My name is Kasen Shi, and I am sixteen years old. When I first started playing soccer at the age of five, I remember the joy and freedom I felt once I stepped onto the field. I started training with my good friend and coach, Joaquim Capuia, in private training classes he provided for the local youth. Upon turning nine, I joined his ADF 2007 Boys’ team. I have been on this team to this day, and I’ve been the team captain for the past two years. I also play varsity soccer at my high school.

Soccer has been such a critical and beneficial part of my life, and I am fortunate enough to have been able to access this opportunity. It has taught me mental strength, perseverance, and discipline, which has benefited me both on and off the field in ways I would have never imagined. Considering this, it truly breaks my heart when I hear of people who are, unfortunately, unable to have the same experience that I had due to family financial hardships. Soccer is a sport that helps young people like me, build the necessary skills to help them succeed in later parts of their lives. I believe that money should not be the main factor preventing youth from playing soccer and enjoying the numerous benefits of the sport.

My name is Jack Berner, I am a current Junior in high school and my story began in Portland, Oregon. My father’s job took our family across the world, from Portland to Boston to Amsterdam and back. I was blessed with the opportunity to experience the beauty of soccer from all over Europe and America. Wherever we went, every nation played the same game, with the ball at their feet. My experiences abroad opened my eyes to the financial struggles that numerous families can suffer from. It pained me to see the youth in my community unable to afford to play the sport they loved. 

Through my years of playing the game, I have learned that soccer is so much more than just a game. Soccer connects you with young athletes and coaches from all over the world. It helps you stay fit and healthy, improves your teamwork, decision-making skills, and mental fortitude and most importantly, it is remarkably fun. I aim to overcome the financial barrier preventing young athletes from accessing the irreplaceable benefits of soccer. 

I am Joaquim Capuia. My journey began in a refugee camp in Zambia, a consequence of the civil war that swept through my homeland, Angola. Relocating to Portland, Oregon at age 7 with my entire family. I attended elementary, middle school, and high school in inner-city Portland. I graduated from Portland State University with degrees in Finance and Supply Logistics Management.

Growing up in northeast Portland, opportunities for youth sports were scarce. With seven siblings and both parents working, resources were tight. Fortunately, a family friend's soccer team became my entryway into the game. Later, I earned a scholarship for competitive soccer when my coach spotted me playing on the streets of Northeast Portland.

Many kids share similar stories. I'm committed to breaking this cycle. My mission is clear: to help kids access youth sports, vital for their development. Beyond fitness, sports teach character, perseverance, teamwork, and lasting friendships.

Regardless of whether a child reaches the pro or collegiate level, or just enjoys it for fun, it's disheartening when parents can't afford it.

Change is needed, and we can all contribute. Together, we can shape a brighter future for the next generation, and that change starts with me.

Hi, my name is Kaiyo Shi. I’m a 23-year-old who believes in the power of the world’s beautiful game and I possess a vision to support the youth and their families in accessing the soccer field close to home. Like my brother, I first started playing soccer at the age of five, a privilege I was fortunate to have. My passion for equity and inclusion stem from my pursuit of a medical career and is strengthened by my experiences in primary care as a medical assistant for the past year. 

Long gone are the days where freely playing outside can be considered safe or less troubling than staying indoors. In the summer of 2017, when I was preparing to start my final year of high school, some of my teammates were facing an issue many other youth in our country face. In our country, to put our youth on the field, families are inundated with expenses from paying team fees, buying protective equipment, and uniforms. For low-income and underserved populations, this means less access to the field. For some of my teammates, this meant hanging up their cleats early. 

When faced with this reality, my entire team and I did what anyone else would do - we fostered solutions to make the field accessible once more. The final year we experienced together is one I will never stop treasuring. As we worked to fundraise, reduce costs, and guarantee all of us had the same experience, I was blown away by how fast we were able to come together. Knowing there are future teammates that haven’t had their chance to step onto the field yet, I am motivated to do more to help and level the field close to where our youth call home.