Designed as a small beacon of light, POFA will introduce boys and girls to American youth culture and team sports. Designed for all levels of young players, the Camp will teach the basic techniques of American flag football and baseball, while embracing the spirit of cultural exchange. It is the goal of POFA to emphasize the fun in fundamentals and to help boys and girls understand and embrace the value of team sports.  Research indicates that children who play team sports have a stronger sense of belonging and are more involved in their community. When part of a team, children learn to trust and rely on one another, which will be useful as these children face the road ahead. Campers will meet each day to learn new skills and the rules of the game. At the end of the session, campers will participate in a fun championship match.

In early 2010, three school friends and athletes, Sam Rice, Andrew Long, and Sam Howes decided they wanted to bring a little joy to African children by sharing the fun of American sports and youth culture. Having traveled to Southern Africa in 2005 and witnessing poverty first hand, the boys became acutely aware of the challenges facing sub-Saharan Africa today. The facts are startling: the number of children who have lost one or both parents to AIDS was expected to reach 25 million by 2010 –with more than 15 million of them living in Sub-Saharan Africa. Unfortunately, most of these children are subject to discrimination and are unlikely to receive an education, good health care, or food. Without a viable support system, many end up as forced laborers, prostitutes, or child soldiers. No child deserves this path in life.

 

andrew long

Andrew Long

Co-Founder

Concord Carlisle High School '13

sam rice

Sam Rice

Co-Founder

Salisbury School '14

sam howes

Sam Howes

Co-Founder

Concord Carlisle High School '12

alison yousefi

Alison Yousefi

Concord Carlisle High School '13

wesley wilson

Westley Wilson

Williston Northampton School '13

pat whittinghill

Patrick Whittinghill

Salisbury School '14