About Us

Soccer that builds skills—and futures—in East Knoxville.

Ujima Soccer Academy pairs high-quality training with mentoring, academic/ELL support, and real-world exposure so young people grow on the field and as leaders in their community.

Join Today

Our Mission

Through the principle of collective work and responsibility, Ujima Soccer Academy equips students for success on and off the field.

Our Brand

Our Name

Our name means collective work and responsibility and symbolizes our welcoming, supportive community.

Our Shield

Our shield symbolizes strength, safety, and unity and suggests that Ujima is a place where students are protected, supported, and equipped to face life’s challenges.

Our Colors

Our colors symbolize collective energy. Green represents growth, vitality, teamwork, and momentum. It is lively and positive. Black represents power and authority, grounding the design and making it bold and assertive. Together they symbolize purpose-driven action.

Our Chevron Pattern

Our chevron pattern symbolizes cultural and rhythmic identity. The pattern represents movement, momentum, and upward progress, while providing a nod to cultural pride and heritage. Together they create a sense of rhythm and unity, like a team working in unison.

Our Values

N

Teamwork – We commit to working together with trust, support, and unity – on and off the field – knowing that our collective strength is greater than any individual effort.

N

Respect – We commit to valuing ourselves, others, and our community – treating everyone with dignity, kindness, and justice.

N

Discipline – We commit to showing up, staying focused, and giving our best effort every day – overcoming challenges through self-control and determination.

N

Leadership – We commit to leading by example – taking responsibility, inspiring other, and making choices that strengthen our team and community.

Our Story

Ujima is a program of the One Knoxville Collective, the nonprofit arm of Knoxville’s pro soccer team, One Knoxville SC. It represents an innovative expansion of work that has been taking place on a smaller scale for nearly a decade. In 2017, in collaboration with the Great Schools Partnership, Jonathan Haskell helped to launch the soccer program at Vine Middle. The impact of that initiative became evident in 2021, when Austin East High School won its first state championship – featuring 7 players from that original Vine team. That same year, Jonathan assumed coaching duties at Vine and, alongside AE Coach Jonathan Netherland (Jonu), worked to establish a unified culture where Vine players aspire to compete at Austin East. Since then, the two programs have often trained together, fostering camaraderie, mentorship, and a strong sense of identity.

Both Jonu and Jonathan have long recognized that their mission extends beyond growing the game or developing soccer talent. They are committed to shaping young men and women of character who look out for one another and lead both on and off the field. As Coach Jonu recently observed, “I don’t have to ask the kids anymore where they went to middle school. It’s obvious to me who played at Vine.”

With the backing of One Knoxville SC, Ujima represents a strategic expansion of these efforts. The program brings a more intentional approach to academic support, leadership development, and year-round engagement. “I am confident this program will profoundly impact our students’ lives,” said Robin Curry, Executive Principal at Vine. “While they face significant challenges, their potential is equally great. Through mentorship, community engagement, and academic and emotional support, this program will foster measurable growth in both their academic performance and social development.”

Ujima is more than a program; it’s a movement. Rooted in East Knoxville, Ujima provides youth with a safe, structured environment to learn, grow, and thrive. By uniting soccer training with academic support, mental health resources, and mentoring, Ujima equips students with the skills and confidence they need to thrive. As our young people succeed, the entire city benefits – stronger students, healthier families, safer neighborhoods, and a more vibrant Knoxville. Together we can turn soccer into a catalyst for hope, opportunity, and lasting change.