On March 19, Alanton Elementary became the newest site in a growing effort to make soccer more accessible across the Virginia Beach community.

Through a partnership led by the For the Players Foundation, professional soccer goals were installed on campus, marking the launch of More Play FC, a school and community soccer initiative designed to create safe, welcoming spaces for all kids to play.

The goals arrived from Hampton Roads Soccer Complex on a flatbed provided by MEB Construction, a tangible sign of the community support behind the project. They are being donated to the Alanton Astros providing students a professional goal during school hours, and outside of school hours, will be open to children in the community. With the support of Principal Charlene Garran, HR Soccer Complex, MEB Construction, and Justin Ballard, the effort is about creating more access, more joy, and more opportunity for kids and families through soccer.

A soon-to-launch Alanton Soccer Club will complement this effort, providing a program that connects the school partnership with children across the area and expands opportunities for participation beyond the school day.

A defining moment of the day came from the students themselves. Many arrived wearing their soccer jerseys, adding to the sense that this was more than a typical school day. At the end of the afternoon, they were given time to gather on the field -- where cheers erupted as the goals were introduced. Principal Charlene Garran shared,

“From the moment you got off your bus this morning, from the moment you got out of your cars this morning wearing your jerseys so very proud, how excited you are to have these new soccer goals at Alanton Elementary School.”

Followed by a raucous round of cheering, perfectly capturing the joy and excitement felt by the students.

One by one, students stepped forward for their first kicks, turning anticipation into action. The energy was immediate and contagious, a clear reflection of how much the moment meant.

“It’s about creating more joy and more opportunity for kids and families through soccer,” said Christin Golich of the For the Players Foundation.

With one field transformed and new programs on the horizon, Alanton Elementary now stands as part of a larger vision, one where more play is always within reach.