FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: How old is the Fall Brawl?
A: The Fall Brawl began in 2002 and celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2021.
Q: Why did the Fall Brawl start?
A: The Fall Brawl was created in 2002 when off-season tournaments were still a new concept. It was designed to avoid conflicts with fall sports while allowing players to reconnect after the fall season. As club events and off-season tournaments grew, they became the standard for player recruitment, often bringing pressure and expectations. The Fall Brawl has maintained its original purpose as an annual, fun event without college coaches present.
Q: Why do you use a 7v7 format?
A: The 7v7 format offers several advantages:
- More touches for each player
- Faster-paced games
- Smaller rosters (12 players), accommodating teams affected by fall sports playoffs or winter sports commitments
Q: Why do you only allow rec and high school-based teams?
A: While there are numerous club events available, the Fall Brawl provides a unique opportunity to play with your "spring" team. This format helps players and families connect and allows coaches to prepare their teams for the crucial spring season.
Q: What prompted the move to Oakton High School in 2024?
A: The Fall Brawl's location history:
- 2002-2006: Lanier Middle School, Fairfax City, VA
- 2007 - 2019: Robinson Secondary School, Fairfax, VA
- 2020-2023: VA Revolution Sportsplex (due to Covid-19 closures in FCPS), Leesburg, VA
- 2024 +: Oakton High School, Vienna, VA
We decided to return to school property for several reasons:
- Collaboration with a booster club for fundraising
- Better support for our festival-like atmosphere
- Ample parking
- Ability to offer a normal daytime schedule for all divisions
The move addresses limitations experienced at the Sportsplex, such as restrictive scheduling and parking issues, to enhance the overall experience for players and parents.