WHERE CHILDREN FIND HOPE IN EVERY GOAL

WHAT IF A CHILD WHO’S EXPERIENCED UNBEARABLE TRAUMA COULD PLAY THEIR WAY TOWARD HEALING?

Millions of children across Africa are growing up in high-stress environments marked by violence, loss, conflict, and hunger. This type of chronic trauma can disrupt a child’s cognitive, emotional, and physical development, limiting their ability to achieve their full potential.

Yet even in the face of adversity, we believe they can play their way forward.

OUR MISSION:

Play It Forward creates safe spaces where children affected by trauma can engage in play-based soccer programs that help them begin to heal and navigate their futures with hope.

MEET ELIJAH

THE INSPIRATION BEHIND PLAY IT FORWARD

Elijah was born in Gambela, Ethiopia. Six months later, he was orphaned. The next five years of his life were spent in an under-resourced orphanage where he endured severe neglect, abuse, and malnourishment. Yet, what bothers him most today isn't his own story. It's knowing children just like him across Africa don't have access to the kind of resources and opportunities he does now.

Since being adopted and raised in the States, Elijah has found the support he needs to begin healing from the trauma he experienced while living in a high-stress environment during early childhood.

But that support didn't just come from family or counselors. It came from the game of soccer. He found that playing soccer was a means for him to process his emotions, release the trauma stored up in his body, develop stronger social skills, and boost his self-confidence.

Elijah’s story is a testament to why Play It Forward exists.

THE INVISIBLE CRISIS

You've seen the pictures. You’ve heard the stories. Millions of children across Africa facing hunger. Growing up without safety or stability. Surviving conflict and violence.

What you don't see is what happens inside their minds.

When a child experiences chronic stress without relief, their brain is wired to detect threats more than possibilities. They become hyper-vigilant. They struggle to concentrate, regulate emotions, form trusting relationships, or develop self-confidence.

This is called developmental trauma. It's not visible in photographs, but it's as real as hunger.

Across the continent, young children are being repeatedly exposed to highly stressful experiences during the most formative years of their lives. And the impact compounds over time.

This crisis doesn't make headlines, but it does determine futures.

HOW SOCCER CAN CHANGE THE GAME

WHEN CHILDREN PLAY WITH PURPOSE, THEY DISCOVER THEIR POWER.

GET IN THE GAME

OUR GAME PLAN

When trauma overwhelms a child’s nervous system, safety, connection, and play become critical to healing. That’s why our strategy rests on four pillars: safety, healing, connection, and fun..

1. Safety: Building Safe Places to Play
We will partner with communities to build safe and sustainable turf fields where children can play without fear.

2. Fun: Offering Play-Based Soccer Programs
Soccer is a universal language that unites children in every community. The game naturally builds teamwork, problem-solving, and self-belief.

3. Healing: Utilizing Trauma-Informed Methods
Through the help of industry professionals, we will create structured play-based programs that help children develop emotional regulation, resilience, and confidence in a supportive environment.

4. Connection: Training Coaches as Mentors
We will train local coaches as mentors who listen, encourage, and support the whole child. Relationships will be at the center of our work..

CHECK THE STAT SHEET

Only 25% of communities in sub-Saharan Africa have safe public spaces designated for children to play.

Communities with safe play infrastructure have seen 40% increases in school attendance and 25% reductions in youth crime.

Less than 10% of schools in sub-Saharan Africa offer after-school programs, and only 25% of children have access to organized sports teams.

Play-based approaches to learning have improved cognitive development and increased executive function by 33%.

Youth suicide rates across Africa increased 40% in the last decade. With lack of access to professional help, children suffer in silence.

Trauma-informed sport programs have improved emotional regulation by 35% and reduce anxiety and depression by 27%.

Only 50% of children in many African communities complete secondary school.

Youth who have positive relationships with a trusted mentor show 90% school completion rates and are 50% more likely to attend college.

OUR VISION TO BRIDGE COMMUNITIES:

HOW WE CAN BUILD FIELDS AND FUTURES TOGETHER

Every weekend, families across America pour their hearts into youth soccer. What if that same energy could help build safe fields for children in Africa to play freely and without fear?

Through Play It Forward, youth soccer clubs and families will soon be able to fund field construction and play-based trauma-healing programs.

A GRASSROOTS MOVEMENT

We’re hoping to build a movement that starts small and grows strong. One club, one field, one community at a time.

Each U.S. soccer club that joins becomes a Play It Forward Partner. Families make a donation, maybe the cost of a tournament fee or a new pair of cleats?

In return, they’ll see exactly what they helped create through photos, stories, and personal connections with the communities they support. It’s not charity from afar; it’s shared humanity through the world’s favorite game.

