THESANDS ARESHIFTING
CONQUERINGDREAMS EMBRACINGTHEFUTURE
This Case for Support highlights our achievements and celebrates milestones, but more importantly, shares what’s up next! As we move forward, we are excited to embark on new projects that will enhance our ability to serve and empower those around us. Key initiatives include expanding our sport programming, investing in, and employing cutting-edge technology, and building sustainable safe spaces that will serve as sport sanctuaries for thousands. We invite you to join us on this journey, as your support is crucial in helping us turn these dreams into reality! Your involvement can take many forms, whether through volunteering your time, providing financial support, or simply spreading the word about our mission. Each contribution, no matter how big or small, plays a vital role in propelling us toward our goals.
We believe in the power of collaboration and are committed to working with partners in Jordan, Palestine, and around the world to ensure each programs success.
As we look to the future, we remain dedicated to transparency and accountability, ensuring that every action we take aligns with our core values and mission. We are so inspired by the potential that lies ahead and are driven by the dream of a more peaceful, equal, and hopeful world.
Thank you for considering being a part of our vision. With your help, we can build a legacy of passion and hope, paving the way for generations to come. Let us unite in our efforts to inspire change, empower communities, and create a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
www.theathletestable.org
THE SANDS ARE SHIFTING JOIN THE MOVEMENT
Dear TAT Friends and Family,
Each year, as I write to our table of supporters, I’m filled with joy and excitement for the future, knowing the incredible plans ahead and reflecting on the inspiring achievements of the past year.
This year is no different. What we have planned is nothing short of life-changing, and what we have done this past year was truly inspiring. However, for the last year, the dark cloud of war, violence, anxiety, and uncertainty have plagued every moment. Throughout all of this our partners and team in Palestine and Jordan have been steadfast, they are the salt of the earth. They are resilient, full of hope, and determined even amidst the most dire, and dreadful circumstances.
When I think of sport, I see the paradox— it’s both trivial and profound. In the grand scheme, it may seem small, but sport is also life-changing, world-altering, and the heartbeat of culture for millions. We have seen sport change the political and social fabric of nations, break gender and racial barriers that were entrenched for centuries, and unite humanity, even for mere moments during events like the Olympics. Sport has been the backbone of parent\child relationships. It has forged friendships, and community with team members from every walk of life. It has inspired kids to dream, and believe in themselves. It “can create hope, where once there was only despair”. Sport can change the world.
In Palestine, where devastation persists, we built a new basketball court a symbol of hope rising from despair. In Jordan, amidst uncertainty and anxiety, we ran sports camps for hundreds of girls and were granted land for a sports complex that will serve thousands of children across the desert. Each step forward, each game played, has brought light to dark times. Our team has cried together, and has felt scared for what is to come. Our friends in Jericho and Jordan have made us laugh, dream bigger, and have fundamentally changed my perspective. Where there is despair, there is the opportunity for immense comebacks, buzzer beaters, and last minute goals. There is hope. Celebration and joy are just around the corner. Life is messy and ridden with imperfect ‘gameplans’, but we continue to play and push forward believing the best is yet to come.
We are moving forward and putting in the work. We are preparing for triumph, ready for anything with our eyes ‘on the prize’. We want you on our team. We want you to be a part of what's coming. I promise you this journey will change the world. This journey will create hope, where there was once only despair. Our team and table are open, and we're ready for you to join us.
Jonah German Executive Director
OURTEAM WORLDCHANGERS
GROUND STAFF
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
JonahGerman ExecutiveDirector
NatalieShaheen JerichoProjectLead
Jamie Perry Secretary
IsaacMorris DirectorofStorytelling
Landon Huffman Vice-President
Scottie Graham President
Susan Nance Treasurer
ZainTwal JordanProjectLead
Gus Alvarez Founder of DataRook
TeresaAloudat JordanStaff
AYEAROFIMPACT INNUMBERS
520+
Girls Impacted
1
Female Led
156 85%
Hours of More
Practice Time
1
New Facilities
5
New Project Site Coaches Trained
DREAMS REALIZED. LIVES CHANGED.
JERICHO
In Jericho, 2024 brought both challenges and triumphs. Despite the devastating impact of the ongoing war and delays caused by customs and conflict, we achieved major milestones: the completion of the first-ever dedicated basketball court for boys and girls, multiple sport camps, and the expansion of our local coach training program. The war made everyday life uncertain, yet the community, especially the youth, showed remarkable resilience.
