ROCKINGHAM — Area soccer enthusiasts looking to benefit a local charity will get the opportunity by competing in the fifth annual HWY 55 Burgers, Shakes and Fries three-on-three soccer tournament.
George Browder Park in Rockingham will be the site of the tournament for the fifth-straight summer, and the small-sided games will be held on Saturday, July 27. Hosted by the Richmond Rush Football Club, which is run by Keith and Colleen Parsons, registration for the event is still open for teams looking to play.
During last summer’s event, the Parsons saw the biggest number of teams yet, with 21 squads competing across four divisions. This year the cost per team is $175 and teams can have a maximum of six players on their rosters. Games will begin at 9 a.m. and follow a double round-robin tournament ahead of the championship brackets.
As explained by Keith Parsons, who teaches history at Richmond Senior High School, the divisions this summer are as follows: co-ed youth (ages nine to 12), high school boys (ages 13-17), high school girls (ages 13-17) and an open co-ed adult division for players 18 and older.
Three-on-three soccer is a faster-paced version of the traditional game, and requires a similar, but unique skill set and strategy. There are no goalkeepers, and the fields are smaller, as players may only score a legitimate goal by crossing the midfield line.
In 2014, the Parsons, along with Charles Hudson, created the 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.
“It started as a way to develop youth soccer in the area, and try to highlight and promote the game,” Parsons explained. “Soccer in Richmond County gets bigger and better every year, and we continue to get a lot of interest. It’s amazing how many folks come out and participate.
“The City of Rockingham has been a great partner, and I like that we’re able to bring an event (to town) every summer,” he continued. “It’s a lot of fun, and I feel like it’s something that helps our community.”
Returning as the title sponsor again this year is HWY 55 Burgers, Shakes and Fries of Rickingham, which is owned by J.R. and Crystal Cottle. The restaurant provides hamburgers and hot dogs to be sold at the event.
“J.R. and Crystal have been tremendous in years past and reached out again and wanted to sponsor our tournament again,” Parson said. “They supply stuff from the store, and this year, J.R. is organizing all the officials for the event. They’re there early to help us set up and stay late to clean up.”
Each year the Parsons choose a different charity to donate the proceeds of the tournament to. Last summer they selected Impact Backpack, and this year the funds will be given to the Benny and Connie Parsons Memorial Scholarship .
“My mom passed away in 1991 and my dad passed away in 2007,” Parsons shared. “With our daughter Emily graduating this past year and going through the scholarship process, we realized how important every scholarship dollar can be for students. So we want to help give back to them.”
The Benny and Connie Parsons Memorial 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.
“I have to thank my wife, Colleen, because she’s been a bigger part than ever in helping organize this event,” Parsons concluded. “We want to make this as great as we can.”
To register a team, contact Parsons at 910-995-1670.
