Jerry Arrington: Shaping Fort Belvoir Lives Through Youth Sports
Jerry Arrington, Fort Belvoir’s Youth Sports Director, has quietly built a nearly 30-year legacy rooted in mentorship, inclusion, and giving military children a place to grow. With a warm smile and unwavering conviction, he has shaped lives far beyond wins and losses.
Arrington’s journey began with a football scholarship to the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. He later served seven years in the Army and gained sports management experience in Frankfurt, Germany. He joined Fort Belvoir’s Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) team in 1995, leading Adult Sports. But in 2003, he found his true calling—Youth Sports—starting a remarkable chapter that reshaped the community.
Shifting his Focus
In those early days, Fort Belvoir’s sport offerings catered mainly to adults. Fields were prepped by hand, and volunteers filled gaps. But as the installation transformed into a family-centered post, Arrington met the moment.
“If the Soldier’s kids are taken care of, the Soldier can take care of the mission,” Arrington said. “That’s always been my guiding principle.”
Starting with two staffers and three sports—basketball, baseball, and soccer, Arrington cultivated a thriving youth program. It now includes seven employees and a robust lineup of clinics, leagues, and physical education initiatives. Field support, fitness instructors, and creative offerings like competitive cheer and preschool targeted Start Smart were added, helping children at every stage.
Jerry Arrington guides the youngest Little League players into place for the opening day ceremonies on Bill Behring Field, April 26.
(Photo by Paul Lara)
Meeting Kids Where They Are
More than a director, Arrington is a mentor to his largely young, developing staff. His assistant director, Rishad, has worked alongside him for nearly 19 years.
“I teach by example. I’ve done every role on this team,” Arrington said. “I want my staff to be well-rounded, understand the job, and be good people—in the office and out in the world.”
Leo Duran, Fort Belvoir’s Child and Youth Services Program Operations Specialist, said Arrington’s influence expands far beyond policy or playbooks:
“For over two decades, Mr. Arrington has built more than sports programs, he has built character, teamwork, and resilience in every child enrolled in Fort Belvoir CYS,” Duran said. “His legacy goes beyond sports programs that he manages, as he continues to impact countless lives. He leads with heart, honor, and commitment to our families.”
Growing a Program for Success
That philosophy drove one of his most inclusive offerings: Homeschool PE. Recognizing not every child wants to compete on a team, Arrington introduced age-specific sessions blending movement and play.
“We disguised physical activity as play,” he says. “They’re doing fitness, they just don’t know it.”
His advice to parents is simple and heartfelt: “Don’t force your child into a sport they don’t want. Just give them a chance to belong.”
Arrington’s legacy is woven into Fort Belvoir’s evolving identity—from a soldier-focused base to a vibrant family community. His compassion remains in the friendships nurtured, the families supported, and the leaders he has mentored.
George Dickson, MWR director, said Arrington stands out for his enduring contributions.
“Jerry Arrington has been a dedicated sports and fitness professional for over four decades working both in adult sports and Child and Youth Sports over the last two decades. He works tirelessly ensuring that every child has access to a high-quality sports experience that promotes growth, teamwork, and resilience,” Dickson said.
“Jerry has ensured Fort Belvoir’s Youth Sports have become a model of excellence for military-connected children. Jerry’s favorite line is, ‘it’s all about the kids.”
By Thais Fonseca-Roundtree and Paul Lara