15 months after an unsecured soccer goal took the life of Stephens City youngster Hayden Barnes Ellias, the Northern Shenandoah Valley community gathered at a soccer camp to support Hayden's family and the cause they now champion.

"We just want to get the message out to everybody" says camp organizer Pat Anderson, "no better way to do that than to bring these kids together, and parents together and get our message out while having a good time."

In the year since Hayden's tragic death his family has started a foundation appropriately named "Hayden's Goal"... and last weeks' camp was the first big opportunity for the new foundation to accomplish its mission.

"It was very emotional for me to talk to the parents" admitted Mary Ellias, Hayden's mom, "but we do it because we love these kids and they need to be protected."

Campers were treated to a very special surprise Wednesday night, when a pair of players from professional club DC United paid a visit to camp. Devon McTavish, who graduated from James Wood High School, and Zach Wells made the hour and a half trip from the nation's capital, and both were impressed with this area's commitment to a very serious soccer issue.

"Unfortunately lives can be lost" lamented McTavish "what (they) are doing out here with the foundation, and getting the word out is great."

"It's a pretty tragic thing that happened out here last year" added Wells "to see how many people are out here and supporting a year afterw, it shows the support for Hayden's family."

For more information on "Hayden's Goal", visit www.haydensgoal.org