Everyone was a winner on a spectacular day for soccer on a hot Saturday afternoon at Washington and Lee High School.  Congratulations to all who participated in the tournament! The SE’s were thrilled to support such a wonderful endeavor that demonstrates how our sport can be a catalyst for positive activity for the youth in our community.

Here is a note from Robert Vilchez, Coordinator of the Arlington Gang Task Force:

On June 19, we had our 5th annual soccer tournament and for the first time a Town Meeting, both events were sponsored by The Arlington Gang Task Force.  We would like to thank the special volunteers for continually giving their time and talents to enhance life in our community and for making this event for our youth a great success.

An event based upon an idea has earned the support of dozens of local businesses, elected officials, non-profit organizations, police, community leaders, and professionals working with youth.  These tournaments are capturing the attention of our youth regionally and reaching out to those in need of positive activities.  In addition, we are breaking barriers between gang members and the population we target is diverse.  Let’s continue the fight to prevent gangs in our region and I ask that you continue to stay involved and support these soccer tournaments we have twice a year.

Our Gang Task Force sincerely thanks all the volunteers from DHS, Community Volunteer Network, Partnership for Youth Children and Families, Parks and Recreation, Court Services Unit,  Police (Gang Unit), Sheriff’s Office/Honor Guard and Arlington Public Schools, who provided guidance for our youth during the soccer tournament/Town Meeting.

Special praise goes to Dulce Carrillo from Parks and Recreation for taking and active role in leading the table hosts dialogue and giving our youth and opportunity to improve the quality of life in our County.   As I was walking around and listening to our youth sharing their input on the two questions that were raised, there was lots of energy and time dedicated to each question, and our Gang Task Force is looking forward to seeing the results from our youth.

Special thanks also to our sponsors, Congressman Jim Moran, Mr. Tejada, County Board member, El Pollo Rico, Law Office of Manuel Leiva, Mister Days Sports Café, Screaming Eagles and Washington- Lee high school for lending us their facility and soccer field.

Thanks again for all your hard work and enjoy the pics!

Tito