African Sports Outreach (ASO)

African Sports Outreach (ASO), an international youth development organization committed to supporting at-risk African youth with after school soccer programs, equipment donations, schooling, medical support, and meals. With donations from clubs, high schools, and colleges in the United States as well as sports companies such as Euro sport , Nike, Puma and Adidas. ASO has provided nearly $1 million worth of soccer footwear, apparel, and equipment, outfitting more than 125 sport teams throughout West and Southern Africa. In 2007 ASO opened it's new ASO Togo soccer academy in Lome, Togo West Africa, which supports more than 200 street youth and orphans.

When Paul Goodrich founded ASO in 1990 while serving as a Peace Corps volunteer in Togo, W.Africa, he wanted to create a sustainable program that would provide education and sport while providing a healthy alternative to drugs and a life on the streets. He found the remedy in after school soccer training and matches. ASO uses sport and teamwork to help kids create a positive image of themselves in their communities. Where else to better learn the life lessons of goal setting, self-control, problem solving, team building and friendship than on the playing field? It's a way to channel their energy in a positive direction. Too often the lives of Africa's youth unravel before they have a chance to develop. These kids have seen famine, poverty, disease, and war. But they're hopeful and bright. ASO was born from this unyielding spirit of hope. ASO programs ensure that this hope thrives. ASO seeks to build three school for life centers based on the 6-time Nobel Peace prize nominated Tahuichi Academy (see www.tahuichi.com.bo for more information) in Togo, Ghana, and South Africa by 2012. Please visit www.asointernational.org and look for a new ASO website Jan. 2011!

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• Soccer
• football
• Africa
• youth sport for social change
• Togo
• Paul Goodrich
• Ghana
• Abedi Pele Ayew
• Andre Ayew
• Jordan Ayew
• Ibrahim Ayew
• Addy Lee

[pgashby]

ASO is not any any formal or informal way linked with the united soccer training academy.

[pgashby]

@soccerfanball. Please know African Sports Outreach (ASO) 501 c 3 93-1301417 is in no way associated with the united soccer academy.

Paul Goodrich

President

ASO

[dominick67]

Nicely done Ashby! I love the new ad, way to go.