YWAM Football Academy
The Roaring Creek community in Belize was the most violent neighborhood in the country when the Lord first called Santiago to start investing in the youth here. Since then, sports have become an outlet. Without even announcing a formal program, boys started coming to the base to play football after school when they realized that there was plenty of safe areas to play. As more boys trickled in, Santiago started forming teams and eventually joined the local league. In their first season, the boys went almost undefeated! Since then, John and Santiago’s ministry has become the standard for youth development across the country.
The Football Academy currently coaches 50-60 boys age 8 to 22 in U-13, U-15, and U-21 football. The young men practice about five hours every day. During this time the coaches focus on teamwork, respect, and spiritual influence. Since many of the boys come from dysfunctional and broken homes, the ministry allows them to experience a healthier option.
Meet coach Santi
Coach Santie was born in Belize, November 24 1960. He joined Youth With A Mission (YWAM) in 2001 and completed his Grass Roots Training.
Football qualifications:
- CONCACAF “D” License Course
- Belmopan Football Association
- Six (6) weeks Youth Coaching Training Course
In 2008, Coach Santie started the YWAM Boys Academy. He took a semi national team to the Dominican Republic in November 2012 where they won the first ever gold medal in Belize’s football history.
Meet coach John
Coach John George was born in Trinidad and Tobago, May 31 1980. He joined Youth With A Mission (YWAM) in 2001 after completed his D.T.S.
Football qualifications:
- Grassroots Course for Coaching Educators
- Fitness Coaching Course
- International Sports Coalition, Coaches Training Level 1
- Goalkeeping Coaching Course
- International Sports Coalition, Coaches Training Level 2
- Elite Coaching Course
- CONCACAF “D” Coaching license.
In 2006, Coach John, Omar Myrie and Coach Santi started the football ministry in YWAM Belize. Which laid the foundation for the YWAM Boys Academy.
List of Awards Won
Belmopan Football Association, U-18 Tournament: 1st Place
Hon. Elvin Penner: 1st Place
2018
Belmopan City Council Mundialito, U-15: 3rd Place
Belmopan City Council Mundialito, U-13: 3rd Place
2017
Festival of Hope Football: Champions
Cayo North Sports Committee: 1st Place
BFA 2nd Division, U-21 Tournament: Champions
SOB Belmopan Kids, U-13 Cup: Champions
Simeon Lopez Cup, U-13: 1st Place
Belmopan Kids, U-13 Cup (late season): Sub-Champions
2016
Simeon Lopez Cup Kids/Youth/Female: Santiago Valencia
Belmopan Football Association: 2nd Place
Belmopan Football Association, Male U-17 Tournament: 2nd Place
Simeon Lopez Cup, U-13: 1st Place
Belmopan Football Association, Male U-13 Tournament: 1st Place
2015
Christian National Sports Day: 1st Place
Belmopan City Council Youth Cup: 3rd Place
2014
Belmopan City Council Mundialito Youth: 1st Place
Belmopan City Council Mundialito/Kids/Youth
Belmopan Day Kids Football Marathon: 2nd Place
Belmopan City Council Mundialito Youth: Most Goals Scored
Belmopan City Council Mundialito Kids: 2nd Place
Belmopan Day Kids Football Marathon: 2nd Place
2013
Belmopan City Council Youth Cup: 2nd Place
Copa Nacional Gladiadores Merida, Promocional Tercera Division Juvenil: 3ER Lugar, Fuerzas Basicas
2012
Belmopan Football Association Male, U-14: 3rd Place
Football Marathon, U-15: 1st Place
Torneo Internacional XVIII Aniversario Escuela Campascasio, Santo Domingo, Rep. Dom, Noviembre: Jugador Campeon
Belmopan City Council Kid’s Cup: 2nd Place
2011
Christmas Cup Football Marathon, U-15: 2nd Place
Belmopan City Council Kid’s Cup: 3rd Place