The Hempfield Soccer Booster Club will host a barbecue on Sunday, Oct. 2, at the Hempfield Fire Department, 19 Main St., Landisville. The barbecue will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and all orders for food must be placed online prior to the event. Those ordering have the choice of either a chicken dinner or a pulled pork sandwich, and the deadline to place an order is Thursday, Sept. 22.

Previously held at the Stauffers of Kissel Hill on Rohrerstown Road, the fundraising event has changed locations this year. This will be the eighth year that the booster club has organized the barbecue. "It's a great way to support the entire program," said Ryan Mowery, booster club organizer. "Players and families are expected to help with the event and support the club. Volunteers run the barbecue all day, and all of the players take part."

The funds raised from the barbecue will benefit the booster club; the club uses these funds to directly support the Hempfield soccer program, which entails purchasing auxiliary equipment, jerseys, soccer bags, meals for the players while traveling and any additional needs the team has. While the school district covers the basic needs for the team, the booster club assists with all of its extra needs, including the banquet for its players at the end of the year. Those interested in supporting the booster club in other ways may visit http://www.hempfieldsoccerboosterclub.com to sign up for volunteer opportunities and purchase school spirit wear.

"We have a longstanding tradition of success over the years," said Mark Ashley, the head coach for the Hempfield boys' soccer team. "This team is really hardworking and hopeful to continue our legacy." Several players returning to the team played in the state championship tournament in Pittsburgh, and Ashley hopes to use their experience level to improve the team during the upcoming season and playoffs. Among the teams pitted against Hempfield will be Central Dauphin, Cumberland Valley, Central York, Dallastown and Hershey. Ashley noted that many of the teams have competed at the state level, and he looks forward to facing the challenges this season will bring.

Ashley, who has coached the boys' soccer team for over a decade, said that the soccer team has grown in several ways over the years. Players now join the team from various soccer clubs beyond Hempfield's, bringing different backgrounds and experiences to form one cohesive team. "We're all working towards both collective and individual success. In 2010 we won the state championship, and we were state finalists in 2017; both teams exemplified that mentality," Ashley said.

For more information, contact Mowery at rmow18@comcast.net. To place an order for the barbecue, visit http://www.hempfieldsoccerboosterclub.com/bbq.