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.

But with safe places to play and supportive, trauma-informed coaches, 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.

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 knows firsthand the healing power of play. That's why he's committed to ensuring children without access to critical resources for their development can heal and grow through the beautiful game.

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.

But 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.

When trauma goes unhealed, it can quietly shape how a child sees the world and themselves. Some may carry fear or anger they don’t yet have words for. Without the right support, that pain can surface in anxiety, depression, or risky behaviors. School becomes harder to focus on. The path to stable work and healthy relationships can feel out of reach. Some seek belonging wherever they can find it, even in places that cause more harm.

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.

OUR GAME PLAN

When a child’s nervous system is overtaken by trauma, the need for safe environments, nurturing relationships, and accessible programs that support their mental health becomes critical for their overall development. Which is why we’re building our strategy on four essential 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 move freely, feel protected, and build belonging. No more broken glass on mud patches and goals with no nets.

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. Not to mention, joy. Lots of joy.

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. No yelling at kids for not checking their shoulder when they play.

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

WHEN SAFE SPACES, SOCCER-BASED PROGRAMS, AND COACHES TRAINED IN TRAUMA-INFORMED APPROACHES WORK TOGETHER, THE BEAUTIFUL GAME BECOMES MEDICINE AND CHILDREN BEGIN TO HEAL.

OUR VISION TO BRIDGE COMMUNITIES:

HOW WE CAN BUILD FIELDS AND FUTURES TOGETHER

LOGISTICS

PILOT PROGRAM

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BUDGET

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TIMELINE

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FAQ’s

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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 remember play should 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.