Anything Is Possible
Giovanny Leon, USA
Goal Click is collaborating with U.S. Soccer on a new storytelling series as part of the Keeping Score of What Matters campaign. The series will spotlight untold stories within clubs, organizations, and communities supported by Soccer Forward, focusing on the diverse ecosystem of soccer and its use as a force for good.
The CJ Brown Foundation runs community-based outreach programs to empower disadvantaged youth in Chicago.
Giovanny Leon is a college student and soccer coach from Chicago who mentors young players through the CJ Brown Foundation, using the game to build confidence, accountability, and a strong sense of community.
I want young players to know that they can one day reach the biggest stage, whether they currently play for a team, in a local park, or in the streets. I want people to feel inspired and proud, believing that anything is possible.
My name is Giovanny Leon. I am from Chicago, Illinois and am a college student and a soccer coach. I coach for the CJ Brown Foundation, and I connected with the organization through my college soccer coach at Malcolm X College in 2024.
My soccer journey began when I was just four years old, playing in the backyard of my grandparents' home, and it continues to this day. My journey expanded even further when I started coaching in 2024.
Along the way, I have faced many obstacles, including fear, criticism, mistakes, and the challenges that come with personal development. I overcame these obstacles by understanding that they are a natural part of the game and by choosing to face them head-on. I always used to beat myself up a lot when I faced these obstacles because I hated failure, but I realised that it is part of the game. Failure helped me see what I did wrong and make it better, so I could overcome the challenges I faced.
The CJ Brown Foundation
The CJ Brown Foundation was created by CJ Brown, a former Chicago Fire player and former United States Men's National Team player. The organization provides a space for children on the South Side of Chicago to learn how to play soccer through multiple training sessions each week and games on Saturdays.
We support these children by providing a safe environment where they can learn, have fun, and develop new skills both on and off the pitch. We have created a community where families, children, and coaches support one another, share a passion for the game, and experience a true sense of belonging.
The foundation is unique not only because it is free for everyone, but also because the coaches are students who are on their own soccer journeys. We provide much more than drills. We give every player individual attention and support because we want every child to feel seen and safe.
We have also built a community where children from different cultures and backgrounds can grow together. Our players face many challenges that come with the sport, including adversity, emotional highs and lows, the need for discipline, and building confidence in themselves and their abilities.
We help them by offering encouragement and reassurance, reminding them that it is okay to feel the way they do and that making mistakes is part of the journey. We are there to help them see challenges differently and to support them every step of the way.
Player First, Game Second
Our organization is built around three core values: accountability, pride, and belonging. We constantly remind our players to stay accountable to their coaches, teammates, families, and themselves.
We want every child to feel that they belong here and to feel proud to be part of the family and community we have built together. I hope our players carry these values with them off the pitch and use them to grow as people. Personally, I believe accountability is one of the most important qualities anyone can have in life.
My coaching philosophy is simple: the player comes first and the game comes second. I want to provide training sessions and activities that keep every player involved and engaged, making sure that no one is left out.
Beyond The Season
I am also on my own journey as both a player and a coach. I am still growing, developing my skills, and deepening my understanding of the game, taking it one day at a time.
Soccer has given me confidence and skills on the field, but it has also taught me countless life lessons that have helped me grow as a person. I remember in high school we played in a championship game where we went 2-0 down. I came off the bench with around 10 minutes left and made the most of my opportunity, fighting for every ball. I remember receiving the ball at the top of the box and scoring, and later my teammate smashed a free kick into the top corner to take the game to penalties, where we eventually won.
This taught me that when adversity comes and challenges you, you have to face it, stay strong, and be resilient. It is a lesson from soccer that I will always carry with me.
For our organization, soccer has given us the opportunity to provide children who might not otherwise have these opportunities with the attention and training they deserve. It has also given us a family, lasting friendships, and a community that extends far beyond a single season.
