Our Story
Home Field Advantage (HFA) was founded in Downey, CA in 2016. Our founder, Sacha, shares his inspiration: "I'm a father, and walked my kids to school for many years, and always saw the potential of fields that I walked by at the middle schools and elementary schools. I always thought that our kids had nothing to do in their own neighborhoods. What can we do to create Home Field Advantage?"
What began as a 6-week program to get elementary school kids active and teach soccer skills quickly grew into something more impactful. The enthusiastic response from schools, parents, and players motivated HFA to expand.
HFA discovered a synergistic way to create homegrown leadership while providing safe after-school sports programs. By teaching high school students coaching techniques and leadership skills, HFA produces top-tier student coaches with the potential to eventually become mentor coaches. After partnering with the Downey Foundation for Educational Opportunities (DFEO) in 2017, HFA has continued to grow at all public elementary and middle schools in Downey, whilst now expanding to other LA County cities such as El Monte, Whittier, and Compton.
HFA continues to grow, offering more children a safe place to play and more local coaches the chance to become leaders in their communities.
HFA’s mission is to create healthier, stronger, more active and connected communities through sports leadership development.
HFA’s vision is to create a sustainable sports structure within our communities by activating local neighborhoods through coaching education, ultimately leading the next generation of homegrown role models while using existing underused facilities.
Our Team
Sacha van der Most van Spijk
Founder and Executive Director.
Giovanni Leguizamon
Program Coordinator
Cynthia Robledo
Program Coordinator
Community Partners & Collaborators
