The first 50 years at ASA were filled with growth, change, adaptation, adversity and success. This time of rapid growth would not have been possible without many, many wonderful volunteers, coaches, community leaders and staff members who went above and beyond to help provide soccer programming.
At our 50th anniversary gala we honored two high school students who played an integral role in our success over the last ten years. The Griffin Award is given to youth participants who show initiative, go above and beyond, embody the spirit of community involvement and giving back, and excel both on and off the field. Both of these individuals are great soccer players in their own right, but are also great leaders and role models, and are reliable and respected members of our team.
If you’ve spent any time at soccer fields around Alexandria you have likely seen our first recipient training, coaching or playing. She began her career at ASA playing in the Recreational League when she was 5 years old and transitioned to participate in the Academy program at U9. As she got older she volunteered her time working at summer camps, helping in the office and assisting with field setup and more. As of today she’s now coached in almost every program ASA offers and most recently she has run her own goalkeeping sessions and coached her own team in the Futsal ID program. In addition to spending most of her days coaching or playing, she is an excellent student who recently committed to Old Dominion University to play Division 1 soccer when she graduates next year. We are pleased to present the “ASA Community Involvement and Initiative Award” to Ellie Goodrich!
Our second recipient is also a recognizable soccer and futsal player around Alexandria. He began playing at ASA when he was 6 years old and transitioned to the Academy at age U9. Throughout the years, while participating in almost every program available, he also began volunteering for and coaching in ASA programs. He’s coached summer camps, ball mastery, assisted with tournament set up and break down, and currently coaches a team in our Junior Academy program. Next year he will continue his playing career at James Madison University (JMU)! We are thrilled to present our second “ASA Community Involvement and Initiative Award” to Jeffrey Reyes.
