Arlington Soccer Initiative to Reach Out to Elementary School Aged Girls

In partnership with Arlington County Extended Day and the 4-H program, Arlington Soccer has created Girls with Goals - a new pilot program for elementary aged girls.  After realizing that elementary aged girls are under-represented in the Arlington Soccer Rec program, we wanted to find a way to encourage them to try the sport.  Girls with Goals is a six week, no-cost afterschool club designed to eliminate the potential barriers of transportation and cost, which may limit some girls’ participation. We hope to continue this program and expand to other Title 1 schools around the County, where we believe transportation and cost may present significant obstacles for families. In the pilot program, sessions are coached by professional coach, Candace Chapman, with the assistance of two high school students. Each session includes 4-H character building activities, designed to reinforce the principles of fairness and sportsmanship.  You can also read recent local press about the endeavor here.