BUILT TO LAST

Grassroots partnerships will power our beginning, but long-term sustainability comes from balance.

Play It Forward will also pursue traditional nonprofit funding (grants, foundations, and major gifts) to strengthen and scale every project.

This blended approach lets us grow responsibly while keeping local relationships at the center. We’re not chasing quick wins; we’re investing in fields, programs, and futures built to last.

WHY IT"S ACHIEVABLE

Over 10,000 youth soccer clubs exist in the U.S.

The average club includes 300 to 500 families.

If just 200 families per club give $50–$100 a year, that’s almost enough to fund the construction of a field.

With participation from only 1% of clubs, more than 100 African communities could gain safe spaces to play, connect, and heal.

HOW CLUBS CAN PLAY IT FORWARD

Gear Drives: Collect cleats, balls, shin guards, and gently used uniforms for players abroad.

Mini-Tournaments: Host futsal events or community challenges to raise funds.

Youth Ambassadors: Empower teens to lead local fundraising and storytelling.

Exchange Projects: Create cross-continental friendships through video and shared play.

Each action gives young athletes a way to live out what the game teaches best — teamwork, empathy, and purpose.

HOW WE’LL GET THERE

Transparency and planning are at the core of how we work. From our pilot site to our budget and oversight process, every detail has been structured for clarity and accountability. We want our supporters to see exactly how hope takes shape—step by step.

INITIAL PROJECT

  • We are currently in discussion with multiple community leaders and organizations interested in partnering with us to build our first field and beta program model. After deciding on the initial community, we will conduct a site visit to begin the project development process.

    We will work to establish local leadership and site directors in each community as soon as reasonably possible.

  • We are currently in direct discussion with an organization called Focus Congo in The Democratic Republic of Congo. They recently completed a school that serves children displaced by regional conflict and are very interested in helping establish this project in North Kivu.

    We are also in discussion with the leader of a community center and teen group home in a township located about 75 miles northeast of Cape Town, South Africa. There is potential of establishing a project on a plot of land his organization recently acquired.

    Note: both connections are long-time, trusted friends, dating back to when Joseph lived and served in South Africa.

  • We will line-up meetings with pre-selected contractors who can oversee the full scope of the project and receive bids for total construction costs. Given preliminary research, we estimate a small-sided turf field will cost from $20-30k to build.

    We will be employing a groundskeeper at each location.

  • There are multiple organizations that specialize in developing play-based, trauma-informed curriculums that can be used in sport programs. We’ve already been in contact with Coaches Across Borders and the Center for Healing and Justice Through Sport to explore partnership.

    Utilizing an established curriculum for our beta testing phase will allow us to get to work quickly and begin discerning what works best in the communities we serve.

    The end goal is to develop our own curriculum and programs through the help of mental health professionals and coaches.

  • This will occur in tandem with the construction of our initial field. We hope to have at least 4-5 coaches identified, assessed and trained before each field is built. We will rely heavily on references from local leadership to identify candidates.

    These coaches will be paid a stipend for their time and leadership.

TIMELINE

  • We’re approaching this project like a build-measure-learn journey. Each phase moves us closer to a fully-tested, scaleable model.

    That said, we are fully aware that launching a project that serves people on a different continent is going to come with it’s fair share of delays and set-backs.

    Being flexible is key to getting our first project up and off the ground.

  • November 2025 - January 2026

    Finalize pilot location, conduct site visit, bid construction cost, build operational infrastructure, select pilot curriculum, recruit & assess initial coaches, raise funds for initial project.

  • April 2026 - June 2026

    Break ground, install turf field, fencing and seating, and complete basic lighting and storage.

    Begin training coaches in local curriculum.

    Establish 2-3 formal partnership agreements with youth soccer clubs to fund future projects.

  • July 2026 - September 2026

    Once the field is complete, we will begin by offering organized games and tournaments, hosting simple skills clinics, and introducing the program to the community through a soft-launch preview.

    Enroll initial group of children across four age groups: 4-6, 7-9, 10-12, and 13-16

  • Launch after-school program sessions for 70-100 children. Gather feedback and begin tracking impact based on surveys.

    We will also continue aggressive fundraising and operational development in order to continue scaling at a sustainable rate.

FINANCES & GOVERNANCE

  • We believe transparency builds trust. On top of posting our pre-launch budget and providing monthly financial impact updates (with statements & receipts), we will post meeting minutes from initial board meetings.

    Note: more on board selection and structure below.

  • In the next 3-4 weeks, we will be selecting 3 initial board members to guide us through Phases 1-4 of the project. The board will provide oversight across finance, construction, development, and operational procedures.

