ROCKINGHAM — For the first time in five summers, the fields at Browder Park will be without the annual HWY 55 Burgers, Shakes & Fries charity soccer tournament.
Event organizers Keith and Colleen Parsons made the decision earlier this week to cancel the sixth annual tournament amid the coronavirus pandemic.
“We waited as long as we could before pulling the plug,” Keith Parsons, a teacher and coach at Richmond Senior High School, said. “Unfortunately, given where everything stands, we felt it was better to cancel this year and turn our attention to 2021.”
A three-on-three soccer tournament, the event not only serves as a way for area athletes to enjoy a day of competition, but the Parsons also use it to raise money for the Benny and Connie Parsons Memorial Scholarship.
The scholarship is given out to two students each school year, and is a one-year, $1,000 scholarship given to students who either attended Ellerbe Middle School or who are from Ellerbe, since that is where Parsons grew up.
In 2014, the Parsons, along with Charles Hudson, created Richmond Rush, a local three-on-three soccer team for their daughters to play on to help them stay active and get better with the sport of soccer. From there, the program flourished, ultimately resulting in the annual charity soccer tournament, which began in 2015.
Like the past couple of years, HWY 55 was set to be the main sponsor of the charity event, which is owned locally by J.R. and Crystal Cottle.
Although he wishes the event was still on, Parsons recognized the importance of player and participant safety. But what he’ll miss most about this summer is the competition.
“Seeing the fields full of players — adults and teenagers, and some even younger — is a great feeling,” Parsons said. “And since it is one day out of the year, everyone comes together to make it mostly about having fun.
“Sure, all the teams want to win. Yet there is a feeling of leaving it all on the field and having a respectful competition. Colleen and I love that.”
Last summer, over 100 athletes from six counties across North and South Carolina competed in the event. A total of 22 teams competed in four divisions.
Despite not having the tournament this summer, Parsons is encouraging players and enthusiasts of the sport to continue to practice, albeit safely.
“The first message I would share is to make sure you, your friends, your family members and your coaches are wearing masks and following the recommendations of experts,” Parsons shared.
“And the great thing about soccer is you can improve so much practicing by yourself. Take your ball outside and work on your touches, either by juggling or dribbling. If you have a friend or sibling who plays, practice your passing as you practice social distancing.”
Looking to the future and continuing the success of the charity tournament, the Parsons plan to keep the event going next summer. When considering a possible winter or spring tournament, Parsons said the timeline is easier for both he and his wife, along with the City of Rockingham to use Browder Park during the summer months.
“We want to thank all our partners — the City of Rockingham, J.R. and Crystal Cottle of HWY 55, Mari Bennett of LMO, Charles and Kristen Hudson of Unique Auto Sales and Chris and Ashley Turner of Twisted Treats.
“Hopefully we all can get back together next summer.”
