The Buchanan County Soccer Association (BCSA) was formed in October 2002. Present at that first meeting were Mandy Bell, Becky England, Missy Thompson, and Angie Mutter. Each of these "soccer moms" wanted to help form a soccer league for their children and the children of Buchanan County. Since soccer had only been played in Buchanan County at a private school, as well as by a handful of kids who had moved to the county from other areas, none of the volunteer parents had experience with soccer. Over the winter of 2002, the small group of "soccer moms" got busy.
After some training, the Board of Directors learned enough about soccer to offer registration county-wide in early 2003. Funds were raised from local sponsors, and an equipment grant was obtained from the U.S. Soccer Foundation so that the children could play with quality equipment and wear complete uniforms. Over 200 children, ranging in ages from four to seventeen, organized into 32 teams; four fields were created at Poplar Gap Park; and the first games were played on April 6, 2003. Total time between the organizational meeting and the first game: less than six months. Although it was a lot of hard work from the volunteers, the pins worn on game day reminded the everyone: "It's For The Kids."
The volunteer parents, as well as the students and staff of the Appalachian School of Law and the University of Appalachia College of Pharmacy, have contributed hundreds of hours toward making soccer a reality in the heart of Appalachia.
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