The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors saluted the Fairfax Women’s Soccer Association earlier this week for 50 years of community service.
The organization is among those across Fairfax providing “opportunities for all people to engage and participate,” Board Chair Jeff McKay said at a proclamation ceremony on Tuesday, Oct. 27.
“Most impressive is the community that you’ve built,” McKay said. “It’s an all-in effort.”
The organization was founded in 1976 by a group of mothers of youth soccer players and has evolved into a two-season (spring and fall) initiative with five age divisions: Over-19, Over-30, Over-40, Over-50 and Over-60. It also hosts an instructional academy and an annual Pine Ridge tournament that draws entries from across the nation.
Wanda Rixon, a former head commissioner for the organization, saluted the vision of those who created the organization.
“It truly was an amazing group of women,” she said.
In the years since its founding in 1976, there have been a number of mother-and-daughter duos competing in the league, and at least one family has seen three generations participate.
The Fairfax Women’s Soccer Association also has a philanthropic arm and has worked with the county government to develop parks and fields. Rixon saluted the “partnership and collaboration” between local sports leagues and the county government.
Braddock District Supervisor Rachna Sizemore Heizer called the organization a “groundbreaker” and saluted its efforts to instill a lifelong love of sports.
“Health and wellness and fitness and connection is so vital,” she said.
Springfield District Supervisor Pat Herrity agreed, citing the organization for providing “the opportunity to get out and do competitive sports, the camaraderie.”
“What sets you apart most is your contributions to the county,” he said.
The association is planning a private celebration of its 50th anniversary on Nov. 7 at Van Dyke Park in Fairfax City.
“We look forward to many more years,” Rixon said.
Also honored at the Oct. 27 Board meeting were:
- Marlene Blum, for more than four decades of public service and volunteer leadership
- The Shepherd’s Center of Fairfax-Burke on its 20th anniversary supporting senior adults
- Celebrate Fairfax for its 43rd anniversary supporting community engagement and cultural programming
Board members also designated Nov. 14 as Stormwater and Fairfax Recycles Day in the county; directed staff to create a resolution marking the upcoming 60th anniversary of the Reston Chorale; and approved a resolution to honor Jean Rackowski and Mary Lee DeSpirito for their volunteer service with Annandale Christian Community for Action.
