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We Transform Children's Lives

Through soccer, we help children living in under-resourced communities reach their full potential, improve their well-being, and live healthier lives.

Current Highlights

Travel Teams (EDP)

The Travel Teams program is the most competitive tier at ESYDA — focused on committed players who want to compete in high-level leagues through structured league play.

Program Overview

  • Age: Approximately 8–18

  • Competes in the EDP (Elite Development Program) leagues

  • Practice multiple times per week

  • Regular weekend games against other travel teams

  • Practice and game uniforms, coaching staff, league scheduling, and competitive fixture play.

  • Elite-level technical and tactical coaching

  • Strategic understanding and real match experience

  • Physical preparation for high-intensity play

  • Players who excel here position themselves for exposure — including collegiate interest and high-level competitive opportunities.

  • Scholarships available to help make participation more accessible

Competitive

This is ESYDA’s intermediate competitive track — for players who have foundational skills and now want to train more seriously and compete at a higher level.

Program Overview

  • Age: 11–15

  • Tryouts are required.

  • Focus on advanced technique, endurance, “game IQ,” and strategic play.

  • Coaches lead age-appropriate groups such as U11, U13, and U15 to maximize development.

  • Serves as a stepping stone toward ESYDA’s Elite Travel Teams — giving dedicated players the experience and skills needed to reach the next level.

  • Competitive yet supportive, helping players grow both athletically and personally.

  • Prepare players to compete more consistently and advance into elite league play

  • Structured team performance focus

  • Stamina & resilience development

  • Pathway toward travel/elite levels if players excel and progress

Performance / MLSGO

This dual-track program is designed to meet players where they are — whether they’re just getting started or ready to ramp up training intensity

MLS GO (Youth Intro Program)

  • Age: 4–12

  • Introduces young players to soccer fundamentals in a fun, structured environment.

  • Participants get an MLS-branded training experience — including MLS jerseys, coaching, and in-house game play.

  • Practice sessions twice weekly with in-house games on weekends.

  • Typically runs April through June (example Spring dates).

  • Confidence building, teamwork, basic technical skills development, and enjoyment of the game for beginners

Performance Program (Development-Focused)

  • Age: Typically 9–15 (with some age-specific exceptions)

  • For players who want serious skill development and a competitive training environment.

  • Advanced technical training, better tactical understanding, and physical conditioning

  • Players train to improve and compete for placement on higher-level teams like Select/Travel rosters.

  • Potential entry into developmental leagues when team sizes permit (e.g., Maryland Developmental Soccer League).

  • Practices twice weekly with a structured seasonal schedule.

  • Players aiming to elevate their game and build readiness for travel-level competition.

Coach Agbegnigan “FoFo” Amouzou

Founder | Executive Director | Head Coach

Elite Soccer Youth Development Academy (ESYDA)

Coach Agbegnigan “FoFo” Amouzou is the Founder, Executive Director, and Head Coach of the Elite Soccer Youth Development Academy (ESYDA). A former professional midfielder for the Togo national football team, he began his distinguished international career representing the Republic of Togo before continuing to compete professionally across Europe, particularly in France. From 1988 to 1998, Coach FoFo played in 15 French professional soccer divisions and had the honor of competing on the world stage, including participation in the FIFA World Cup. He also serves as Head Coach of Les Aiglons Football Club.

With more than 21 years of service in Montgomery County, Coach FoFo is deeply committed to developing young athletes both on and off the field. Certified as a professional coach in France and the United States, he earned a Professional Certificate in 2002 from the Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association (MPSSAA) and is licensed as a Head Coach by the Maryland State Youth Soccer Association (MSYSA). Throughout his career, he has worked with numerous soccer organizations in the Maryland metropolitan area, including the Guinea DMV Team, the Burkina Faso Team, and several Maryland high school programs. A respected soccer leader and youth advocate, Coach FoFo is the recipient of the 2013 IMPACT Silver Spring Social Momentum Award and the 2022 Ambassade de Côte d’Ivoire Prix de la Fraternité for Sport/Football, reflecting his lasting impact on the community and the sport.

The Need

This is a ParaChildren in under-resourced communities face significant barriers to reaching their full potential. One of the many barriers they face is missing out on the multitude of benefits that come from playing sports.graph Font

70%

of predominately Black
& Hispanic communities

lack recreational facilities.

1 in 5

kids

aren't at a healthy
weight.

72%

of kids ages 6-17

do not get the recommended amount of physical activity.

1 in 3

children

lack a mentor in
their lives.

More Than a
Game

A place to be themselves. Role models. Free access to soccer. Just Ball League offers these things and more to youth living in underserved communities who otherwise might not have these opportunities.

Our Goals

Soccer is more than a game. It offers mentorship, teamwork, and confidence-building opportunities that last a lifetime. With a caring coach-mentor and a safe place to play, soccer can play a crucial role in a child’s life. That’s why we’re on a mission to increase opportunities for children in under-resourced communities by 2026.

© 2026 Elite Soccer Youth Development Academy, Inc. (ESYDA). All Rights Reserved.