The Power of the 12th Player
How A12F Creates Leaders Through Soccer
At the ALBION 12 Foundation (A12F), we believe soccer is more than a game, it’s a training ground for life. Since 2015, our nonprofit has supported ALBION SC San Diego by providing scholarships and programs that empower underserved youth athletes to become leaders on and off the pitch. The “12th player” is our community, parents, coaches, donors, and supporters, who rally behind these young athletes, helping them develop skills like teamwork, resilience, and accountability. Through A12F’s efforts, we’re not just shaping players; we’re building the next generation of leaders who inspire and uplift those around them.
Leadership Through Teamwork
Soccer is inherently a team sport, requiring players to communicate, strategize, and rely on one another. A12F scholarships give underserved youth access to ALBION SC’s competitive environment, where they learn to collaborate under pressure. Whether passing the ball in a crucial moment or motivating a teammate, these experiences teach accountability and empathy. According to the Aspen Institute, youth who participate in team sports are 20% more likely to develop leadership skills that translate to professional and civic roles later in life. For A12F-supported players, every practice and match is a chance to grow as a leader.
Resilience in the Face of Challenges
Competitive soccer challenges players to push past setbacks, from a missed shot to a tough loss. A12F’s scholarships ensure that financial barriers don’t prevent kids from facing these challenges, which build resilience, a cornerstone of leadership. By navigating the highs and lows of the game, players learn to adapt and persevere, skills that prepare them for real-world obstacles. Studies show that youth sports participation fosters a growth mindset, helping kids approach difficulties with confidence and determination, qualities that define effective leaders.
Empowering Through Mentorship
A12F goes beyond the field with leadership programs like the Leadership Luncheon with Paralympian Lex Gillette or the Play It Safe self-defense training for girls. These initiatives, funded by community support, teach players to set goals, inspire others, and take initiative. Mentorship from coaches and peers within ALBION SC reinforces these lessons, creating a supportive environment where young athletes feel empowered to lead. This structured guidance is critical for underserved youth, who may lack access to such opportunities elsewhere, helping them emerge as role models in their schools and communities.
Joshua Bunton is a notable figure in the ALBION community to have graduated from the ALBION SC development program:
Joshua Bunton | CEO, J&D Management
ALBION SC Alumni, 1990 Player Year.
Community as the 12th Player
The “12th player” concept embodies A12F’s belief that leadership starts with community. Every scholarship, funded by events like our 2025 raffle or grants like the one from Las Patronas for facility light towers, reflects the collective effort of our supporters. This community empowers players to give back, whether through volunteering, coaching younger athletes, or advocating for a holistic development model. The ripple effect is profound: players supported by A12F often return as leaders, strengthening San Diego and beyond. For example, our global outreach, like providing soccer equipment to African communities, inspires players to lead with a sense of social responsibility.
A Legacy of Leadership
A12F’s mission is to ensure every young athlete has the chance to grow through soccer, regardless of their background. By investing in scholarships and programs, we’re fostering leaders who carry forward values of teamwork, resilience, and service. Our community—the 12th player—makes this possible, creating opportunities that shape lives for years to come.
To learn more about how A12F builds leaders or to share your own story of impact, visit albion12foundation.org or follow us on social media. Join us in celebrating the power of community and the young leaders shaping our future.
