The Community Kickers program presented by Old Dominion National Bank is a partnership between Arlington Soccer and local nonprofits Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing (APAH) and AHC Inc. to provide free soccer programming to families living in the organizations' affordable housing units.

Despite being one of the wealthiest counties in the nation, Arlington County consists of more than a third of school-age children who qualify for the free and reduced-price meal programs. The 2022 median income for a family of four in Arlington was $142,300. Thousands of families, however, make a fraction of this amount – a challenge in the expensive mid-Atlantic region. 

In 2022, Arlington Soccer joined forces with APAH to provide free soccer experiences for children as young as 3 years old in APAH's 2,000 affordable apartments throughout Arlington County. In 2023, the weekly program was extended to more than 3,000 families living in AHC affordable housing. The programs are offered weekly during the fall and spring seasons at local parks and elementary schools.

What they're saying about Community Kickers

"This year, we found that students are still struggling with the new normal, post-COVID. Recreational, social, and emotional learning opportunities for students are now more important than ever, and bringing soccer to our AHC communities supports those efforts. This partnership demonstrates how youth and families succeed when equitable opportunities are available. We are grateful to Arlington Soccer Association for propelling our mission of helping residents build more stable and successful lives.”

- Jennifer Endo, AHC Vice President of Community Relations

"Providing access to engaging and exciting enrichment opportunities for APAH youth is one of our top priorities. We are excited to partner with the Arlington Soccer Association, which certified 12 young people who live in APAH properties as state soccer referees. To get certified, they had to complete several hours of curriculum and on-field training in addition to their schoolwork. Now they can get paid as a referee and will work games all around Arlington. This partnership is another example of what happens when opportunities are made available for youth who might not otherwise have access. Our young people can step up and achieve amazing things."

- APAH President and CEO Carmen Romero

“ODNB and Arlington Soccer Association share in a common mission: to enrich the lives of youth in the communities we serve. We are delighted to partner with an organization that supports children of all backgrounds and encourages personal development through the spirit of athletics. Frank DeMarco and his team continue to look for ways to reduce barriers and promote access to their programs. ODNB is proud to support Arlington Soccer and its long-lasting, positive impact to the Arlington community."

- Kevin Albrigo, Senior Executive Vice President, Old Dominion National Bank

About APAH

Founded in 1989, Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing (APAH) is a nonprofit affordable housing developer. We are deeply committed to Arlington and, after 30 years, have expanded our impact to our neighboring communities across the D.C. metro region. We focus on both places and people. We believe safe, affordable housing provides an essential platform for hard-working, low-income families and individuals to achieve stability, pursue their personal goals and enhance their quality of life. Learn more at apah.org.

About AHC

AHC Inc. provides welcoming and well-maintained affordable and mixed-income rental apartment communities in Virginia, Maryland, and DC. Founded in 1975, AHC’s efforts are recognized throughout the region as a major force in maintaining a diversity of housing. AHC has developed more than 50 properties providing 7,500-plus affordable homes that serve thousands in the region. Originally “Arlington Housing Corporation,” AHC is the oldest and largest affordable housing developer in Arlington.

About Old Dominion National Bank

Old Dominion National Bank Design provides concierge-level service to both new and existing commercial customers and consumers in our surrounding communities within the Washington metropolitan area, Northern and Central Virginia, and Central Pennsylvania. We are an independent, locally owned and managed community bank with executive headquarters in Tysons Corner. Learn more at www.odnb.bank.