Our Mission
To use the world’s game as a vehicle for social change in at risk communities throughout Central America. Establish strategic partnerships with international clubs and global brands with interest in giving back through the sport of football. Develop sustainable models community-organized youth football academies to motivate participants personally, academically, and socially.
“A.F.J.A. is where I go to make friends and play the sport I love.
”
“Le doy gracias a AFJA por crear esta academia, me encanta entrenar”
Since 2018, we have led an effort to provide access to organized soccer programs for youth in rural communities throughout Central America. We have built grassroots community spaces around the beautiful game.
To date, we have served over 350 youth ages 5 through 20 in the countries of El Salvador and Guatemala. Every week out athletes receive dedicated coaching, training, and recreational time with their friends. We work hand in hand with parents, teachers and community members to help them develop future leaders.
Location 3: A.F.J.A.. San Andres Itzapa, Guatemala
AFJA has 5 youth soccer academies across 4 countries in Central America. All community based academies are made possible through the generous donations of equipment and support from youth, amateur, and professional soccer clubs in California.
Eligibility for the Academy is met under three conditions:
Academic: All participants must maintain good attendance and academic standing at school. They must also provide quarterly progress reports signed by their teacher.
Community: Each season, participants will draft and execute a community service project for the social benefit of their community.
Attendance: Participants must maintain as close to perfect attendance as possible to all team practices, games, meetings, and events. Parents are to send notice of planned absences.
What We've Achieved
Major League Soccer Community MVP Award - 2019 (nominated by Los Angeles Football Club)
First Central American Appreciation Night at Los Angeles Galaxy
NIKE Social and Community Impact Grant recipient
Central American International Film Festival 2018, “El Poder del Juego”
89 Participants in Location 1: Canton Los Amates, La Libertad, El Salvador
45 Participants in Location 2: Ateos, La Libertad, El Salvador
25 Participants in Location 3: San Andres Itzapa, Chimaltenango, Guatemala
Coming soon: Honduras, Belize, Panama, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica