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The Philadelphia Union Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) charitable foundation proudly supported by the Philadelphia Union, a professional soccer team based in Chester, Pennsylvania. The Foundation was established in 2011 with the goal of building safe spaces to play soccer in Philadelphia, strengthening youth programming, using soccer as a magnet to unite diverse communities, and growing the beautiful game in Chester, Philadelphia and the Delaware Valley.
The organization has since then launched various initiatives, programs, and events to foster social impact and community development We work towards making soccer accessible to all kids in Chester and beyond. We offer a range of programs, including Chester Soccer, iAM, HeadFirst, and Safe Spaces. They are all designed to provide children with life skills, coaching, equipment, and mentoring to succeed on and off the field. We strive to create a culture of respect, sportsmanship, and inclusiveness.
PHILADELPHIA UNION FOUNDATION’S Initiatives
HEADFIRST
Improving mental health and wellbeing in our communities by promoting understanding while providing support and resources to enhance and uplift our community.
IAM INITIATIVE
Helping high school students maximize their potential by connecting them with some of the region’s largest companies as well as mentors, universities and internships
SAFE SPACES CHESTER SOCCER
Creating safe spaces to play soccer, in partnership with local leaders, communities and businesses.
Increasing access to the game through no-cost programming, empowering youth through team sports and teaching them teamwork, discipline and perseverance
HEADFIRST
At the Philadelphia Union Foundation, we are committed to changing the game on mental health. HeadFirst is our groundbreaking program aimed at promoting mental health awareness and providing support within the soccer community. We believe that mental health is just as important as physical health and that creating a strong support network is the key to a healthy, happy life
We are proud to work closely with a variety of partners to make a real difference. With their support, we are able to offer critical conversations that can make a lasting impact on the lives of young people.
Our mission is to provide the youth of Chester, PA, with a transformative soccer experience, under the direction of the Philadelphia Union Foundation We aim to empower young athletes, instilling values of teamwork, discipline, and personal growth, while promoting access to the sport and fostering community engagement. Through soccer, we strive to create a positive impact in the lives of our players, their families, and the broader Chester community. Chester Soccer Initiative is made up of two major components:
Chester Union, a philanthropic soccer club for Chester boys and girls of all ages. 1. Development, operation and funding of the High School Boys and Girls teams of the Chester School District 2.
35+
GuestSpeakersandLearn andExploreWorkshops
52
Studentscompleted summerinternships
I AM
The iAM Project aims to address the effects of socio-economic inequality upon social mobility and to break the poverty cycle for every young person who joins our Program Driven by a desire to challenge the status quo, The iAM Project supports aspirational high school students from low-income backgrounds to maximize their personal, academic and professional potential.
The iAM Project leverages a network of inspirational speakers, academic and professional mentors, innovative links to industry, universities, and internship providers to foster the knowledge, skills and interests that will afford our scholars opportunities. Our success comes from high levels of strategic partnerships and collaboration around a shared purpose.
100%
Graduatedortrackingtoward collegeorapprenticeship
1050 Studentsimpacted
SAFE SPACES
Our vision of creating safe spaces has evolved into a commitment to building vibrant, accessible soccer fields in Chester and beyond, aligning with our dedication to the community.
These fields will serve as valuable resources for our Chester Union players, offering them safe, well-maintained spaces to train, play, and grow. We are proud to partner with community organizations that share this vision, working together to support and uplift the community through the power of soccer.
Akosua Watts is the visionary Head of School and CEO of Chester Charter Scholars Academy (CCSA), where she leads a thriving K–12 program that serves over 700 students in the city of Chester With a background that spans finance, education, and community leadership, Akosua is a driving force behind educational equity and opportunity in the region.
A graduate of George Washington University with a degree in Finance, Akosua began her career on Wall Street at Salomon Smith Barney before answering a deeper calling urban education. She went on to earn her Master's in Education from Columbia Teachers College and her Principal Certification from Eastern University. Her teaching and leadership experience spans classrooms in New York City, Philadelphia, and the Chester Upland School District
In 2012, Akosua joined CCSA as the Founding Assistant Principal and quickly rose to become Head of School and CEO Under her leadership, CCSA has expanded into a full K–12 academic program and built a state-of-the-art, $30 million campus guided by her unwavering commitment to a 100% graduation rate and pathways to lifelong success
Akosua serves as a crucial bridge between Chester Charter Scholars Academy and the Philadelphia Union Foundation. Her leadership and partnership have been instrumental in the development and success of the iAM Project one of the Foundation’s signature initiatives focused on mentorship, career exposure, and college readiness.
Jacques Mason is a rising star whose journey from Chester Charter Scholars Academy to the Philadelphia Union Academy is a testament to resilience, opportunity, and the power of community.
After arriving from Liberia and joining CCSA in 10th grade, Jacques quickly stood out—on and off the field With support from his family and the Philadelphia Union Foundation’s iAM Project, he gained mentorship, career exposure, and even interned in the Union front office.
A pivotal moment came when a high school match was moved to WSFS Bank Sportsplex Jacques scored four goals—and caught the eye of a Union scout He soon earned a place at YSC Academy, where he will graduate this June.
Jacques embodies the spirit of the Legacy Rising Award: grit, growth, and a future fueled by purpose.
HHONOREE ONOREE
RustyandjanellaarOnson
Rusty and Janell Aaronson embody the powerful role a family can play in shaping a young athlete’s journey and inspiring a broader community along the way
Their story began in college, where Rusty played soccer at Monmouth University before building a successful investigative firm, and Janell pursued a career in healthcare and education But their lives took on new meaning through the sport their children loved. As sons Brenden and Paxten advanced from local rec leagues to elitelevel soccer, Rusty and Janell showed up every single step of the way. From founding Real FA to long nights on the road, their commitment went far beyond the sidelines Their sacrifices made dreams possible.
Today, both sons are professional players testaments to talent, yes, but more so to belief, discipline, and support
The Aaronsons represent what the Philadelphia Union Foundation strives to deliver for every young player: access, opportunity, and a team behind the dream
