In order to raise money and awareness for a very meaningful cause, Autism Speaks, seniors Gabriella Darling, Alyssa Roberts, and Meghan Swall have organized a mini soccer tournament for the student body of Potomac Falls.

 “I chose the organization Autism Speaks because the disability means a lot to my family and myself due to the fact that my [older] brother is diagnosed with autism,” said Darling. Darling’s brother was diagnosed when he was a young boy and it has truly made an impact on her perspective of life and the way she treats and associates with others.

 On Nov. 20, the three students and their sponsor Mr. Mel Barrow, will host a mini soccer tournament in Potomac Falls’ stadium.

 “A portion of the proceeds raised will go to the organization, Autism Speaks to fund and raise awareness for autism,” said Roberts.

  The three girls behind the fundraiser came up with the idea because they all play together on Potomac Falls’ Varsity soccer team.

 “We chose to do a soccer tournament because soccer has been a major part of [Alyssa, Meghan and my] lives ever since we were little. Soccer to us is a time where we get to forget about our everyday lives and just have fun while working hard and doing what we love,” said Darling.

 On the day of the event, games will begin at 8 a.m. and at the end of every hour, the teams will switch opponents. Teams of 12 will be able to come and go as they please, but are expected to arrive for their scheduled playing time.

 Many of the students who plan to participate in this event are already very excited and the competition is rising as they begin to make up their teams.

 “I don’t have many expectations for the day of the event, other than to go out there and have fun with my buddies, and raise money for an awesome cause,” said senior Matt Macioce, “I’m also really excited to kick Drew [Weidman’s] butt.”

 At the Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) state competition, the three students will be presenting this project under a “Learn and Earn” category. The Learn and Earn project will apply student’s entrepreneurial knowledge and skills to a single sale or service activity with the idea that it will be run as a real business venture.

 “The project that will be presented to the judges is going to be the development of the tournament and the outcome of the whole project. For instance, if the day of the event was a success or not and what could we have done better or differently,” said Darling.

 Autism Speaks is a wonderful and significant cause that deserves attention, and no better way to do it than uniting the student body and breaking in the brand new turf.