Youth ages 4–14
AYSA-reported soccer participation
Reported May 23–September 23, 2026 program periodSoccer recap →
Serving youth across South Seattle & South King County
Where young people play, learn, and lead.
AYSA provides culturally responsive sports, education, mentorship, and wellness programs that help young people build confidence, belonging, and leadership skills.
More than sports. A place to belong, grow, and lead.
2026 IMPACT
2026 in community.
A year of weekend soccer, cultural celebration, and opportunities for young people and families to take part.
Participating teams
Seattle Somali Week 2026
August 5–15 · Highline Memorial Stadium, BurienSomali Week recap →Estimated cumulative attendance across the event
Seattle Somali Week 2026
Event-wide estimate; may include repeat visitsRead the attendance context →
Reported May 23–September 23, 2026 program period
2026 Youth Soccer: Practice, Teamwork, and Community
AYSA reported 131 youth ages 4–14 participating during its May 23–September 23, 2026 soccer program period, with weekend practice, coaching, and teamwork.
Read the recap →August 5–15, 2026 · Highline Memorial Stadium, Burien
Seattle Somali Week 2026: Soccer, Culture, and Community
AYSA and Voices of Tomorrow co-hosted Seattle Somali Week 2026 in Burien, with 16 participating teams and 5,000+ estimated cumulative attendance across the event.
Read the recap →More recent stories
2026 · Completion recap shared September 11
First AYSA FIFA PlayStation Tournament: Competition and Sportsmanship
AYSA completed its first FIFA PlayStation video game tournament, recognizing finalists, respectful competition, and sportsmanship.
Read the recap →August 2026 coverage · Lumen Field, Seattle
AYSA Youth Join RAVE’s Community Kids of the Match
AYSA youth experienced a Seattle Sounders match through RAVE Foundation’s Community Kids of the Match opportunity, including appearances on the field and stadium screen.
Read the recap →July 2026 coverage · Lumen Field, Seattle
AYSA Recognized as RISE Community Partner of the Match
AYSA youth and families visited Lumen Field as RAVE Foundation and Seattle Reign FC recognized AYSA as RISE Community Partner of the Match.
Read the recap →Community-rooted
Culturally responsive
Family-connected
Five youth-development pathways
Who we are
Sports open the door. Opportunity shapes what comes next.
African Youth Sports Academy is a community-rooted youth development organization where young people build skills, confidence, positive relationships, wellness, and belonging.
We meet youth and families through activities they value, then connect those experiences to learning, mentorship, leadership, cultural identity, and community life.
Meet AYSA →Our whole-child approach
Five ways young people thrive
Each pathway reinforces the others, helping young people grow on the field, in the classroom, at home, and in the community.
01Sports & Physical Wellness
Positive coaching, skill development, teamwork, movement, and confidence through youth sports.
Explore this program →
02Education & Learning
Tutoring, academic encouragement, learning habits, and exposure to future educational pathways.
Explore this program →
03Mentorship & Leadership
Trusted relationships, practical life skills, career exploration, service, and opportunities to lead.
Explore this program →
04Youth & Family Wellness
Wellness education, resilience, healthy relationships, family connection, and pathways to trusted resources.
Explore this program →
05Community & Culture
Events and partnerships that strengthen belonging, celebrate culture, and connect generations.
Explore this program →
Growing with community needs
Wellness belongs in youth development.
Youth well-being is connected to movement, relationships, identity, family support, and access to trusted information.
AYSA’s wellness work supports healthy lifestyles, mental and emotional wellness, positive coping, family connection, and community resources. It complements—not replaces—care from qualified professionals.
Explore youth & family wellness →
Community in action
Culture, competition, and community in action.
Seattle Somali Week brings athletes, families, supporters, businesses, and neighbors together through sport, cultural pride, and shared celebration.
Explore stories from past celebrations and connect with AYSA about future participation, volunteering, or sponsorship.
Explore Seattle Somali Week →Get involved
Every role helps a young person move forward.
Stories & updates
Youth, programs, and community in action
See how young people, families, coaches, volunteers, and partners bring AYSA’s mission to life.
A 2025 Community Visit with Commissioner Hamdi Mohamed
October 27, 2026 · Somali Bridge TV’s May 2025 coverage records Commissioner Hamdi Mohamed visiting AYSA youth, parents, and coaches.
Read the story →AYSA Youth Take Part in a City of Seattle Community Video
October 27, 2026 · AYSA youth joined a City of Seattle video with Mayor Katie Wilson celebrating the city’s preparations for the 2026 World Cup, alongside Somali Bantu Rising youth.
Read the story →First AYSA FIFA PlayStation Tournament: Competition and Sportsmanship
October 27, 2026 · AYSA completed its first FIFA PlayStation video game tournament, recognizing finalists, respectful competition, and sportsmanship.
Read the story →AYSA Youth Join RAVE’s Community Kids of the Match
October 27, 2026 · AYSA youth experienced a Seattle Sounders match through RAVE Foundation’s Community Kids of the Match opportunity, including appearances on the field and stadium screen.
Read the story →AYSA Recognized as RISE Community Partner of the Match
October 27, 2026 · AYSA youth and families visited Lumen Field as RAVE Foundation and Seattle Reign FC recognized AYSA as RISE Community Partner of the Match.
Read the story →2026 Youth Soccer: Practice, Teamwork, and Community
October 7, 2026 · AYSA reported 131 youth ages 4–14 participating during its May 23–September 23, 2026 soccer program period, with weekend practice, coaching, and teamwork.
Read the story →Community Party and Information Fair: Connecting Families in 2025
August 27, 2026 · AYSA joined East African Community Services and Sound Transit at a Community Party and Information Fair celebrating the Federal Way Link, and reported welcoming 20 new players ages 4–13.
Read the story →AYSA Village Family Barbecue 2026
July 31, 2026 · AYSA's 2026 family barbecue at Delridge Playfield brought youth and families together for storytelling, cultural activities, food, and community connection.
Read the story →Seattle Somali Week 2026: Soccer, Culture, and Community
July 17, 2026 · AYSA and Voices of Tomorrow co-hosted Seattle Somali Week 2026 in Burien, with 16 participating teams and 5,000+ estimated cumulative attendance across the event.
Read the story →
Ali Abdulla and Seattle’s 2026 World Cup story
April 23, 2026 · From the April 2026 archive: AYSA reflects on Ali Abdulla’s community leadership and the role of soccer in creating opportunities for young people as Seattle prepared for the World Cup.
Read the story →Play. Learn. Lead.
Help young people thrive—on and off the field.
Join AYSA in building spaces where young people can belong, grow, contribute, and lead.