One of the biggest if not biggest events of the year came into focus Friday March 4th, 2022. 13 venues would be in use. No, the Chick-Fil-A Race City Classic was not about chickens racing. This weekend brought soccer clubs from all around together like a community to compete. All those training sessions and hard work by the athletes were going to be put to the test. “The tournament is well organized and brings great competition” said VBR Star Head Coach Shawn Morrison. “It’s a great preseason for us to get our kids evaluated and ready for the upcoming spring season.”

Day 1. You could feel something that Friday night. We are not talking about the cold temperatures or the wind. Everyone felt that one. What we are talking about is the intensity each player brought with them. Walking out of the cars, jogging to the fields, and meeting with their team. Slowly putting their backpacks down to put on their cleats. Each movement of the laces showed precision and the knot created would be strong. Just like their will to play the game of soccer that day and for the rest of the weekend. Parents lined up the sidelines as games began. Cheering and screaming in excitement as their child tried to score a goal or make a big stop. As the sun started to disappear, a new one began to take its place. Stadium lights one by one turned on, getting brighter by the minute. It felt like Friday Night Lights except we were playing the game of soccer and that there were multiple teams. One by one, games began to conclude but it wasn’t the end. There was still more to come.

Day 2. The energy that was brought from Friday carried over into Saturday. Majority of the boys were playing at Manchester Meadows and Comporium Park while most of the girls played at Mazeppa Park. Every single game and goal counted as it would soon determine if a team we're going home or will be playing in the finals on Day 3. Let’s not forget something. Besides competition, athletes are here to have fun. “Hanging out with my friends and playing soccer. That is what this is all about. Having fun and playing”, said Pre-Academy North Blue Team member Jeremiah "Jerry" M. when asked what his favorite part has been so far this weekend. To us, this is the goal, and it makes us gleam ear to ear. Playing soccer is one thing but doing so with the passion and the love for your teammates is something else.

Day 3. The final and last day of the Chick-Fil-A Race City Classic. It’s truly remarkable to watch as players compete the past two days and continue their effort one final time. The morning held the last of the few games they determined again who would be playing for a gold medal. Of all the days, we believe Sunday showed the most passion especially from the parents. Goals were being scored and parents were going crazy on the sideline. Jumping up and down, running around high fiving one another, Pats barking. You would have thought it was a major league event. You can be on one side of the field and hear a roar coming from another. Many of the final’s games were nail biters and truly came down to the last few minutes. As games ended, teams were led to retrieve their metals and take photos of champions and finalists. Coaches gave speeches thanking parents for their dedication and commitment. Then calling on each player one by one to receive their specific medal. “The tournament was amazing. We had an awesome time and the girls played hard”, said Head Coach Juan Sosa of the East 07 Girls. “The competition was absolutely awesome for the girls and very happy to have taken the tournament home.” 

Juan is right. We want to thank you the parents for bringing your child to training sessions to help them reach their goals. We know traveling this weekend can be a commitment and we applaud you for your dedication. Thank you to Novant Health in providing staff to make sure our athletes were safe this entire weekend. “I along with the others at Novant Health are always glad to help serve the community however we can '' said newest Full-Time staff member Nate Adams. “The tournament went by smoothly with no major injuries thankfully, and I’m looking forward to future tournaments!” A second thank you to Chick-Fil-A for their annual support of the event. Lastly, thank you to the athletes who participated. Whether or not you made it to the finals, we are proud of you. Your parents are proud of you. This is a stepping stone in your journey and will only help you become a better athlete moving forward. Whether you can hear it or not, we are giving you a standing ovation. We look forward to you and everyone to come out next year and see what new skills you bring to the fields.