Support Soccer, Where to Attend a Game in DC/MD/VA

As an avid soccer fan I do all I can to support local soccer at all levels in my community. From coaching, to volunteering with youth soccer events, to serving as a board member of a non-profit soccer organization (P.U.S.H), to attending both men’s and women’s college and professional games.

With the upcoming professional soccer season right around the corner, I would like to encourage all the soccer fans in the D.C., Virginia, and Maryland area, and the entire country for that matter, to get out there and watch at least one game this season.

Of course if you are from this area and are already a supporter of soccer than you and your kids have more than likely attended at least one D.C. United match. My family and I have been to quite a few games over the past five years. My wife is especially responsible for starting this tradition since she bought me tickets for my birthday (not saying how old I turned that year). We have gone to see many games from regular season and playoff D.C. United games, David Beckham’s first MLS match, a World Soccer Challenge match between D.C. United and Real Madrid, a Washington Freedom game (where my daughter got to meet and get Hope Solo’s autograph on her goalie jersey), Northern Virginia Majestics (of the W-League), and finally the George Mason Women's and Maryland Women’s soccer teams.

All of these games were very enjoyable and are a great way for me to pass on my love and appreciation of soccer to my own children as well as the kids I have coached over the years. As soccer fans we are extremely lucky to have the opportunity to not only attend a professional match but also have our youth teams participate in pregame events, be player escorts, ball girls/boys, and even play a quick game at halftime on the actual field in front of large crowds of fans. These experiences did not exist for me when I was a young soccer player and are sure to lead to great memories for the soccer youth of today.

There are usually great rates available for tickets and group rates for teams or large groups that can easily be found on your favorite teams’ web site. As for my families tradition of attending soccer matches, we plan to start the year off at the D.C. United home opener April 3rd vs. New England Revolution.

Maybe we will see you there!