  • Play It Forward is still in the process of receiving 501(c)(3) status. Until status is approved, we will receive all donations under state registration.

    We will be employing an attorney to help us develop robust by-laws and governance documents that reflect our structure and strategy.

    We will also be employing an accountant on an hourly basis to ensure our books are always up to date and accurate.

  • Legal Formation & Infrastructure: $5,000 - $7,000

    • Legal consultation, governance & bylaw formation, marketing & communications (promotional materials, professional website, branding, events, etc)

    Site Visit & Program Development: $7,500 to $9,500

    • Round trip-flights, accommodation, local transportation, documentation & reporting (videography & photography), architectural renderings, and more.

    Capacity Building: $4,500 - $6,500

    • Accounting support, curriculum licensing, training materials, return site visit for coach assessments & contractor meetings, creating video training series, initial fundraising events (youth soccer tournaments, banquet, etc).

    Initial Construction Costs: $5,000 - $15,000 (estimate based on common customs in country)

    • Builders downpayment on initial field construction

    Total: $22,000 - $38,500

FAQ’s

  • Because that’s where our story began. Elijah’s early life in Ethiopia opened our eyes to both the challenges children face and the healing power of play. We’re starting where the need and relationships already exist.

  • Through existing partnerships with trusted local leaders who understand the region’s needs and logistics. Final selection will depend on safety, accessibility, and community readiness to co-own the project.

  • Absolutely. We’re developing partnership opportunities for youth soccer clubs, families, and volunteers who want to “play it forward” through events, gear drives, and fundraising campaigns.

    More info to come on that. Please sign up for the newsletter.

  • Elijah is currently planning a future in finance and philanthropy. He will be learning the ropes of fundraising, marketing, impact measurement, and more.

    He will also serve as our first youth ambassador and recruiter for the youth ambassador program we’ll be launching next year.

MEET THE STARTING TEAM

ELIJAH TURNER Co-Founder & Dreamer

Elijah currently attends Kingwood High School where he plays soccer and participates in extracurricular activities like robotics and student council. He plays competitive soccer for Challenge United as part of the ECNL-RL division in South Central Texas. After graduating high school in 2027, he plans to attend college and study finance and philanthropy.

His journey working through trauma, being neurodivergent, managing chronic pain from a rare nerve disorder, and recovering from multiple knee surgeries taught him something critical. Resilience isn't a cliché. For children facing constant adversity, it’s necessary for survival. He knows firsthand how a healthy outlet to process trauma can change the game.

Soccer gave him a space to heal, grow, and become himself. Now he wants to ignite a movement that uses the game of soccer for good.

Elijah ensures Play It Forward stays grounded in what actually serves children who share his background. Programs that prioritize genuine development over performance. Safety over pressure. And programs that ensure soccer will always be fun.

His lived experience is the organization's north star.

JOSEPH TURNER Co-Founder & Director

Joseph’s connection to African youth began 20 years ago as a full-time mission worker in South Africa and Mozambique. He served youth in various contexts. But his time speaking with youth in detention centers changed everything. He witnessed how trauma can hijack a child’s development and undermine their potential.

In 2013, he and his wife adopted Elijah from Ethiopia. After visiting the transition home where Elijah spent his early years, the reality hit hard. Their son had been living in and through some of the most traumatizing circumstances imaginable. Witnessing the transformation that has occurred in Elijah over the years has formed and fueled his desire to launch Play It Forward together.

Throughout his career, Joseph has raised over $15 million for mission-driven organizations. He has led executive operations for 30+ person teams and managed multi-million dollar budgets. He’s spearheaded communications and strategic initiatives for a global nonprofit operating on six continents. As the head of marketing for an ethical CPG brand, he positioned the brand to break into global markets and orchestrated astronomical YOY sales growth. He currently consults small to mid-size businesses on marketing and communications strategy.

Joseph brings strategic vision, operational experience, and a father's urgency to ensure no child's potential is lost to circumstances beyond their control. This project is not a hobby. It’s the fulfillment of a promise to Elijah.

ARE YOU READY TO PLAY IT FORWARD?

Soccer has the power to connect communities across continents. When you give or get involved with Play It Forward, you will become part of a community of families, players, and fans using the game they love to create lasting change.

At this phase of the project, your support is going toward building the foundation that will allow us to build fields, train local coaches, and bring the joy of play to children who need it most. This movement is just beginning, and every person who joins now helps shape its future.

DONATE

We're in the process of establishing 501(c)(3) status—donations aren't tax-deductible yet, but please see our full budget and accountability commitments above.