West Africa’s Genesis Soccer Academy
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West Africa’s Genesis Soccer Academy
My name is Lawrence Boloweh Karpeh. My goal is to raise $20,000 to fund the development of the Genesis Soccer Academy in Liberia. I was born in Buduburam Liberian Refugee Camp in Ghana, during the First Liberian Civil War. The Genesis Soccer Academy was founded in this refugee camp in 2002. Soccer was my refuge, and it is my dream to give back to my country. Funds will go towards my trip home in December 2021, with goals to bring youth soccer equipment, jerseys, cleats, repair the soccer fields, and to provide food to support the players and their families. Due to lack of funding and support, The Genesis Soccer Academy has struggled to provide proper resources for the players. I have teamed up with my brother, Moses Quentin Yarwaye who lives in Liberia, to bring The Genesis Soccer Academy back to life. Together, with your help, we will continue the legacy of The Genesis Soccer Academy.
For my first birthday, my Dad searched the flea markets for the perfect gift for his son; a Ronaldo Brazilian National Team Soccer Jersey. Although life was difficult, my Dad wanted to do something special. I wore this jersey until I was about six years old. As a teenage father, my Dad had to focus on raising his family and give up his talent & hopes to play soccer. My Dad was dedicated to giving me everything he couldn’t have. He started training me at three years old. He quickly recognized that I needed to play with other kids in order to develop my skills. There was a landfill on the refugee camp where we stayed. My Dad spent months cleaning out all the trash to clear a space for my first soccer field. This was the beginning of the Genesis Soccer Academy. My Dad gathered nearly 100 kids in the refugee camp to form three teams. As young children living in the tough conditions of a refugee camp, soccer became our escape. We spent our weekdays training and played games on the weekend. These games brought us all together and created joy for everyone in the refugee camp.
My name was pulled in the refugee camp lottery, which meant my family had the opportunity to interview to come to America. At 10 years old this opportunity was granted and we headed to the states. It was sad to leave my friends and what my Dad had built for us, but we were excited for a better life in America. Upon arriving in the states we faced poverty and it was a difficult adjustment. I had to learn to read and write, but I was determined to be my best. I continued to use soccer to keep my positive and determined mindset strong. The soccer skills my Dad developed in me gave me the opportunity to play on some of the best teams in Ohio. I attended St. Ignatius high school and I helped my team win State and National championships. I have continued my soccer career in college and was invited to the Midwest Pro Soccer Combine. Through that experience, I was invited to play in the pre-season for the Tampa Bay Rowdies Pro Soccer Team. Although I was not able to sign a contract, it was an incredible experience that led to offers to play overseas. Due to the pandemic, these offers are currently on hold. I am using this time to pursue my passion to give back and share with others the opportunities I was given through soccer.
The war has ended in Liberia and most refugees have returned to our country. The original Genesis Soccer Academy is a joyful memory and the passion for soccer is strong, but they lack the resources to expand. My brother, Moses, is there doing his best and has kept the joy of soccer going with one team. I know we can reach more kids and provide a better experience with proper funding. My goal is to raise the funds to travel to Liberia and finish what my Dad started. I need your help with making this dream come true. I am raising $20,000 for the development of the Genesis Soccer Academy. Any contribution is appreciated and if you are unable to contribute financially, please support me by sharing this post with your social network, so I can reach my goal to give back to my country. Any other resources that can be shared to support this dream are also appreciated, please feel free to contact me directly at [email redacted]
Thank you for all your support and to everyone that has helped me throughout my journey!
