Help DSM Congolese Soccer Academy Compete in UPSL

Help Us Compete in the UPSL: Support the Des Moines Congolese Soccer Team!

Hello Banaponga Fans, friends, family, and community members,

We are the Des Moines Congolese Soccer Team—a team built on passion, resilience, and the desire to represent our community on a larger stage. For the past several years, we’ve worked tirelessly to strengthen our skills, build camaraderie, and become a force on the soccer field. Now, we are taking a bold step forward: we are setting our sights on competing in the United Premier Soccer League (UPSL) next season.

But to make this dream a reality, we need your support.

Our Goal: $10,000

Joining the UPSL is a significant financial commitment, and to compete, we need to cover various expenses, including:

• League Registration and Fees: Enrolling in the UPSL comes with substantial fees, which cover competition entry and administrative costs. These fees are the foundation of joining the league and a priority for us to secure our spot.

• Field Rental and Equipment: Quality training is essential, and this includes having access to appropriate fields, goals, and practice facilities.

• Travel and Accommodations: Competing in the UPSL will require us to travel to various locations for games. This means costs for transportation, accommodations, and meals for our players and staff. Travel expenses are one of the biggest hurdles for us, but they are vital for participating in the league.

• Coaching and Development: To perform at the highest level, we need access to coaching and training resources. These investments in development will elevate our team’s skills and ensure we are ready to compete.

Why This Matters

Soccer is more than a game for our team. It’s a way to unite our community, bring pride to our hometown, and showcase the talent within our Congolese and African immigrant communities living in Des Moines and beyond. Our players come from diverse backgrounds, each carrying stories of resilience and determination. Many of us grew up in refugee camps or arrived in the U.S. in search of better lives. Soccer has been a constant through these journeys, offering a source of joy, purpose, and belonging.

By competing in the UPSL, we will be playing not only for ourselves but for our entire community. It’s an opportunity to inspire younger players who dream of achieving greatness in sports and to represent our heritage with honor. Every time we step onto the field, we hope to show the strength, unity, and spirit that defines our community.

How You Can Help

Every donation, no matter the size, makes a difference. Here are some ways your support can help:

• $25: Covers practice equipment (like cones and bibs)

• $50: Contributes toward team transportation for away games

• $100: Funds player registration fees and gear for the season

• $500: Provides partial support for a team’s field rental for an entire month

• $1,000+: Helps sponsor team travel to games or tournaments in the UPSL

We understand not everyone may be able to contribute financially. Even if you cannot donate, sharing our GoFundMe page with friends, family, and colleagues can help us reach more people who might be willing to support our journey.

Join Us in This Journey

As we set our sights on the UPSL, we are filled with hope and excitement. But we cannot do this alone. With your help, we can make history and showcase our team’s resilience and spirit on a competitive stage. Together, we can achieve this dream and represent our community with pride.

Thank you so much for considering supporting our team. We promise to work hard, to honor every dollar you contribute, and to make you proud.

With gratitude,

Des Moines Congolese Soccer Team