Hope FC is a non-profit bringing hope and joy through the power of football in war-torn regions of the world.
At Hope FC, we believe in the transformative power of football (soccer). Whether it's breaking down barriers, fostering unity, or offering a moment of escape, football can bring people together. Football requires nothing more than a ball and a little space, making it a universal sport that transcends language, location, and circumstance.
The idea for Hope FC was manifested in 2017, when I was volunteering as a coach at South Bronx United in New York, working with a group of kids from disadvantaged backgrounds. Many were refugees, some had never kicked a ball before, and they were carrying the weight of their experiences—displacement, instability, and loss.
What stood out to me was how different they became when they were on the field. For that one hour every Saturday, they weren’t just kids with difficult pasts—they were just kids. Running, laughing, playing as a team, and finding joy in something as simple as a football game. Language barriers didn’t matter, backgrounds didn’t matter. The ball brought them together.
I remember one day in particular when one of the boys—quiet, reserved, and usually hanging back—scored his first goal. The way his face lit up, the cheers from his teammates—it was as if, for a moment, all the hardships faded away. That’s when it hit me: this wasn’t just a game to them. It was a chance to belong, to feel seen, to be part of something bigger.
And in return, these kids gave me a new perspective on my own life and mental health challenges, showing me the power of hope and community in times of distress.
That experience stayed with me. I realized that if something as simple as a football could have such a profound impact, it was worth spreading. I wanted to bring that same sense of belonging and joy to children in other difficult situations—especially those in war-torn regions who have very little to call their own.
That’s how Hope FC was born: a way to use the universal language of football to remind these kids that they are more than their circumstances, that they can dream, and that they matter. Through every ball donated, we intend to give them a piece of hope and a moment of joy, no matter where they are.
We encourage our “supporters” to mark their birthdays and/or special occasions by donating a football. In doing so, you’re offering children more than just a toy—you’re giving them the chance to dream, to belong, and to feel a sense of connection
This is more than a non-profit or charity; it's a way to show solidarity, bridge divides, and bring joy to those who face unimaginable challenges. Through the simple act of play, we can remind these children that they are not forgotten, and that there’s hope—and through football, we can build a brighter future, one ball at a time.
#WeAreHopeFC
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