Community Programs
Making soccer accessible, inclusive, and impactful for all families across Arlington — through partnerships with local schools, nonprofits, and community organizations.
Community Programs
Through partnerships with local schools, nonprofits, and community organizations, Arlington Soccer's community programs provide free or low-cost opportunities for youth to learn, play, and grow through the game — focused on removing barriers and creating pathways for all.
Purpose & Impact
What These Programs Do
Scholarships and free programming reduce economic barriers so more children can participate regardless of background.
Reaching underserved and underrepresented communities across Arlington through school-based and neighborhood programming.
Enhancing player development and youth well-being both on and off the field through soccer and life skills.
Creating welcoming environments for players of all abilities, backgrounds, and skill levels across the community.
Corporate and nonprofit partnerships directly contribute to financial aid, outreach, and program growth.
Building long-term development pathways so every child has a chance to experience the benefits of soccer.
Get Involved
Partnership Opportunities
- Sponsorship of teams, programs, and events
- Community outreach and inclusion initiatives
- Brand visibility across facilities, uniforms, and digital platforms
- Collaborative programming that benefits Arlington families
- Access to a highly engaged network of thousands of local families
- Meaningful impact in the Arlington community through sport
- Association with a trusted, established youth soccer organization serving the region since 1966
TOPSoccer
The Outreach Program for Soccer — an inclusive, U.S. Youth Soccer community-based program providing children and teens ages 4–19 with physical or intellectual disabilities the opportunity to learn and play soccer in a supportive environment. Established in Arlington in 2002.
About the Program
How TOPSoccer Works
- Built around the belief that every child deserves to participate, grow, and feel belonging through sport
- Designed to meet each player's individual needs — focuses on fun, development, and inclusion rather than competition
- No prior experience or athletic ability required
- Trained volunteer "buddies" work alongside each player to ensure a positive and engaging experience
- Confidence and personal growth in a supportive environment
- Social connections with peers and volunteers
- A lasting sense of inclusion within the Arlington Soccer community
- Free and open to the community — no cost to participate
- Co-managed by Greg Mitchell and Norina Moy
- Open to youth ages 4–19 with physical or intellectual disabilities
- Part of the U.S. Youth Soccer TOPSoccer national network
- Questions: arlingtontopsoccer@gmail.com
Community Kickers
A partnership between Arlington Soccer and local housing nonprofits APAH and AHC Inc. — providing free, accessible soccer opportunities to children and families living in affordable housing communities across Arlington. Open to children as young as age three.
About the Program
How Community Kickers Works
- Brings soccer directly into neighborhoods through weekly sessions at local parks and elementary schools
- Runs during the fall and spring seasons
- Open to children as young as age three
- Creates a welcoming, low-pressure environment focused on skills, activity, and community connection
- Reaches thousands of families across Arlington's affordable housing communities
- Addresses economic barriers to participation with fully free programming
- Ensures all children, regardless of income or background, can experience soccer
- Presented by Old Dominion National Bank in partnership with APAH and AHC Inc.
From Our Partners
"This year, we found that students are still struggling with the new normal, post-COVID. Recreational, social, and emotional learning opportunities for students are now more important than ever, and bringing soccer to our AHC communities supports those efforts. This partnership demonstrates how youth and families succeed when equitable opportunities are available. We are grateful to Arlington Soccer Association for propelling our mission of helping residents build more stable and successful lives."
"Providing access to engaging and exciting enrichment opportunities for APAH youth is one of our top priorities. We are excited to partner with the Arlington Soccer Association, which certified 12 young people who live in APAH properties as state soccer referees... This partnership is another example of what happens when opportunities are made available for youth who might not otherwise have access. Our young people can step up and achieve amazing things."
"ODNB and Arlington Soccer Association share in a common mission: to enrich the lives of youth in the communities we serve. We are delighted to partner with an organization that supports children of all backgrounds and encourages personal development through the spirit of athletics. Frank DeMarco and his team continue to look for ways to reduce barriers and promote access to their programs. ODNB is proud to support Arlington Soccer and its long-lasting, positive impact to the Arlington community."
Our Partners
About the Partner Organizations
Founded in 1989, APAH is a nonprofit affordable housing developer committed to Arlington and the D.C. metro region. They focus on safe, affordable housing as an essential platform for families to achieve stability and pursue their goals. apah.org
Founded in 1975 as Arlington Housing Corporation, AHC is the oldest and largest affordable housing developer in Arlington. AHC has developed more than 50 properties providing 7,500+ affordable homes across Virginia, Maryland, and DC.
An independent, locally owned community bank headquartered in Tysons Corner providing concierge-level service across the Washington metropolitan area, Northern Virginia, and Central Pennsylvania. odnb.bank
Real Madrid Foundation
Since 2012, Arlington Soccer has partnered with the Real Madrid Foundation and Arlington Public Schools to bring a free, school-based after-school soccer and character development program directly to students who need it most — serving over 350 children each season.
More Than Just Soccer
Program Overview
- Operates directly on-site at participating schools — no transportation barriers
- Completely free to families with no cost to participate
- Led by specially trained coaches using soccer as an entry point to life skills development
- Goes far beyond soccer — participants build respect, self-discipline, accountability, teamwork, communication, and confidence
- Provides every child a safe, supportive place to go after school
- Combines the global values of the Real Madrid Foundation with the local commitment of Arlington Soccer
- Creates opportunities, builds confidence, and strengthens the community one child at a time
- Serves over 350 children each season across 9 school locations
Where We Serve
Participating Schools
Girls With Goals
A targeted outreach program designed to increase soccer participation among elementary school–aged girls — created to respond to the underrepresentation of girls in recreational soccer by providing an accessible, supportive entry point into the sport.
Program Details
About Girls With Goals
- 6-week, no-cost afterschool club hosted directly at participating schools
- Removes common barriers — no transportation required, no program fees
- Led by professional coaching staff, supported by student mentors
- Each session blends soccer instruction with character-building activities
- Confidence and a sense of belonging in the sport
- Emphasis on fairness, sportsmanship, and personal growth
- Mentorship from student leaders who guide and inspire
- Lasting pathways into soccer, especially in communities where access may otherwise be limited
Sheriff's Match
An annual community-centered event that brings together local families, first responders, and coaches for an evening of friendly competition and connection — celebrating teamwork, service, and community pride.
About the Event
The Annual Sheriff's Match
- Held annually at Wakefield High School
- Arlington's first responders face off against Arlington Soccer coaches
- Free and open to the public — everyone is welcome
- Spirited, high-energy atmosphere for players and spectators alike
- The strong relationships between Arlington Soccer and those who serve the community
- Teamwork, service, and community pride
- More than just a game — a memorable community experience on and off the field
Get Involved
Interested in partnering with or participating in our community programs? Contact us at info@arlingtonsoccer.com