ARLINGTON, Va. — Arlington Soccer Association continues its ongoing commitment to the local community by teaming up with AHC Inc. to provide free soccer programming to families living in the organization’s affordable housing units.
 

Last year, Arlington Soccer joined forces with Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing (APAH) to provide soccer experience for children as young as three years old. Now, the weekly program will also be open to the more than 3,000 families living in AHC affordable housing.

 

“We are thrilled to expand this program and partner with an organization as influential as AHC,” Arlington Soccer Executive Director Frank DeMarco said. “We strive to be an active part of the community and provide whatever opportunities we can for kids who have limited access and resources. Our goal is to continue fostering community through soccer.”

 

The 2022 median income for a family of four in Arlington was $142,300. Thousands of families, however, make a fraction of this amount – a challenge in the expensive mid-Atlantic region. AHC is providing these families with not only homes, but with services for education, empowerment and economic mobility.

 

“AHC is thrilled to expand our partnership with the Arlington Soccer Association to reach youth in our AHC communities. 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,” said Jennifer Endo, AHC Vice President of Community Relations. “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.”

 

About Arlington Soccer Association

Founded in 1970, Arlington Soccer is a non-profit association that provides soccer programs for youth of all abilities, backgrounds and financial means in Arlington and surrounding communities. The club develops players, coaches, volunteers and staff, with an enduring commitment to teamwork and community. We offer a broad curriculum to more than 9,000 children per year in a wide variety of programs, including recreational, developmental and travel along with camps, clinics and community-based programs. Learn more at arlingtonsoccer.com.

 

About AHC

AHC Inc. provides welcoming and well-maintained affordable and mixed-income rental apartment communities in Virginia, Maryland, and DC. Founded in 1975, AHC’s efforts are recognized throughout the region as a major force in maintaining a diversity of housing. AHC has developed more than 50 properties providing 7,500-plus affordable homes that serve thousands in the region. Originally “Arlington Housing Corporation,” AHC is the oldest and largest affordable housing developer in Arlington.