Lightning Club | Arlington Soccer Association: Rec, Teen & Travel soccer in Arlington, VA

The Lightning club is comprised of students who live within the Key and Science Focus School boundaries as well as students who are home schooled.

VFW John Lyon Post 3150 graciously sponsors our club to help ensure our equipment and scholarship needs are met.

Club Managers:
Carson Helsper
Phone: 703-528-5707
Email: carsonhelsper@gmail.com

Matt Ballenger
Phone: 847-814-0599
Email: lightning@arlingtonsoccer.com

Club Uniform/Colors:

Purple jerseys
Black shorts
Black socks
Shin guards are mandatory for all players.
To purchase uniforms, please contact the club managers.
FALL PRACTICE INFO – click here.

To register, visit the main ASA page, www.arlingtonsoccer.com. Teams fill up quickly, so register early. Practices start 1-2 before season. Practices times and dates vary based on coaches’ schedules.

All teams are coached by parents/volunteers. If you are interested in coaching or know someone who is, please email Carson Helsper at carsonhelsper@gmail.com.

KEY INFO for PARENTS:

Registering your child:
- All new players must register through the online system on www.arlingtonsoccer.com. If your child is not registered, he/she will not play.
- Reduced lunch fees and scholarships are available but financial aid forms must be turned in with registration.
- All forms are available in English and Spanish on the www.arlingtonsoccer.com website.
What you child will need:
- Shin-guards – These are a requirement to play and practice. They are available at most sporting goods or soccer specialty stores (e.g., Dick’s, Sports Authority, Soccer Kicks)
- Water Bottle – A full water bottle should be brought to every practice and game. The kids will need frequent water breaks during practice, especially during the warmer parts of the season.
- Optional Items –
  - Cleats – Although good athletic shoes are fine, many kids like to wear cleats and they will help on wet fields. I don’t recommend you spend a lot of money, as they’ll outgrow them before they’re worn out. A good pair can be purchased for less than $30.
  - Soccer Ball –Although the coach will have team balls there’s no substitute for having one around the house for extra practice. A #3-size soccer ball is used for all age groups through Under-8 (2rd grade) and a #4-size ball is used through Under 12 (6th grade). Please ensure your child’s name is on the ball and that it remains properly inflated.
What happens next? – After registration, players are assigned to teams and coaches. Your child’s assigned coach should contact you within two weeks of registration. Please be patient in the early part of the fall season as new teams are being formed for the first time in the younger age groups. Sorting all this out, identifying coaches and getting team equipment issued takes time for new teams. The coach will handle coordinate practice times and locations. Games will generally be Saturdays with a total of eight games scheduled. Game schedules will be available a week before the first game and are posted on the Arlington Soccer Association website www.arlingtonsoccer.com . You’ll need to know your child’s age group and competitive division to determine which schedule is your team.
What if it’s raining? The Arlington County Inclement Weather number is 703-228-4715. Please make a note of it and make it a habit to call before heading out to practices or games. Even though it may not be raining at the scheduled start of an event, many times fields will be closed because they haven’t dried out sufficiently to prevent damage if played on. Please don’t call the coaches, as they will follow the County’s guidance.