My name is Cameron DeJong, and I’m the founder of Ventura Football Network.
On March 17th, we’re hosting a St. Patrick’s Day fundraiser at Tony’s Pizzeria in Downtown Ventura. But this isn’t just about a fun night out. It’s about creating real opportunity for athletes in our community.
This fundraiser is launching the Play It Forward: Ventura Soccer Scholarship Fund
I’ve seen firsthand how the pay-to-play system holds talented players back. There are athletes in Ventura County who work hard, show up every day, and love the game, but financial barriers make it difficult for them to continue playing at a high level.
Ventura Football Network was created to change that.
Our mission is simple. Make soccer more accessible. Create real exposure. Remove unnecessary barriers.
This scholarship is a direct step toward that mission.
What This Fund Supports
Through this campaign, we will award two scholarships:
- One male high school athlete from Ventura County
- One female high school athlete from Ventura County
The funds will go directly toward:
- Club fees
- Tournament registration
- Equipment
- Training costs
- Travel expenses
100 percent of the money raised through this GoFundMe will go directly to these scholarships.
No overhead. No administrative cuts. Just direct impact.
Ventura Supporting Ventura
This is about our local community investing in its own athletes.
When you donate, you are helping a player who trains on our local fields, attends our schools, and represents Ventura every time they step on the pitch.
This is Ventura taking care of Ventura.
How Athletes Will Be Selected
Applicants will answer the following prompts:
- What does soccer mean to you?
- Describe a challenge you have faced and how you responded.
- How would receiving this scholarship impact you and your family?
- How do you represent your community on and off the field?
We're looking for athletes who show character, leadership, commitment, and a genuine love for the game.
Recipients will be announced following our March 17th fundraiser.
How You Can Help
- Donate any amount
- Share this campaign
- Attend the fundraiser at Tony’s Pizzeria
- Encourage a deserving player to apply
Our goal is to make sure that financial hardship never determines who gets to chase their dream.
Thank you for believing in this mission and for supporting the next generation of Ventura athletes.
Let’s Play It Forward.
Cameron
Organizer
V
Ventura Football Network Corporation
Beneficiary