Conversations with John Abum

Today we’d like to introduce you to John Abum. 

Hi John, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
In 2016 we decided to start a youth soccer program with the intention of helping African and other immigrant kids get out of the streets and also to stay out of Trouble by engaging them with a soccer after-school program. We made finding and notice that most of the African Kids, mostly refugees where not playing in state Youth Leagues. The reason was most could not afford to pay the league fee for many of the youth clubs here in Colorado and also buy uniforms. My wife and I decided to help by starting a club call the Bright Stars of Colorado Soccer Academy, we had intention to help all kids of immigrant family of low income. The club became successful and won it first Recreational program to gain promotion to the State Youth Competitive League. In 2021 Bright Stars became the U19 finalist of the State Presidents Cup. 

In 2019 we added another program to keep out Adult in our communities together through soccer which is a unique and a common language in Africa and the rest of the work. We wanted to promote Unity within all the different African and African descent community in Colorado so the league was designed for teams to represent their various countries. We started with 8 Teams namely Ghana, Eritrea, Jamaica, Senegal, Gambia, Liberia, Somalia, and Togo community. In 2021 we hard 16 different community teams and we hoping to have more community teams join in 2022 season. 

At the end of the year, we also have an award night to recognize all youths and adult players of the year. This various countries that participated are recognized. We also take the opportunity to that all those that help or sponsor the even throughout the year. Some of the leaders that grace and Speck at out Award night were, the Mayor Of Aurora, Commissioner Holen, Omar Montgomery, The President of NAACP, Dr. Malcom Newton President & CEO of Denver Institute of Urban Studies etc. out and Africa Community leaders. 

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road organizing this kind of programs in our communities. We lack fields which also makes it hard to allow more teams into the program. This is one program that bring almost all the African Communities together but funding has also been a problem. We need business and other organization to come to our aid. We this adult program, the communities have always been busy practice which also allow us to stay positive and not get in trouble. If we have more soccer or Unity lovers who want to come to our aid it will be a great relief. 

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I have always dreamt to be a become a professional soccer player, but that dream ended when I lost my Athletics Scholarship at Columbia College Missouri due to an injury I sustain while I was in Africa. I am an environmentalist by professional but I have not been in my professional for a while. 

I am currently enroll in Columbia College online, Studying Business with Emphasis to Sports Management. I hope to graduate and help my country in the Sport Area. I want to one day return to the Gambia to lead our sporting organization. I have learn more about sports management couple with watching all leagues in the world with biggest league the Premier League. 

What matters most to you?
I really want to see youths get athletic Scholarships to D 1 Schools in the USA. and if possible, to play professional league and get paid. I know if this happen, I will be remembered at least maybe on player that I was part of their life to make that achievement. 

I also want to keep people healthy by playing any sport. At the end of every year, we have an award night that Brings all the different communities to one room where we have award all community support we receive from individuals and Business. 

Contact Info:

• Email: league@uapsl.com
• Website: www.uapsl.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uapslusa/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uapslusa
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/africa_premier
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b9MnNX3ppPY

Image Credits
Sudan Community Team
UAPSL Ghana Community Team
UAPSL Bright Stars Soccer
Youth Team Coach Saul
U 15 team Ethiopia
UAPSL Colorado President Cup Finalist
UAPSL Coach Mannue Winners Denver Cup
Bright Stars