Much love,
Low Low
Lawrence Boloweh Karpeh
Buduburham Liberian Refugee Camp in Liberia
The first Genesis Soccer Academy Team. Peep me in the right corner, looking down :)
The current Genesis Soccer Academy Team
My Dad supporting me at St Ignatius Senior Night
My brother with the Genesis Soccer Academy players
Genesis Soccer Academy players at practice
With your help we can make a difference! <3
My name is Lawrence Boloweh Karpeh. My goal is to raise $20,000 to fund the development of the Genesis Soccer Academy in Liberia. I was born in Buduburam Liberian Refugee Camp in Ghana, during the First Liberian Civil War. The Genesis Soccer Academy was founded in this refugee camp in 2002. Soccer was my refuge, and it is my dream to give back to my country. Funds will go towards my trip home in December 2021, with goals to bring youth soccer equipment, jerseys, cleats, repair the soccer fields, and to provide food to support the players and their families. Due to lack of funding and support, The Genesis Soccer Academy has struggled to provide proper resources for the players. I have teamed up with my brother, Moses Quentin Yarwaye who lives in Liberia, to bring The Genesis Soccer Academy back to life. Together, with your help, we will continue the legacy of The Genesis Soccer Academy.
For my first birthday, my Dad searched the flea markets for the perfect gift for his son; a Ronaldo Brazilian National Team Soccer Jersey. Although life was difficult, my Dad wanted to do something special. I wore this jersey until I was about six years old. As a teenage father, my Dad had to focus on raising his family and give up his talent & hopes to play soccer. My Dad was dedicated to giving me everything he couldn’t have. He started training me at three years old. He quickly recognized that I needed to play with other kids in order to develop my skills. There was a landfill on the refugee camp where we stayed. My Dad spent months cleaning out all the trash to clear a space for my first soccer field. This was the beginning of the Genesis Soccer Academy. My Dad gathered nearly 100 kids in the refugee camp to form three teams. As young children living in the tough conditions of a refugee camp, soccer became our escape. We spent our weekdays training and played games on the weekend. These games brought us all together and created joy for everyone in the refugee camp.
My name was pulled in the refugee camp lottery, which meant my family had the opportunity to interview to come to America. At 10 years old this opportunity was granted and we headed to the states. It was sad to leave my friends and what my Dad had built for us, but we were excited for a better life in America. Upon arriving in the states we faced poverty and it was a difficult adjustment. I had to learn to read and write, but I was determined to be my best. I continued to use soccer to keep my positive and determined mindset strong. The soccer skills my Dad developed in me gave me the opportunity to play on some of the best teams in Ohio. I attended St. Ignatius high school and I helped my team win State and National championships. I have continued my soccer career in college and was invited to the Midwest Pro Soccer Combine. Through that experience, I was invited to play in the pre-season for the Tampa Bay Rowdies Pro Soccer Team. Although I was not able to sign a contract, it was an incredible experience that led to offers to play overseas. Due to the pandemic, these offers are currently on hold. I am using this time to pursue my passion to give back and share with others the opportunities I was given through soccer.
The war has ended in Liberia and most refugees have returned to our country. The original Genesis Soccer Academy is a joyful memory and the passion for soccer is strong, but they lack the resources to expand. My brother, Moses, is there doing his best and has kept the joy of soccer going with one team. I know we can reach more kids and provide a better experience with proper funding. My goal is to raise the funds to travel to Liberia and finish what my Dad started. I need your help with making this dream come true. I am raising $20,000 for the development of the Genesis Soccer Academy. Any contribution is appreciated and if you are unable to contribute financially, please support me by sharing this post with your social network, so I can reach my goal to give back to my country. Any other resources that can be shared to support this dream are also appreciated, please feel free to contact me directly at [email redacted]
Thank you for all your support and to everyone that has helped me throughout my journey!
Much love,
Low Low
Lawrence Boloweh Karpeh
Buduburham Liberian Refugee Camp in LiberiaThe first Genesis Soccer Academy Team. Peep me in the right corner, looking down :)The current Genesis Soccer Academy TeamMy Dad supporting me at St Ignatius Senior NightMy brother with the Genesis Soccer Academy playersGenesis Soccer Academy players at practiceWith your help we can make a difference! <3Organizer
Low Low Karpeh
Organizer
Cleveland, OH
