The Allen Sports Association, the nonprofit youth league that has organized children's sports in Allen since 1976, is throwing a free 50th anniversary party Sunday, Nov. 8, at Stephen G. Terrell Recreation Center.
The afternoon event will have sports-themed inflatables, children's activities, photo spots, desserts and what the city calls special anniversary surprises, according to the City of Allen's November events list. The party will also include the official reveal of the name of ASA's mascot; the league's anniversary page has been inviting families to help name it.
The celebration caps a year of anniversary programming. ASA has been sending monthly 50th anniversary newsletters that each spotlight one of its sports, in the order each sport joined the league, and has run a survey asking former players, coaches and families for their memories, with weekly drawings for $50 off a player registration.
Five decades of games
ASA says it was founded by a group of Allen residents who believed every child should have access to quality sports programs. Today the 501(c)(3) organization serves players ages 3 to 18 from Allen, Lucas, Fairview and nearby communities in nine sports.
The league says more than 3,000 volunteer coaches and more than 18,000 participants take part each year, overseen by a volunteer board of directors, sport-specific boards, four committees and a professional staff based at 950 E. Main St.
The city says the event is free. A start time had not been posted on the city or league pages as of Monday; ASA's office can be reached at 972-727-9565.
