THE BPS NETWORK
800+ players in 10 programs
We use soccer to invest in underserved communities around the world, where poverty and violence limit opportunities for youth, but where purpose and potential are already present and waiting to be unleashed. Through consistent mentorship from local coaches, players develop character, belonging and purpose. The result is a generation of leaders equipped to rebuild their communities and pursue their own dreams.
Today, our global network includes 10 international programs, each led by trusted partners creating meaningful impact in their communities.
Central America
Sauzal FC
Sauzal FC is the original Big Picture Soccer program and the foundation from which the broader BPS network has grown. Founded in 2018, the academy was created through a partnership between local leaders and Big Picture Soccer in northern Mexico. Today it remains one of the most established and respected programs in the network, fielding teams across multiple age groups and competing regularly throughout the region. Beyond soccer development, the program provides stability, guidance, and positive role models in an area that has long faced challenges related to crime and poverty.
El Shaddai Academy
El Shaddai Academy is a rapidly growing soccer academy established with Big Picture Soccer in 2023, located in southern Belize. Created to give youth a place to belong, grow, and experience positive guidance through soccer, it has quickly become one of the fastest-growing and most impactful programs in the BPS network. Many youth in the area face economic hardship, limited opportunities, and exposure to gang or drug-related influences. The program emphasizes respect, discipline, teamwork, and personal growth while building relationships that extend beyond the field through gatherings outside training.
Europe
FC Drita
FC Drita was founded with a vision to provide quality coaching, guidance, and opportunity for youth through soccer in central Albania. Since partnering with Big Picture Soccer, the program continues to build meaningful local impact while developing players across multiple age groups. Many youth in the surrounding area face inconsistent support systems and difficult community environments. Through soccer, FC Drita provides belonging, identity, discipline, and trusted guidance, while creating opportunities to build relationships across religious and cultural backgrounds—using sport as a bridge for connection and trust.
Speranta
This quickly growing program in southern Moldova began as a small initiative inspired by a local soccer competition. It has grown into an active weekly opportunity to serve children from multiple nearby villages that face severe socio-economic challenges and rural poverty. The leaders organize monthly mini-championships that bring families and communities together. In a rural region with limited access to organized youth activities, Speranta provides structure, encouragement, and meaningful relationships for children and families.
Africa
Elyon Joy Sports Club
Elyon Joy Sports Club has become an impactful hub for youth in south central Uganda. The program operates alongside Elyon Joy School, creating a holistic environment where soccer, education, and youth development work together. Many children in the region face poverty, family instability, and limited access to positive support systems. The program extends beyond soccer into education initiatives, local support programs, vocational development, and care for vulnerable families—creating pathways for transformation and helping youth develop life skills, confidence, responsibility, and hope for the future.
Zion Astro Academy
Zion Astro Academy is one of the largest and most structured youth soccer programs in the Big Picture Soccer network, located in northeast Liberia. The program reflects its founder’s passion for using soccer to create opportunity, hope, and long-term impact for the next generation. Many youth in the region face poverty, instability, and limited opportunities; Zion Astro creates a structured and hopeful environment where players grow in confidence and discipline. The academy integrates leadership and local support through close partnership with local leaders, while developing pathways toward higher-level soccer, employment skills, and future facility expansion.
Asia
PSPA
PSPA is a long-standing soccer program founded following the 2004 tsunami. Originally an outreach to street children, it has grown into a respected local program focused on youth development and impact. A unique strength is the involvement of former players who now return to serve as mentors and leaders. PSPA has competed successfully in local tournaments and previously reached the third tier of its country’s soccer league. The program provides a consistent, supportive environment for young people growing up amid economic instability and social pressure, shaping leadership and belonging for players from diverse backgrounds.
Shan FC
Shan FC operates in a very hostile region of the world, where multidimensional poverty limits access to quality education and healthcare, leaving youth vulnerable to exploitation and high malnutrition. To create a safe environment, the program offers a secure soccer field where players can train consistently under trusted supervision and care. Today, engagement beyond training includes shared meals that create opportunity for holistic development and connection with families, as the program seeks to expand to multiple teams and age groups.
Suboth Football Academy
Suboth Football Academy provides structured soccer training, leadership development, and mentorship for youth across multiple age groups. Despite challenges related to limited field access and resources, Suboth continues to grow through consistent training, competition, and strong local leadership. The program is expanding opportunities for girls and young women to participate in soccer within the community, as well as older men. Several players connected to the academy have advanced to higher levels of competition, reflecting a commitment to long-term player development and opportunity.
Calvary Fellowship FC
Despite beginning with limited resources, Calvary Fellowship FC launched with strong momentum and meaningful local connections in its first season. Its participating youth come from plantation communities where economic opportunities and organized youth activities can be limited. Calvary Fellowship FC provides a safe and encouraging environment where players experience belonging, discipline, teamwork, and trusted relationships with caring leaders.