CJBF Hosts 2nd Coaching Workshop with Soccer Without Borders to Promote Equity and Conflict Resolution in Sports

On June 7, 2025, the CJ Brown Foundation (CJBF) proudly hosted its second Soccer Without Borders Coaching Workshop at UCAN Chicago in North Lawndale — uniting over 20 coaches and community leaders for a powerful morning of hands-on learning, dialogue, and shared purpose.

Nora Dooley, Assistant Director of Soccer Without Borders (SWB), and Sophie Goethals, also from SWB, led the half-day, free workshop that used soccer-based activities and constrained games to help coaches explore equity, inequality, and conflict resolution within team environments. Together, participants experienced first-hand how intentional play can open the door to trust-building and mutual understanding in youth sports.

Moving From Punishment to Restoration

CJBF and SWB emphasized a critical question: How can we ensure that sport is restorative — not punitive — for our youth? The workshop provided tools that challenge traditional disciplinary models in sports, encouraging coaches to adopt strategies that prioritize support, empathy, and accountability.

Each game was followed by meaningful debriefs that pushed participants to connect the field to the broader realities of the communities they serve, particularly in neighborhoods facing historic inequalities and social challenges.

CJBF is Building Culture Through Coaching

“We believe that coaching is more than teaching the game,” said CJ Brown. “It’s about creating cultures of care where every young person feels seen, supported, and safe — especially in moments of conflict.”

With growing interest and strong engagement from across the city, CJBF’s collaboration with Soccer Without Borders is quickly becoming a model for community-rooted, equity-driven coaching development.

The CJBF foundation and former U.S. Men’s National Team player, MLS player, and assistant coach, emphasized the broader impact: “Programs like this help coaches become culture creators — on and off the field. We’re proud to provide this space where sport can be a tool for healing and hope.”

Looking Ahead

The CJ Brown Foundation plans to continue offering free professional development workshops for coaches and youth-serving leaders, with upcoming sessions in Fall 2025. These initiatives are part of CJBF’s larger mission to support the development of youth through soccer, character education, and community connection, especially in historically under-resourced areas of Chicago.

To learn more or get involved, visit our Event's webpage and/or contact us at info@cjbrownfoundation.org.

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