BALL OUT Jersey – Akeem O’Connor Ward and Amarikwa Family Foundation Drop Limited-Edition Grant Fundraiser This Juneteenth to Support Youth Soccer Access

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 19, 2025

Fresno, CA — In celebration of Juneteenth and its commitment to advancing equity through sport, the Amarikwa Family Foundation has partnered with active professional soccer player Akeem O’Connor Ward to launch the BALL OUT Jersey, a limited-edition fundraiser supporting the Foundation’s BALL OUT Grant initiative.

The jersey, designed in collaboration with Ward and his company BOV (Bring Others Value), is available exclusively to supporters who donate $50 or more to the Foundation. Proceeds will directly support the distribution of free soccer balls and mini-grants to community leaders working to expand access to the game in under-resourced neighborhoods.

“This isn’t just a jersey—it’s a movement,” said O’Connor Ward, a seven-year pro and advocate for equity in soccer. “Every donation helps us put a free ball at a kid’s feet and open the door to more opportunity, more joy, and more dreams fulfilled—on and off the pitch.”

Originally launched Feb 29th, 2024, the BALL OUT Grant provides free soccer balls to coaches, community organizers, and nonprofits using soccer as a tool to uplift underserved youth. Applications are accepted year-round, and awards are distributed on a rolling basis.

The BALL OUT Jersey officially drops on Juneteenth (June 19) and will be available while supplies last. Supporters can claim their jersey and contribute to the movement with a donation of $50 or more to the foundation at:

👉 AmarikwaFamilyFoundation.org/Donate

MEDIA INQUIRIES & CONTACT

For press, sponsorship opportunities, or general questions:
📩 contact@amarikwafamilyfoundation.org

About BALL OUT Jersey:

The BALL OUT Jersey is a limited-edition fundraiser designed to raise awareness and resources for the BALL OUT Grant. It symbolizes opportunity, empowerment, and community investment through the universal language of soccer. Jerseys are available exclusively to supporters who donate $50 or more to the Foundation: AmarikwaFamilyFoundation.org/Donate

About Akeem O’Connor Ward

Akeem O’Connor Ward is a current professional soccer player, entrepreneur, and advocate for equity through sport. A standout in the USL Championship and a respected voice in the player community, Ward is also the founder of BOV (Bring Others Value) and the new host of Season 2 of The Perfect Soccer Podcast, where he highlights stories at the intersection of sport, identity, and culture.

Learn more: https://PerfectSoccerSkills.com/AkeemWard

About BALL OUT Grant:

BALL OUT is a grant initiative launched alongside former Colorado Rapids, MLS Cup Champion and Jamaican soccer legend, Omar Cummings in collaboration with the Amarikwa Family Foundation and PerfectSoccerSkills.com. The initiative provides soccer balls to underrepresented soccer programs and coaches, promoting access to the sport and fostering youth development.

About Amarikwa Family Foundation:

At the heart of the Amarikwa Family Foundation is a commitment to utilize the power of sport to enhance the wellbeing of humanity. We achieve this through strategic engagement in three core pillars of access to: Sport, Environment and Education. 

Learn more: www.AmarikwaFamilyFoundation.org

About Perfect Soccer:

The #1 platform to talk to, learn from and work with pro soccer players and coaches. Perfect Soccer is a data platform that has utilized the feedback it has received from its community, customers and followers over 10+ years to refine and enhance its manufacturing and distribution of premium soccer equipment, custom uniforms, online education, mentorship, books and training programs. Perfect Soccer is dedicated to providing players, parents and coaches of all levels with top-quality products and services designed to enhance your performance on and off the field. With a commitment to innovation and excellence, Perfect Soccer continues to be a trusted brand among soccer experts, enthusiasts and soccer first-timers worldwide. Currently, there are over 1000+ pro soccer players within the Perfect Soccer and Be PRO by Perfect Soccer networks. Innovative and influential shows like #QuincyTime, the Life Of A Pro Vlog, #AskASoccerPro Show and The Perfect Soccer Podcast, along with a full suite of additional shows recorded and fully produced in-house by Perfect Soccer, showcases our team’s forward thinking approach and ability to have fun while setting the standard for what it looks like to pursue your passion.

Learn more: https://www.perfectsoccerskills.com/about