SUMMER SOCCER FEST
Photo credit: 2026 Summer Soccer Fest
MSYSA SUMMER SOCCER FEST SERIES BRINGS COMMUNITIES TOGETHER ACROSS MARYLAND The MSYSA World Cup Summer Soccer Fest Series has already created unforgettable memories for soccer families across Maryland, with two of the three events successfully completed and one more exciting celebration still to come. The series kicked off June 12-13 at Baltimore Peninsula as part of the SOBO Soccer Fest before making its second stop on June 19 at Wiley Bates Field in Annapolis, in partnership with the Boys & Girls Club of Annapolis.
Players and families of all ages came together to enjoy free soccer activities, skills challenges, giveaways, music, and the opportunity to celebrate the beautiful game alongside fellow fans. Attendees were treated to special appearances from players representing the Annapolis Blues and Washington Spirit, who joined the festivities by playing 3v3 matches in the mini pitch, interacting with young players, and signing autographs. One of the highlights of each event was gathering as a soccer community to watch Team USA compete on the world stage. Families, players, coaches, and fans cheered together during the World Cup watch parties, creating an electric atmosphere and showcasing the power of soccer to unite communities.
"The Summer Soccer Fest Series has been an incredible way to bring communities together through the game we all love," said Nathean Meadows, MSYSA Director of Outreach & Grassroots. "As we celebrate MSYSA's 50th anniversary, these events showcase our commitment to growing the game, creating memorable experiences for players and families, and making soccer accessible to everyone. Seeing young players interact with professional athletes, enjoy the World Cup atmosphere, and connect with others in the soccer community has made this series truly special." The Summer Soccer Fest Series concludes on July 11 at the Montgomery County White Oak Community Recreation Center in partnership with Elite Soccer Youth Development Academy and Montgomery County Recreation. The final event promises another day filled with soccer, community, and World Cup excitement as Maryland's soccer community comes together for one last celebration. MSYSA is proud to provide these free events and thanks all of the partners, volunteers, players, and families who have helped make the Summer Soccer Fest Series such a tremendous success. The final Soccer Fest will also serve as the last MSYSA-hosted World Cup watch party of the tournament, making it a celebration soccer fans won't want to miss. A special thank you to our incredible partners whose support helped bring the Summer Soccer Fest Series to communities across Maryland: Annapolis Blues, Baltimore Peninsula, Boys & Girls Club of Annapolis, D.C. United, Elite Soccer Youth Development Academy (ESYDA), Montgomery County East Regional Services, Montgomery County Recreation, the Office of Mayor Jared Littmann, Soccer Forward / U.S. Soccer Federation, and the Washington Spirit.
MSYSA SUMMER SOCCER FEST SERIES BRINGS COMMUNITIES TOGETHER ACROSS MARYLAND This summer, the Maryland State Youth Soccer Association (MSYSA) brought communities together through its World Cup Summer Soccer Fest Series, hosting events in Silver Spring, Baltimore, and Annapolis. Across all three locations, more than 600 participants enjoyed a celebration of soccer, community, and family fun. As part of MSYSA's 50th Anniversary Celebration, the series highlighted the Association's commitment to growing the game and making soccer accessible to communities across Maryland and DC. Each event featured soccer activities, games, giveaways, and opportunities for players and families to connect while celebrating the world's game.
The series concluded on July 11 in partnership with Elite Soccer Youth Development Academy (ESYDA) and Montgomery County Government. The final celebration brought together families for an exciting day of soccer activities, community engagement, and World Cup excitement. Talon, the DC United mascot, was a crowd favorite throughout the day, while Jacob Murrell, former Maryland ODP player and current professional forward, posed for photos, signed autographs, and inspired young athletes by sharing his journey from Maryland's Olympic Development Program to the professional game.
The event also included two special recognitions celebrating the power of community partnerships. MSYSA was honored with a 50th Anniversary Plaque, presented by Jewru Bandeh, Director of Montgomery County East Regional Services, recognizing the Association's five decades of service to youth soccer in Maryland and DC. In addition, Greg Smith, MSYSA Executive Director, presented Coach FoFo and Elite Soccer Youth Development Academy (ESYDA) with a Community Partnership Award in recognition of their outstanding commitment to expanding access to the game and serving the local community. The success of the Summer Soccer Fest Series was made possible by the incredible support of our partners, sponsors, volunteers, and community leaders. Their dedication helped create welcoming spaces where children and families could play, build connections, and experience the positive impact of soccer. As MSYSA celebrates 50 years of serving the soccer community in Maryland and D.C., we’re excited to continue creating opportunities that bring people together and grow the beautiful game for years to come.