We hoped for 1,000 attendees. More than 2,500 people came through the gates at Oakton High School that afternoon, representing not just our VYS family, but neighbors, friends, and community members who all share one thing: a love for this game and the connections it creates.

The stadium field buzzed with energy as kids tested their skills in juggling competitions and soccer tennis. Parents walked laps around the track to support our "No Room for Abuse" initiative—379 laps totaling nearly 100 miles—showing that respect and sportsmanship matter to all of us. Young goalkeepers dove and stretched in Goalkeeper Wars while teams battled it out in our 3v3 tournament, with nearly 200 players competing with friends and love for the game.

Thank you, Vienna!

To every player who competed with joy and sportsmanship. To every parent who volunteered, walked laps, or simply showed up. To every coach who gives their time week after week. To our sponsors who believe in investing in youth. To our staff and board members who worked tirelessly to make this day possible. To our local partners and vendors who brought the Vienna neighborhood together.

Thank you.

The true measure of community isn't just who shows up—it's what we do when we're together.

Together, we collected 586 pieces of sports equipment valued at over $10,000 through our partnership with Leveling the Playing Field. Every donated cleat, every outgrown uniform, every piece of equipment will find its way to a child who needs it, here in the DMV and around the world. That's soccer creating opportunity. That's what a lifetime of soccer really means.

We raised awareness for the No Room for Abuse initiative, supporting referee development and fostering the respectful culture our game deserves. Every dollar, every lap walked, every conversation about treating officials with dignity—it all matters.

None of this happens without partnership. Our sponsors joined us on the field, bringing interactive activities, giveaways, and the kind of energy that makes an event memorable. From OneLife Fitness testing vertical jumps to The Jackson Clinics showcasing recovery science, to the smiles at every sponsor booth—thank you for investing in our community.

To PJ's Sports, Lex Lianos of Compass, Tech Painting, Vasseghi Law Group, Garai Orthodontics, Pure Green, Tyson's Community Alliance, Ghaffari Orthodontics, Dick's Sporting Goods, Explosive Performance, Leveling the Playing Field, The Jackson Clinics, Pass with Purpose, and The Washington Spirit: you didn't just sponsor our programs.

You stood with us. You believed in what we're building. And our families noticed.

There's something magical about seeing 550 of our youngest players—our U7 and U8 house league kids—taking the field that day. Some playing their very first organized games, others just beginning to understand what it means to be part of a team. Watching them play under the lights, surrounded by thousands of cheering community members, was a glimpse into the next 50 years of Vienna Youth Soccer.

Our 40 youth volunteers gave 90 hours of their time, showing what leadership looks like. Coaches picked up uniforms and connected with families. New faces joined our mailing list. And when the rain came around 4:30 PM, nobody rushed for the exits—because what's better than soccer and fun in the rain? We would claim that pretty much nothing tops it.

Fifty years ago, Vienna Youth Soccer was founded on a simple idea: that soccer could bring people together and shape young lives. On September 6th, we proved that idea isn't just alive—it's thriving.

As our 50th anniversary year draws to a close, Community Day reminded us of the incredible foundation we've built and the bright future ahead.

Thank you for kicking it with us.

Here's to the next 50 years—together!

Interested in getting involved with Vienna Youth Soccer? Visit our website to learn about programs, volunteer opportunities, and how you can be part of our community.