BAKARI OMBIMA

Bakari Ombima is an Assistant Staff Coach for the CJ Brown Foundation. In this role, he works with and coaches children who participate in the Foundation’s programming, specifically in Chatham, Chicago. As a Chatham native, Ombima’s personal connection with the community provides a unique way for him to relate to the players.​

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Now, coaching in Chatham, he is able to integrate soccer into his community further and give back to the place where he grew up. “I was once in their shoes. Teaching these little kids and growing the community of soccer in this area means a lot to me,” Ombima said. “The players I’m coaching are great kids.”

 

As a coach, Ombima appreciates connecting with players and seeing them grow. “I love communicating with these kids, especially from my area. Teaching them new team-building exercises and learning how to communicate and play as a team is really important, more than just in soccer, in life” he said. Ombima is always looking to see his players improve their skills and succeed. “My biggest goal as a coach is to always be welcoming, teach these kids, and brighten their day,” he said. “[Coaches] are like the stepping-stool. We can help them on their journey, or if they want to continue playing soccer.”