OUR MISSION
Established in 2015 by Aaron and Natashae King, Free Kick Foundation seeks to provide an alternate path for Caribbean youth born into or living in underserved, underrepresented and economically depressed communities in the various islands, using soccer as a catalyst for positive change.
OUR HISTORY
Having been born in one such community, soccer afforded Aaron the opportunity to remain engaged, focused and sparked within him the desire to succeed. While Aaron was able to avoid getting involved in criminal activity, he looked on sadly as many of his friends and family members fell victim to their circumstances – a life or crime, drugs, and, ultimately, prison and early death. Drawing from their unfortunate experiences, and because of his desire to never disappoint his dear grandmother, Eileen Larcher (RIPP), Aaron remained on course, and seized and maximized every opportunity to take his life in a different direction. This resilience and determination paid off in 1994, when a family friend recognized Aaron’s talent, dedication and love for the game of soccer. This connection led to a full scholarship to East Stroudsburg University (Pennsylvania). Always aware and eternally grateful for the chance that he was given, Aaron excelled at soccer while earning a first class education; he graduated in 1997 with a BA in Accounting and a BA in Economics.
This experience planted in Aaron the seed to pay it forward, and birthed Free Kick Foundation. The organization eventually welcomed a Board of Directors and Officers who are all driven by a shared passion for the great game of soccer, and the joint desire to offer positive engagement, thereby changing the lives of disadvantaged Caribbean youth.
WHY WE DO WHAT WE DO
Research demonstrates Caribbean youth’s engagement in criminal activity or risky behavior is due in large part to peer pressure, disengagement from society, boredom, lack of motivation, challenging home environments, and in some cases, a lack of education. The Free Kick Foundation recognizes these key factors and our mission is to provide real solutions to each of these social ills. Our programs run throughout the calendar year, thereby ensuring that students are engaged there is always an upcoming event to prepare for and look forward to. Program activities include soccer tournaments, career seminars for student athletes aged 13 to 16 years, parental guidance classes, mentoring and tutoring in critical high school subject areas. By encouraging youth participation in the various tournaments outside their usual comfort zone, their talents and skills are identified and honed in preparation for our signature event, The Free Kick Foundation College Player Showcase.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
The Caribbean’s at-risk youth who are passionate about sports deserve the chance to play year-round. The opportunity of being able to do so while receiving a global education, means that students are better prepared to contribute to the economic development and vitality of the islands by attaining valuable education and skills in critical shortage areas. The Free Kick Foundation seeks to be a leader in the Caribbean’s Sport for Development sector. We are fully committed to establishing strategic partnerships and collaborations that result in positive collective impact that empowers our youth to kick free from challenges and become productive members of their communities.
Notwithstanding our best efforts to provide such life changing opportunities for the Caribbean’s disadvantaged and talented student athletes, the vicious cycle of chronic poverty and consistently rising youth crime rates will continue to affect the vitality of Caribbean communities, economic development, and the very lives of the youth that we are committed to saving. Unfortunately, there are not nearly enough programs available to effectively meet the needs of all the Caribbean’s at-risk youth.
It is our dream that our students will eventually be offered the opportunity to play professionally, thereby achieving financial stability and the ability to help their friends and family out of poverty. Without a doubt, the opportunity to attend college in the United States far outweighs the predictable life-cycle they will be subjected to by remaining in their current situations. The Free Kick Foundation would therefore like to extend an invitation to you to become a part of this life changing experience for these young men and women. With your help, lives will be saved and communities will thrive.
#dreamchasers
OUR TEAM
CEO
Aaron King (Atlanta, GA) - Bsc, BA, Accountant; Striker with Vahi Athletic Team, Atlanta, GA)
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Canarissa Elliot-Creece - Clinical Mental Health Counselor; SAT Prep Classes
Felipe Lobelo (Atlanta, GA) - Professor; Owner, Vahi Athletic Soccer Team
Edwin Ferdinand (New York) - Financial Analyst; lifetime soccer player.
Derek Arnaud ( ) - Educator; Former Soccer Coach
OFFICERS
Francis Daniel - Electrical Engineer; Owner, Valley Soccer Academy
Rohan Lubon - Principal/Education Strategist; life soccer player.
Siobhan Lloyd – Attorney
Eustace Vitalis – St. Lucia Ambassador to PetroCaribe, ALBA
Marvan Pilgrim – Property Manager
DIRECTORS
Ersher Delauney-Daniel – Events Consultant
Natashae King – Compliance Specialist
