Blue Ridge Soccer & Sports in Lynchburg to close its doors

LYNCHBURG (WSLS 10) - Blue Ridge Soccer & Sports winds down operations as they approach the final closing day, May 2, officials say. 

Owners Charlie Catalano and Jedd Zaring reflect on 16 years of service to the central Virginia soccer community. 

"We continue to hear from old friends and loyal customers who remind us how important the store has been," said Zaring in a written statement, released on Tuesday. 

Kendra Toney, the parent of one of Coach Zaring's players at Jefferson Forest stated, "I'm really sad about Blue Ridge Soccer closing. Local businesses are so important and we will miss it a lot! Thank you for being there for area soccer families for so many years."

Officials say even former players made an effort to stop by the store one last time to say their goodbyes and pick up deeply-discounted deals.

John Eppes, another Jefferson Forest player who graduated in 2002 and is now in the military and stationed overseas, made sure to stop in the store while home on leave. "I actually came by the store a week or two ago when I was in town to see if Coach Zaring was around. I missed him – but still picked up some merchandise that was on sale."