This year, we hosted 4 camps in Jericho, 2 basketball camps, and 2 “sports” camps. The sport camps consisted of all kinds of fun games, including water games, bounce houses, and more! Our team helped create a space to just get away from the realities of life, and have fun playing together!
THEGERBERSFAMILYCOURT
Historic Achievement: One of the most exciting outcomes of your support and a generous gift from the Gerbers Family was the construction of the first-ever basketball court in Jericho for both boys and girls. This was a milestone for the community and a game-changer for local youth. It has created a safe space for girls and young women to gather, play, and dream together. The court, once delayed, is now alive with daily practices and games, The resilience of the Jericho community has been inspiring. Even in the face of war, the youth have embraced the opportunity to grow through sports, demonstrating that hope can thrive, even in the hardest of times.
THECOURT
THECOURT
is more than just
a physical space it’s a hub for youth engagement, offering a safe place to play, learn, and grow It has already opened new doors for mentorship, and communitybuilding in Jericho, serving as the primary breeding ground for a new sports club.
7Days
per week the space will be open to girls in the community
The first to offer equitable, and sustainable programming for girls and women. drastically altering what is possible for females in Jericho.
60% of club athletes are projected to be female
Over the course of 2024, we trained six local coaches, equipping them with the tools to become not just coaches, but mentors and role models for the community. This training is on-going and expanding in 2025!
THEPROGRAM
Each coach underwent comprehensive training that blended theory with practice, covering effective mentoring, ethical coaching principles, and game strategies. These six coaches are now fully engaged, leading youth teams throughout Jericho.
This included multiple in person coaching clinics, where coaches learned, and led our youth sports camps, gaining valuable experience
FURTHERDEVELOPMENT COACHTRAINING
This program has provided a structured outlet for young athletes, while also fostering leadership within the community. It’s an initiative built to last, ensuring ongoing opportunities for youth in Jericho for years to come
JORDAN
In 2024, we were able to expand our programs into Jordan, partnering with Finaa (Page 19) to host three sports camps for girls in refugee camps and allgirls orphanages This initiative was about more than just playing sports it was about fostering confidence and community among these young girls.
During our time in Jordan, we hosted 2 camps in Ramtha, and Madaba during the holy Muslim month of Ramadan. Together we shared in the tradition of Iftar, breaking the fast with laughter, connection, and a sense of shared humanity after each day of camp. The meal was prepared by a well-known female chef in Jordan, Chef Nojoud, changing the cultural significance of the camp and deepening our engagement with the community in multiple ways. Sharing this moment with them was something our team will always cherish and remember as we continue to work in this region
“What I liked most about this camp was being able to run with my friends.” This simple line from an 8 year old camper named Layla highlights just how desperate the situation is, and how important our work is. The ability to just run, should not be a privilege but a right to all people. In fact, running should be the bare minimum. We dream of more, we are dreaming of a future in Jordan where Layla can pursue any pathway she wants.
TOGETHER WE CAN CHANGE THE WORLD. JOIN THE MOVEMENT
JERICHO
Continuing our project in Jericho is crucial for addressing the unique challenges faced by girls in this ancient city, where conflict, occupation, and socio-economic constraints profoundly affect their daily lives and limit access to education, sports, and safe recreational spaces. As one of the oldest cities in the world, Jericho carries a rich cultural heritage, but its communities face systemic barriers, including restricted movement and limited infrastructure, that disproportionately impact girls’ opportunities for personal and social development.
By creating safe spaces, such as the first-ever basketball court for girls in Jericho, and building additional facilities like soccer pitches, we aim to provide a sanctuary for growth, empowerment, and community connection. Training local coaches to understand the cultural and regional context is essential to fostering mentorship and providing girls with role models who can guide and inspire them
This project represents more than just sports it is a symbol of resilience and hope in the face of adversity.
We also have now secured the land needed for a small soccer pitch directly next to the court on the Seeds of Hope School complex. Now it’s time to fund it, and build it!
SEEDSOFHOPE SOCCERPITCH
AQABA
Aqaba is Jordan’s only coastal city and the largest and most populous city on the Gulf of Aqaba. Aqaba is located in the far south of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan on the Red Sea coast and is the capital of the Aqaba Governorate. Economically and politically, Aqaba is highly unique in Jordan The Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA) has encouraged investment and incentives for more attention to the governorate; however, it is also home to some of the poorest communities in all of Jordan. In order to combat some of these systemic challneges we have been GRANTED land by ASEZA in Aqaba to create a 250,000 sq. ft. athletic facility serving thousands of girls.
