Heartland African Soccer Federation of North America
The Heartland African Soccer Federation is the brainchild of Seyoum W. Kassa (Korem) from Ethiopia, who has had an incessant passion and talent for the game of soccer from his childhood. He developed his gift over the years in Canada and later in the United States. He currently spends his time, energy, and money recruiting young people and training them to an advanced level to play 'the beautiful game' and develop moral character needed for a viable society. He is called “ The Good Coach” by the young people.
Seyoum W. Kassa (Korem) is the founder of Seyoum Free Advanced Academy, one of the most efficient and productive soccer (football) academies for working class communities and diverse neighborhoods and in northeastern Kansas City, MO. We call the Northeast section of Kansas City MO "the soccer capital of Kansas City MO." The Free Advanced Soccer Academy helps players who come from over 85 different countries to engage, exchange, and blend their talents with US soccer players.
Coach Seyoum met Mrs. Susan McFee in 2015. Mrs. McFee has assisted refugees from many countries by providing support to all athletes. She devotes her time and financial resources to encouraging young people to play soccer and develop good moral citizenship. Together they have been helping youth soccer players in the Northeast part Kansas City MO and promoting soccer at the highest level.
Dr. John Akinwale, a Nigerian-born United States citizen, has lived in the United States for over 50 years. He and his wife, Dr. Grace Akinwale, promoted the uniqueness of “The Motherland” (Africa) while creating and strengthening bridges between Africa and the United States. They were married for 47 years until 2012 when Dr. Grace Akinwale went to her eternal home.
Over forty years ago, the couple launched three organizations in the United States. African Chamber of Commerce, the first organization, facilitates commerce, tourism, faculty exchange and medical research. It was honored to receive a letter of acknowledgment from President Barack Obama in 2016 recognizing its twenty years of progress and partnerships. American Health Professionals for Africa, their second organization, was launched to facilitate humanitarian medical missions to Africa. Dr. John Akinwale also formed Intercessors for Africa to pray for Africa. These organizations promote commerce, healthcare issues, medical missions and religious values. A new critical area promoted by Dr. John Akinwale is the agricultural sector. He has the respect of religious, commercial and political leaders. He is widely regarded as an African Elder Statesman. Dr. Akinwale used his experience and international network connections to collaborate with Mr. Seyoum and Mrs. McFee using soccer as a vehicle to instill positive passion, pride and patriotism.