WASHINGTON — A local team is going to the Youth Soccer National Championships in Texas this week.
The Braddock Road Youth Club 01 Elite of Fairfax, Virginia, is one of only eight teams competing in the girls’ 14 or younger level.
“It’s been a long journey. Some of us have been together for a long time,” said center back Lexa Robinowitcz. “We have some newcomers, but we’ve all throughout this season gotten really close and it’s just been a great cohesion.”
The team has a season record of 20 wins, five draws and six losses. Those wins include numbers of tournaments such as claiming the Virginia State Cup 2016.
“It’s the work of the kids,” said Coach John Kenny. “I’m the vehicle that helps them, but I think it’s really a testament to their efforts, their hard work, their discipline and where they want the game to take them as young ladies.”
All the players are from Northern Virginia and live in Fairfax, Prince William and Loudoun counties.
BRYC 01 Elite team members are: Tiffany Bui of Alexandria, Rachel Castro of Waterford, Miwa Johnstone of Vienna, Meghan Kenefick of Oakton, Hannah Ko of Centreville, Jada Konte of Woodbridge, Grace Lemley of Springfield, Riley McCarthy of Clifton, Riley Melendez of Annandale, Aria Nagai of Oak Hill, Lexa Rabinowitch of Burke, Jaden Steele of Potomac Falls, Alex Taylor of Vienna, Lauren Teuschl of Oakton, Jordyn Turner of Fairfax, Lauren Waniel of Clifton, Victoria Weber of Springfield.
“We have a really great bond. A good friendship,” Rabinowitch said of her teammates.
The 2016 Youth Soccer National Championships are July 26-31.
The team has a GoFundMe page to help pay for the trip to Frisco, Texas.