Beyond the Pitch
How Scholarships Change Lives
We see soccer as more than a sport; it’s a powerful vehicle for shaping young lives. Since 2015, ALBION 12 Foundation has supported underserved youth athletes in San Diego through scholarships that make competitive soccer with ALBION SC accessible. But these scholarships do far more than cover fees or provide uniforms. They foster resilience, leadership, academic achievement, and a sense of belonging that ripple through players’ lives and the communities of San Diego thereafter. As we continue our mission in 2025, we’re sharing insights into why scholarships are so transformative and stories of players whose lives prove it.
Building Resilience and Confidence
Competitive soccer demands grit, teamwork, and perseverance; these are qualities that translate far beyond the field. Scholarships enable players from diverse backgrounds to join ALBION SC, where they face challenges like intense training, high-stakes matches, and balancing school with sports.
A 2018 study found that college students who participated in sports prior to college reported significantly higher self-esteem and happiness compared to non-sport participants, with a statistically significant correlation (The Sport Journal, Effects of Early Sport Participation on Self-esteem and Happiness, 2018). This effect is especially vital for underserved kids, who gain a structured environment to develop a growth mindset that serves them in school, relationships, and beyond.
Fostering Leadership and Teamwork
Soccer is inherently collaborative, requiring players to communicate, strategize, and support one another. Player scholarships give young athletes access to environments where they learn to lead. Whether captaining a team, mentoring younger players, or organizing community service through A12F’s leadership programs. These skills are invaluable in future careers and civic life. Studies, like those from the Aspen Institute, highlight that team sports participants are more likely to develop leadership qualities and engage in community activities as adults, amplifying the impact of every scholarship awarded.
Opening Doors to Academic Success
A12F scholarships do more than keep kids on the pitch, they pave paths to college. ALBION SC has facilitated over $57 million in college scholarships for its players enabled through the foundation, a testament to the academic focus embedded in its culture. Scholarships allow players to access coaching and mentorship that emphasize time management, discipline, and goal-setting—skills that translate directly to the classroom. For underserved youth, this support can be life-changing, offering a clear route to higher education. Data from the NCAA shows that student-athletes often outperform their peers academically, with soccer players boasting some of the highest graduation rates.
Naomi Ellis signing for Point Loma Nazarene University. Played for ALBION SC from age 11 to 18.
Creating Community and Belonging
For many young athletes, an A12F scholarship means joining a second family. ALBION SC’s inclusive environment fosters connections across economic and cultural divides, giving players a sense of belonging that’s critical during adolescence. This community support helps kids navigate challenges like financial stress or social isolation. According to the Journal of Youth and Adolescence, strong social bonds through sports can reduce dropout rates and risky behaviors, making scholarships a lifeline for both players and their families.
Long-Term Impact on Society
The influence of A12F scholarships extends into adulthood. Players who benefit from these opportunities often become role models, returning to coach, volunteer, or advocate for youth sports. They carry forward values of hard work, team work, and service, strengthening San Diego and beyond. For example, A12F’s global outreach, like providing equipment to communities in Africa, inspires players to think beyond themselves, fostering a commitment to social good. The ripple effect is clear: scholarships don’t just change one life, they uplift entire communities.
How A12F Makes It Happen
The ALBION 12 Foundation, established to support ALBION SC San Diego, funds scholarships through community generosity. Events like our 2025 raffle, grants, and donations. Each contribution ensures another young athlete can access soccer’s transformative benefits, from building confidence to securing a college future. Our work reflects a belief that every child deserves a shot at success, on and off the field.
By investing in scholarships, A12F isn’t just supporting soccer, it’s shaping leaders, scholars, and community builders. To learn more about our mission or share stories of impact, join our newsletter at albion12foundation.org or follow us on social media. Together, we’re helping San Diego’s youth score goals that last a lifetime.
Learn more about how ALBION 12 Foundation supports players through the Athletes in Need Initiative below.
