Soccer fever is in the air, with the FIFA World Cup and the Tysons Community Alliance’s COPA Tysons Soccer Fest both back in action.
After making its debut last year, COPA Tysons returned this summer with a series of watch parties and promotions, culminating in a soccer festival and tournament at Ken Lawrence Park (8008 Jones Branch Drive) this Saturday (June 21).
The Tysons Community Alliance (TCA) introduced COPA Tysons last summer in conjunction with the 2024 Copa America tournament. The festivities included a meet-and-greet with players from the U.S. Men’s National Team, which was staying at a hotel in Tysons ahead of a friendly match at Commanders Field in Maryland.
“Last year’s debut of COPA Tysons, uniting the Tysons community and bringing fans of soccer together, was a big success,” TCA CEO Katie Cristol said. “This year, we’re excited to bring back a family-friendly festival with so many entertaining activities and give supporters of this wonderful sport the opportunity to play and celebrate together.”
This year’s COPA Tysons Soccer Fest will kick off at 1 p.m. with a variety of activities, including bubble soccer, three soccer inflatables, skills stations, a live DJ, face painting, an open-play area, and food trucks and other vendors.
Event attendees will also get a chance to get Bolivian soccer player Jaime Moreno, who will be taking photos and signing autographs at the soccer skills station from 4-5 p.m. After starting his professional career with Colombia, Moreno signed with the newly formed D.C. United in 1996 and went on to win four Major League Soccer cups with the team before retiring in 2010.
The Washington Spirit’s mascot, PK, will be on hand for a meet-and-greet as well.
New to the festival this year will be a co-ed, 4-v-4 adult soccer tournament that’s open to anyone 18 and older. Teams will be split into an open division for adults 18 and older and a “senior” division for players over 35.
Team captains must register by the end of the day tomorrow (Thursday) to ensure their participation in the tournament. Players can also sign up as individuals looking to join a team for $12.51. Team registration costs $55.20, including Eventbrite’s fee.
For all other attendees, the festival is free, though the TCA is encouraging advance registration. People who register will be entered into a raffle for “exciting soccer-related prizes,” such as a soccer ball signed by the U.S. National Men’s Team, the alliance says.
Though Ken Lawrence Park doesn’t have any on-site parking, street parking is available, and festivalgoers can get two hours of complimentary parking at Valo Park (7950 Jones Branch Drive), according to the TCA.
