Spring Season brings with growth and community impact

The CJ Brown Foundation’s (CJBF) Spring 2025 season is underway! This season is already marked by growth in both programming and community engagement. With a mission centered on sport, character development, and opportunity, the Foundation continues to deepen its roots across Chicago’s South and West Sides.

After-School Programming Expands Reach

This Spring, the CJBF After School Program engaged 45 young players, with participation steadily increasing. Two anchor school sites—Holy Angels Catholic School in Bronzeville (25 players) and St. John de la Salle in Roseland (20 players)—provided a safe, structured space for children to learn soccer fundamentals while growing in confidence, discipline, and teamwork. Each week, coaches at each location adjust the CJBF session plan to fit their space and players. In each session, CJBF coaches teach fundamental soccer skills, focusing on a technical theme, and character, focusing on CJBF values during an opening circle activity (belonging, accountability, and pride). Using the SWB group engagement technique of opening and closing circles, CJBF coaches can teach and reflect with players on character and its application in both the game and how positive character traits can become habits off the field.

Neighborhood Soccer Program anchors in Chatham

In Chatham, 32 players joined the Neighborhood Soccer Program, which is quickly becoming a beloved community fixture. By offering free and low-cost access to high-quality soccer programming, CJBF ensures that every child, regardless of background, has a place to play and belong. With fun, engaging activities and structured opening and closing circles, CJBF coaches instill technical and character traits via the CJBF curriculum. The games are informal, small-sided scrimmages, making sure each player has many opportunities to be involved and contribute to their team for that day. All players are included, play most of the game, and enjoy the snacks frequently provided by CJBF on game days.  

Local Talent, Real Opportunities: Coaching Workforce Grows

CJBF now employs over 12 part-time coaches, most of whom are student-athletes from the Malcolm X College Men's Soccer Team. The coaching team is overseen by Jesse Rosen, Head Coach of Malcolm X College’s men’s program, and guided by a strong emphasis on mentorship and professional development. These coaches not only lead on the field—they represent role models and career possibilities for the youth they serve. You can learn more about our incredible coaching staff by visiting our staff page and our News articles, where several coaches are featured in our new Coach-in-Focus series.

Strengthening our Foundations: Coach Education and Development

In March, CJBF hosted a Violence Prevention Coaching Workshop in partnership with Soccer Without Borders (SWB), reinforcing its commitment to safe, empowering environments for youth. Simultaneously, Ryan C. French, CJBF Project Manager, led pre-season coach training to ensure consistent, high-quality instruction across all sites. SWB is returning on June 7th to run a second workshop on violence prevention, also open to the public, focusing on new movement-based activities and techniques. With the last workshop being at Tuley Park in Chatham on Chicago’s south side, the June workshop will be at UCAN Chicago in North Lawndale on Chicago’s west side, increasing the access to their workshop for more coaches.

Internship Impact: Social Media and Marketing Take Off

During the Winter season, CJBF welcomed Kate Roudebush, a talented intern from Loyola University Chicago, who brought focus and energy to the Foundation’s marketing efforts. Under her guidance, CJBF launched a new Facebook page, doubled its Instagram following, and introduced the “Coach-in-Focus” series, a regular feature spotlighting the incredible individuals behind the programs. Kate’s contributions have significantly expanded CJBF’s digital footprint and brand visibility. Kate’s internship extended into the spring season, and she completed her role at the end of April. We thank Kate for her excellent contribution and support! If you are interested in being an intern with CJBF, please contact us at info@cjbrownfoundation.org.

Technology & Communication: League Apps Powers the Play

With generous support from CJBF partner FundPlay, CJBF implemented the League Apps Play app, streamlining communication and scheduling for families and coaches this Spring! Weekly emails to Chatham families and program-wide schedules are now easily accessible for all programs, increasing transparency and parent engagement.

On the Horizon: New Partnerships and Summer Programming

Looking ahead, CJBF is preparing to launch new sites with UCAN in North Lawndale and the Chicago Park District in South Chicago, expanding access to character-based soccer programming in even more neighborhoods. Summer Camp details will be released soon, promising more opportunities for play, growth, and community connection.

As the Spring season wraps up, the CJ Brown Foundation continues to create opportunities to play the game and inspire, one player, one coach, and one neighborhood at a time.