
Key Milestones
Arlington Soccer Association
Spring & Fall Seasons
Beginning in spring 1970, Arlington Soccer broke from the tradition of single-season youth sports by offering both spring and fall seasons — a practice that continues today.
All Kids Play
From the very beginning, Arlington Soccer adopted a “No Cut” philosophy: every registered player participates in every game, making Recreational soccer one of the community’s most accessible youth programs.
Girls & Boys
Girls participated informally in the early years. Arlington Soccer began forming all-girls teams in fall 1973 — a commitment to inclusion that significantly contributed to the program’s continued growth.
Travel Program
Travel soccer evolved from early All-Star holiday tournament teams. Today’s Travel Program competes in:
- Elite Clubs National League (ECNL)
- National Capital Soccer League (NCSL)
- Old Dominion Soccer League (ODSL)
Tournaments
Arlington Soccer hosts major regional tournaments — the Arlington Recreational Tournament and the Arlington Spring Invitational — attracting teams from across the region and contributing economically to Arlington County.
International Competition
In 1982, an Arlington team became the first American youth club team to play in the People’s Republic of China, competing in Beijing at the Beijing National Stadium.
Infrastructure
Commitment to Fields
As participation expanded, field availability became a central challenge. In the late 1970s, the soccer community led “Project Lamplighter,”
successfully advocating for lights at Quincy Field, Thomas Jefferson Middle School, Gunston Middle School, and Kenmore Middle School.
Over time, Arlington County has added new grass fields, implemented field rehabilitation programs, and invested in artificial turf facilities. In 2011, three additional artificial fields opened at Long Bridge Park, further expanding capacity for training and competition.
Over time, Arlington County has added new grass fields, implemented field rehabilitation programs, and invested in artificial turf facilities. In 2011, three additional artificial fields opened at Long Bridge Park, further expanding capacity for training and competition.
High School Artificial Turf
- Wakefield High School
- Washington-Liberty High School
- Yorktown High School
Additional Facilities
- Gunston Middle School
- Thomas Jefferson Middle School
- Virginia Highlands Park
- Barcroft Park
- Long Bridge Park (3 fields, 2011)
“
Volunteers stepped forward to build something special — not just a soccer program, but a community. That spirit defines Arlington Soccer to this day.
— Arlington Soccer Association · Est. 1968
