⚽ From Refugee to Coach: Help Reza Build a Soccer Academy for Refugee Youth

Dear Friends & Supporters

My name is M. Reza Hasani, and I’m reaching out with both gratitude and hope — to ask for your support as we take the next step toward self-sufficiency and giving back to the community that welcomed us.

My Journey

I am a college-educated Humanterian worker, fluent in English, French, and Dari, with over 15 years of experience in project managment, humanitarian coordination, and soccer coaching.

For more than a decade, I worked with U.S.-affiliated humanitarian organizations supporting women and children in Afghanistan. Because of this work, I became a direct target when the Taliban took power in 2021.

On August 26, 2021, my wife (a former teacher and pastry chef) and I fled Kabul with our three children — then 10, 8, and just 2 months old. At the chaotic airport, we waited for days, surrounded by thousands desperate to escape. In one final attempt, my wife (still recovering from a cesarean birth) and I carried our newborn and led our children through a filthy sewer for two long hours to reach the evacuation gate. Exhausted but determined, we finally boarded one of the last Polish military planes leaving Kabul. Tragically, my younger brother, who also worked for a U.S.-affiliated NGO, was killed by the Taliban one month later.

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Three Years in France — and a New Start in America

We spent three long years in France, hD 3 knee surger and waiting for U.S. refugee processing. Life there was safe but difficult — I did valunteer soccer coaching and got 5 month coaching course. Finally, on November 13, 2024, we arrived in Philadelphia, filled with gratitude and determination to rebuild our lives.

I am now working as an Import Coordinator with PSA–BDP International, while also following my lifelong passion — soccer coaching and youth development as my son 13 years old wanted play soccer I met many clubs didn't find good solutions even i offered my coaching abilities.

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⚽ My Mission: Creating a Soccer Academy for Refugee and Local Kids

Soccer has always been my passion and purpose. Even after going through three major knee surgeries, I refused to give up on the sport I love. Those experiences gave me a deep understanding of discipline, patience, and resilience — and inspired me to help others achieve the dreams that I could not fully pursue myself although with Talent.

After arriving in the U.S., I reached out to many local soccer clubs to offer my coaching experience and volunteer help, but I received little or no response. Instead of losing hope, I decided to create my own soccer academy — one that welcomes refugee, immigrant, and low-income children, so every child has a chance to play, learn, and grow, no matter their background or financial situation.

I have completed several U.S. coaching and safety requirements:

✅ U.S. Soccer Grassroots and Basic Coaching Courses - PIAA Offical referee

✅ SafeSport Certification

✅ FBI Fingerprinting and Police Background Clearance

And I also hold strong international credentials:

⚽ Asian Football Confederation (AFC) “D”

⚽ Five-Month Olympic Lyon Academy Coaching Certificate (France)

⚽ Experience coaching U14 and U16 youth teams

Now, my goal is to complete all advanced U.S. Soccer coaching licenses, which are very expensive, and to book indoor fields where I can start training kids year-round.

This project is not for profit — it’s my humanitarian mission. Coaching young players is my way of giving back, helping them believe in themselves, and teaching them the same values that helped me survive war and rebuild my life: discipline, teamwork, and hope.

❤️ How You Can Help

Your support will help me:

Complete U.S. Soccer advanced coaching certifications

Book indoor training facilities and buy equipment for children

Officially register and launch the youth soccer academy

Offer free or low-cost training for refugee and low-income players

Every contribution — big or small — brings this dream closer to reality.

Donate here:

Please share this story with your friends, families, and community — your kindness makes a difference!

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With Gratitude and Determination

After all that my family has endured, I believe the best way to honor our second chance at life is by helping others. Through this soccer academy, I want to give children — especially refugees — the opportunities to be prepared for higher soccer clubs.

Thank you for reading our story and for supporting our mission to build hope, strength, and community through soccer.

With heartfelt appreciation,

M. Reza Hasani

Philadelphia, PA