Kick it Forward was founded in June, 2012 as a way to provide training to youth soccer players that wanted to improve their ability as soccer players while also impacting the lives of others in a positive way. Nineteen, eleven and twelve year old players participated in the initial program. During that time, the players participated in fifteen training sessions where they improved themselves as so
ccer players. Off the field, the players engaged in fundraising efforts and successfully raised $6,500. Kick it Forward donated the funds raised by the participants to the following non-profit organizations: James Arthur Albert Foundation, Iowa Central American Relief Effort and Johnston Urbandale Soccer Club. Monies donated to the James Arthur Albert Foundation were used to send twelve (12) children to high school that otherwise would not have had the opportunity. Funds donated to the Iowa Central American Relief Effort were used to support its cancer prevention project in Nicaragua. The project saves lives by educating impoverished women on the dangers of various cancers affecting women, by obtaining cancer screening for those women, and by fighting to get them adequate and timely health care when necessary. The donation to the Johnston Urbandale Soccer Club was used to bring a nationally renowned youth soccer instructor named Dr. Tom Turner to Johnston, Iowa for the benefit of Johnston Urbandale Soccer Club’s players and coaches. While in Iowa, Dr. Turner educated youth soccer coaches in classroom and practical coaching sessions. He also coached the club’s academy teams during training sessions. After a successful initial program, Kick it Forward ran an identical summer program in 2013. The organization also expanded its programming to included winter training sessions in the winter of 2014. Due to the fundraising efforts of the players, Kick it Forward was able donate an additional $5,500 to the James Arthur Albert Foundation, Iowa Central American Relief Effort and Johnston Urbandale Soccer Club. Additionally, Kick it Forward rented facilities for 80 youth soccer players to participate in training sessions and a 4 vs. 4 tournament after their games and training sessions had been canceled due to poor field and weather conditions in March, 2014. Having had two successful campaigns, Kick it Forward is currently in its third season of providing programming to youth soccer players with a view to expand its operations throughout the Des Moines community to children without access to coaching and playing opportunities.
