Fairfax Women's Soccer League Marks 50 Years

The Fairfax Women’s Soccer Association celebrated its 50th anniversary this year after a group of mothers founded the league in 1976. The organization now serves more than 550 women on fall teams, covering age divisions from 19 to 60-plus.

The league operates across nine Fairfax County parks and schools, including Pine Ridge and Wakefield parks in Annandale and Woodson High School. Over the last five years, more than 2,500 women participated in FWSA teams, its academy, or its annual Pine Ridge tournament.

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors passed a resolution on Oct. 27 to congratulate the league on its milestone. The resolution commended the group for promoting women’s soccer, health, wellness, and community engagement.

Wanda Rixon, a long-time FWSA board member, noted that the league’s history involves building and adapting to keep women playing. Two fields at Pine Ridge Park are named for Rixon and Ruth Walton, another longtime leader.

The organization has contributed more than $600,000 and numerous volunteer hours to field improvements. These efforts include the installation of artificial turf at Wakefield Park and Woodson High School.

FWSA will hold a private celebration on Nov. 7 to honor players, alumni, and leaders. The group also supports local food banks, women’s shelters, and youth soccer clubs through partnerships with public schools and the Fairfax County Park Authority.