Maryland SoccerPlex named Hospitality Company of the Year
Boyds, Md. (Via Maryland SoccerPlex) – Trish Heffelfinger, who has been the only Executive Director in the history of the Maryland Soccer Foundation, was honored recently to receive the Hospitality Company of the Year award on behalf of the Maryland SoccerPlex and Discovery Sports Center.
In its third year, the Montgomery County Department of Economic Development gives the award, and the primary criterion for consideration is economic impact on the local region. The Maryland SoccerPlex annually welcomes 650,000 visitors and pumps $24 million dollars into the local economy.
“For myself and the rest of the Maryland Soccer Foundation Board of Directors we could not be more proud of Trish and her entire staff for being named Hospitality Company of the Year in Montgomery County,” said Brent Hanson, President of the Board. “It is quite an honor and comes less than a year after Maureen Hendricks Field was named the best natural-grass playing surface in professional soccer.”
The award comes in the midst of the SoccerPlex’s 15th anniversary, which will be celebrated October 11 at the conclusion of the Discovery Cup, a GotSoccer premier level, girls’ only tournament that draws 7,000 visitors.
“I am extremely thankful for all of the efforts of the board and especially John and Maureen Hendricks,” said Heffelfinger. “Without the support of the board and the vision of the Hendricks none of this would have been possible. There are so many people who have benefited from their efforts.”
The Maryland SoccerPlex, which opened in 2000, is considered a model for public-private partnerships. It is a non-profit organization operated by the Maryland Soccer Foundation to provide opportunities for all children to participate in sports regardless of skill level, gender or economic means.
From humble beginnings the SoccerPlex has become one of the nation’s premier athletic venues, and a regional economic engine, while simultaneously providing a multitude of youth athletic opportunities.
