What is AFA?
We are a program that aims to foster resilience for the youth we serve. Our program will utilize soccer as its main tool to enhance the overall well-being of our youth. We will mentor our youth by demonstrating positive community engagement and teach them skills to enhance self-esteem, develop awareness in social interactions, embrace positive attitudes towards peers and adults, recognize outcomes of decision-making and problem-solving. We encourage self-expression through soccer activities and building techniques to manage triggers. Our overall goal is to develop the whole player on and off the field.
Why AFA?
Today’s youth have been deprived of key years of their lives due to the pandemic. Financial stress within their own family has increased significantly and as a result, families are struggling to maintain stable housing, which can impact basic human needs. Concurrently, youth are missing out on opportunities to engage in positive physical activities and team sports. Thus, creating unwanted elevated levels of stress, anxiety and depression. Through AFA’s mentoring program we will provide positive social-emotional opportunities.
Sport Philosophy
AFA will promote the positive outcomes between soccer and life experiences. AFA will educate and develop our coaches, counselors and mentors to prepare our players to compete at across all levels of: club, high school, collegiate or professional soccer. AFA will utilize all resources available to provide coaching education, youth mentoring and playing environment for our youth. AFA’s goal is for every participant of our program to grow into a leader through understanding how life experiences shape who we can become. AFA will promote community engagement and strive for a positive learning environment; AFA will provide the highest level of bio-psycho-social functioning within the program.
Mission Statement
AFA inspires youth to lead healthy lives, including academic achievement, and demonstrate confidence through building good character that will make a positive impact in their own lives and community.