The Pequea Valley Youth Soccer Association (PVYSA) will present a fall soccer kickoff event and tournament on Saturday, Aug. 27, from 4 to 10 p.m. The first-time event, which will feature food trucks, soccer games, a free used equipment exchange and a cornhole tournament, will take place at Pequea Valley High School, 4033 E. Newport Road, Kinzers.

Organizers of the event include Mandee Culp, PVYSA community coordinator, and soccer parent Chris Smondrowski. "We have not tried something like this before. Mandee wanted to do a food truck event to raise (money) for the program, and I said we should play soccer as well to bring more people to it," said Smondrowski. "Another family decided to put on a cornhole event."

A highlight of the evening will be a 3-versus-3 soccer tournament, where teams of three will play short games with no goalie and no coaching. "It's smaller fields and less players, so it would be faster games," Smondrowski explained. "It's all about the fun and getting out there for the sport of it. We don't want coaches yelling to the kids from the sides. We want (the kids) to go out and play and have a good time. It's a game that is supposed to be fun for them, not stressful."

Food trucks that will be on hand will include Auntie Anne's, A Cup of Joe and Blazing Swine BBQ. The PVYSA concession stand at the stadium will also be open offering candy, iced tea, bottled water and other snacks and beverages.

The cornhole tournament will take place from 4 to 9 p.m. "There are 20 teams registered already," Smondrowski noted. To learn more about the specific rules of the tournament, email rachel92085@comcast.net.

For the equipment exchange, families can drop off or take items. "We've done equipment exchanges at practice. It's basically any used cleats or shin guards," Smondrowski said. "People can come and look through and see if anything works out for them or drop off (items) to donate it to somebody else. Some people can't afford cleats, and the (players) outgrow them so quickly. I have a box of cleats already that I will be bringing."

There will also be a chance to win prizes such as an Amazon gift card, Philadelphia Union tickets and a free stay at a condo in Ocean City, Md.

About 180 players participate in PVYSA annually. Most players are from the Pequea Valley School District, but the league also attracts players from the local area, including the Octorara Area School District. The PVYSA offers programs for boys and girls ages 4 through 19, and players participate in intramural, recreational and travel leagues throughout Lancaster County.

Smondrowski said that the players are looking forward to the kickoff event because they get to play at the high school stadium. "Playing under the stadium lights is something these kids don't get to do. It's fun for them," he said.

For more information and to register for the cornhole tournament or the 3-versus-3 soccer games, visit http://www.facebook.com/pvysa and choose Events. Those with questions may email Culp at culp@pvysa.com.