WHY AQABA?
Population: 227,000 people
Male: 128,300
Female: 98,700
Median Age: 23 Global Average: 30
Girls under the age of 18: 29,610
In this southern desert governorate, cultural and regional challenges often limit girls’ access to opportunities outside traditional roles, making it difficult for them to participate in organized sports or leadership development activities. Safe, inclusive spaces are a fundamental step toward breaking these barriers, fostering confidence, and creating a supportive community.
Aqaba, with its geographical isolation and limited infrastructure for girls, is poised to become a model for transformation in the southern region, offering a beacon of hope for gender equality and empowerment.
HOPE IN THE DESERT SPORTS FACILITY
THE DESIGNER
LARA ABU AL NEEL
5000
Girls Impacted
Female Led
80% 85%
$3M+
Value of Land Gifted
3
New Facilities
60+
Coaches Trained
PATHWAYSTO PARTICIPATION
Soccer Premier League
6 team league for girls 12+
6 team league for girls 16+
+ 2 teams in Jericho
Basketball Premier League
6 team league for girls 12+
6 team league for girls 16+
+ 2 teams in Jericho
STEM Camps
We will host periodic soccer and basketball camps where we will integrate our STEM data analytics program as well as in-person coaching clinics.
Club in Jericho
We will launch a holistic sports club, The Seeds of Sports Club, in Jericho creating new opportunities for youth, and the first ever equitable programs for girls.
Coach Training
We will engage over 50 coaches in Jordan and Palestine through our Coaching Hope program. Creating leaders for years to come.
OUR PARTNERS
FOOTYLABANDSTEMEDUCATION
Through board member Gus Alvarez, we are also launching an innovative, and immersive educational experience for our girls across Jordan, and Palestine.
Gus, a scientist and football coach has developed “Footy Lab” to teach kids basic STEM concepts through their own sports analytics
Here is how it works:
Play: Use professional-grade wearable tech during games to collect performance data
Analyze: Learn Python and data analysis techniques to explore performance metrics
Innovate: Apply STEM concepts to real-world challenges in sports and beyond
EXTRAS
Python programming basics
Data analysis and visualization
of participants have increased interest in STEM career
Statistical concepts & applications
Soccer performance analytics
Executive Director: Zain Twal
Finaa transforms schoolyards into well-equipped sports venues at girls’ schools across the MENA region, providing safe spaces for future generations. Through tailored soccer training programs, they aim to inspire confidence, foster leadership, and create a lasting impact in the lives of young girls Their approach ensures that every girl has the opportunity to pursue her passion for soccer in a supportive and inclusive environment.
PHASE 1: TRANSFORMATION
During the first phase, Finaa rehabilitates the backyard space of a specific girls school, or center. Working with local artists to design, and paint mural artwork around the pitch, making it a vibrant, and positive space for the girls it serves.
PHASE 2: EMPOWER LEADERS
Finaa then leads leadership development, and coach training workshops with P.E. teachers and coaches from schools in the area, encouraging them to develop teams at their respective schools, and spaces.
PHASE 3: FOOTBALL FESTIVAL
Once the space has been rehabilitated, leaders trained, and teams formed, Finaa brings all of the teams and girls together to host a multi-day soccer festival where teams compete and celebrate on their new pitch!
PROJECTEDBUDGET 2025
2025 TIMELINE
January Launch
Beginrecruitmentof coaches,andathleteswith partnerschoolsinAqaba ContinueworkinJericho
Beginconstructionof facilityinAqaba&pitchin Jericho
April P1
Begincoachtraining workshops,andhost“minicamps”atpartnerschools JerichoContinues
Continueconstructionin Aqaba,andJericho
August P2
CompletefacilityJericho Graduatecoachesfrom coachtrainingandbegin regularpractices
HostSTEMcampswithall girls
October P3
Launch premier leagues in Aqaba, inviting Jericho teams for football festival in November
CompletefacilityinAqaba
January2026 P4
ProjectContinues
Join us for the entire year of 2025, and sign up for The Dream Team This team is our group of monthly supporters This group ensures that girls across the Middle East have access to sport all year and into the future. We have big plans, but none of them are possible without this team believing in the power of sport.
Thank you for considering partnering with us!
www.theathletestable.org