ARLINGTON, Va. (Oct. 17, 2023) – The Arlington Soccer Association is thrilled to announce the launch of its Endowment Fund – a monumental initiative aimed at providing sustainable financial aid to aspiring young athletes. 

With a strong commitment to fostering inclusivity and accessibility within the community, this new fund will significantly enhance opportunities for players who face financial barriers to participate in soccer programs.

“We are delighted to launch the Endowment Fund, a true testament to our unwavering commitment to inclusivity and equal opportunities for all,” Arlington Soccer Executive Director Frank DeMarco said. “With this fund, we aim to break down financial barriers and provide every aspiring athlete in our community with the chance to experience the joy and benefits of soccer. We believe that nurturing young talent – regardless of their economic background – will not only strengthen our soccer programs but also build a stronger, more cohesive community.”

The Endowment Fund represents a strategic step forward in Arlington Soccer’s mission to provide quality soccer programs and experiences for youth of all abilities, backgrounds and financial means to encourage personal growth and promote a love for the game. The perpetual nature of the fund ensures that it will continue to make a lasting impact for generations to come, empowering children from diverse backgrounds to develop their skills and share their passion for soccer.

Recognizing that financial constraints should never hinder a child's opportunity to pursue their dreams on the soccer field, the Endowment Fund will allocate resources to support players with registration fees and other costs associated with participating in Arlington Soccer’s programs.

The following individuals deserve special recognition for their key contributions to making this fund a reality: Paul Bobeczko, Ali Protik and George Shirley. In addition, Arlington Soccer is grateful to David Greene, Diane Oden, Brian Plesser and all current and former board members who have worked tirelessly to ensure this development. 

The Endowment Fund will operate on a self-sustaining model, with careful management of funds and strategic investments to generate returns that will contribute to its growth. Arlington Soccer will collaborate with financial experts and reputable institutions to ensure the long-term success of the fund and its ability to continue supporting financial aid initiatives.

“For more than 30 years, we at The Washington Wealth Group have helped non-profit organizations and foundations achieve their financial objectives, manage their endowment funds, and meet their fiduciary obligations. “We’re honored to have been selected by Arlington Soccer Association to help them manage and grow their endowment fund,” Washington Wealth Group Managing Director Aaron Brachman said. “We are passionate about youth soccer and are excited to help Arlington Soccer be in a financial position to expand access to soccer programs in our community.”

For those interested in making a donation or learning more about the Endowment Fund, please contact Frank DeMarco at frankdemarco@arlingtonsoccer.com.

About Arlington Soccer Association

Arlington Soccer Association is a 501(C)(3) nonprofit organization that offers recreational, developmental and travel soccer, as well as a number of camps, clinics and other programs throughout the year.  Over 9,000 children take advantage of Arlington Soccer programs each year!  Each year the club provides over $350k in financial aid to enable kids the opportunity to play soccer.

About Washington Wealth Group

The Washington Wealth Group is a financial planning and wealth management practice that serves non-profit organizations, foundations, ultra-high-net-worth families, and institutional investors. The team combines highly credentialed and collaborative professionals who offer a multidisciplinary approach to help people solve complex financial problems and prepare for years of meaningful success. Our personalized and sophisticated process aims to facilitate clients' economic well-being while assisting them to build bridges that connect their values, resources, and goals with opportunities.