Our Story
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.