Alexandria Soccer Association

Putting on a brightly colored jersey with the words Alexandria Soccer Association stamped on it and running on a grassy field is a core childhood memory for so many Alexandrians who’ve grown up playing in this nonprofit organization’s leagues, camps, and training programs. What began simply more than 50 years ago with parents coaching, storing uniforms in their garages, and lining the fields themselves has evolved into a nationally-recognized soccer club that’s creating community for players of all ages. There’s been an explosion of popularity for the organization in the past 15 years, growing from 2,000 players annually to 7,500 kids and adults going for the goal each year.

“I think soccer is a great entry to sports, especially for young kids,” says Katie Brooks, the deputy director for public relations and communications for the Alexandria Soccer Association. The love of the game is instilled early: littlest players are the two-year-olds in the Tots class, who toddle more than they dribble the soccer ball. Soccer is rooted in the participating families’ neighborhoods, with practices and games at local parks and schools to make play accessible.

“The structure that we try to focus on, especially at the grassroots level, is really community-focused: meeting people, playing with your friends at school, playing with your neighbors, and growing from there,” she says.

As the kids grow, there’s a team for everyone’s skill and interest level, whether that’s just getting out and getting some exercise and team camaraderie or competing at the highest level in ASA’s Academy Program. Teens are integral to the ASA community and gain valuable coaching and mentoring the association’s elementary and younger soccer players.

“Those toddlers who could barely keep the ball in front of them are leading their teams, mentoring younger players, and preparing for their next chapter. Some go on to play in college, earning scholarships that help open doors to futures filled with opportunity,” says Brooks.

Grownups get in on the fun too, with a robust adult league program that’s inclusive of a variety of age and skill levels. There’s even a year-round Female Training Program that’s open to absolute beginners and includes players aged anywhere from 25 to 70.

This is truly a city-wide program, utilizing fields in every corner of Alexandria, from pitch-perfect grass along the Potomac River to turf fields creatively positioned above a water filtration system.  “You might be practicing in the West End one season and the next season you might be in the community-centric neighborhood of Del Ray getting to check out beloved Alexandria gathering spots for the whole family like Gustave Boulangerie & Brasserie, Cheesetique, and nostalgic ice cream shops like The Dairy Godmother after practice, and then the next season with your tot, you might be down on the waterfront,” says Brooks. ASA also hosts five tournaments a year, inviting sports families from around the Mid-Atlantic to visit, play, and enjoy the greenery alongside Alexandria’s waterfront, restaurants and attractions, while giving ASA team members the opportunity to play at home in their backyard.

A city this appreciative of soccer is bound to be excited about 2026’s World Cup games in North America, particularly since Croatia’s national football team selected Alexandria as their official Team Base Camp. The Alexandria Soccer Association is getting in on the fun by hosting World Cup game watch parties and World Cup-themed summer camps, as well as creating limited-edition jerseys showcasing Alexandria Soccer Association’s iconic logo. (Fun fact: the griffin in ASA’s emblem is a nod to Alexandria’s sister city in Scotland).