AKP Sports Foundation Celebrates a Summer of Service, Sports, and Community Impact Across the Country
AKP programs served hundreds of children, families, athletes, and young leaders through sports, mentorship, community service, and faith-based programming in Los Angeles, Philadelphia, New York, and the Pocono Mountains.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — September 9, 2026 — AKP Sports Foundation concluded one of its busiest summers to date, expanding its impact across the country through youth sports academies, Back2School initiatives, community partnerships, and athlete-led programming.
Throughout the summer, AKP Sports Foundation brought together children, families, athletes, coaches, volunteers, churches, and community organizations in Los Angeles, Philadelphia, New York, and the Pocono Mountains. Across each initiative, AKP continued its mission of using sports as a platform for service, mentorship, leadership development, community, and faith.
“Looking back on this summer, I am incredibly grateful for every person and organization that made these programs possible,” said John Lee, President of AKP Sports Foundation. “Beyond the number of people served, what matters most to us are the relationships being built, the Gospel being shared, and the opportunities being created for young people to grow, lead, and serve. We have seen God’s faithfulness throughout this season, and we are excited to continue building on this momentum.”
AKP Sports Academy Los Angeles
AKP Sports Foundation celebrated the third year of its AKP Sports Academy Los Angeles, welcoming more than 150 youth and families for a day centered on sports, mentorship, community, and faith.
The Academy featured coaches Steve Baik, Ji Hyun Park, and Jung Eun Kim, alongside other AKP Athlete Ambassadors. Together, coaches, athletes, volunteers, and community partners invested in young participants through athletic instruction, encouragement, mentorship, and meaningful engagement.
The annual Academy continues to create accessible opportunities for children and families to experience high-quality sports programming while developing confidence, character, and relationships with mentors and role models.
AKP Sports Academy Philadelphia
AKP expanded its Sports Academy programming to Philadelphia this summer through a partnership with The Salvation Army Philadelphia Kroc Center.
Led by members of AKP FC, the one-day soccer clinic served more than 50 children in grades 1–8 through soccer instruction, mentorship, and faith-based engagement. Participants were given an opportunity to develop their skills in an encouraging environment while connecting with AKP athletes and volunteers who shared the importance of character, leadership, and service both on and off the field.
The inaugural Philadelphia Academy represented another step in AKP's continued effort to establish sustainable programming and community partnerships in cities across the country.
Serving the Next Generation at Camp Naru
For the fifth year, AKP Sports Foundation partnered with the YS Kim Foundation at Camp Naru in the Pocono Mountains.
Representing AKP Sports Foundation and AKP FC, John Lee, James Lee, and Gyuwon Chong led soccer workshops for more than 250 Korean American youth. Through sports, the team encouraged participants to grow in leadership, character, teamwork, and community while investing in the next generation of Korean American young people.
The longstanding partnership reflects AKP's commitment to collaborating with organizations that share its vision for developing and empowering young people through meaningful experiences and mentorship.
Back2School Los Angeles
In August, AKP hosted another successful Back2School Festival & Invitational in Los Angeles, serving more than 125 children and families from the Watts and Compton communities.
The event combined community service, sports, youth activities, fellowship, and family engagement. Six church communities participated in the Basketball Invitational, creating an environment where sports helped bring together churches, volunteers, young people, and families.
Through backpacks and school supplies, mentorship, programming, and the sharing of the Gospel, AKP and its partners helped equip and encourage local children and families as they prepared for the new school year.
Back2School New York
AKP concluded its summer programming with the Back2School Festival & Invitational in New York City.
In partnership with The Salvation Army Manhattan Citadel, AKP brought together seven church communities for the Basketball Invitational while serving more than 70 children and families from the Harlem community.
Throughout the event, families participated in community activities and received support for the upcoming school year, while AKP volunteers and partners had the opportunity to share the Gospel and build meaningful relationships with those in attendance.
The New York event marked a fitting conclusion to a summer defined by service, collaboration, and community.
AKP FC Earns Third-Place Finish in Philadelphia
AKP's elite ambassador soccer team, AKP FC, also represented the Foundation at the BCC Tournament in Philadelphia in August.
Competing against talented teams from across the region, AKP FC earned a third-place finish. Beyond the result on the field, the team continued its larger purpose of bringing athletes together to compete at a high level, build meaningful community, and represent AKP's mission and values through sports.
AKP FC athletes also played an important role in the Foundation's community programming throughout the summer, demonstrating AKP's belief that athletes can use their platforms and talents to serve others.
A Growing Nationwide Community
The summer's programs reflect the continued growth of AKP Sports Foundation and the community surrounding its mission.
AKP now connects more than 800 active participants, 75 volunteer staff members, 45 Advisory Board members, and 400 Athlete Ambassadors across its growing network. Through sports academies, community-service initiatives, internships and leadership opportunities, athlete engagement, mentorship, and strategic partnerships, the Foundation continues to create opportunities for people to serve and invest in the next generation.
At the center of AKP's work remain its three foundational values: Agape, Kairos, and Pneuma — God's love, opportunity, and life.
As AKP looks toward the remainder of 2026 and beyond, the Foundation remains committed to growing thoughtfully while staying rooted in its mission of using sports to bring people together, serve communities, develop leaders, share faith, and create opportunities for the next generation.
“We know that none of this happens through our strength alone,” Lee said. “God continues to provide the right people, partnerships, and opportunities at the right time. We are grateful for everyone who has walked alongside AKP and look forward to continuing to serve wherever He leads.”
About AKP Sports Foundation
AKP Sports Foundation is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering youth and strengthening communities through sports, mentorship, and service. Through sports academies, community events, and leadership development programs, AKP uses athletics as a platform to cultivate character, leadership, and opportunity for the next generation.
Media Contact
John Lee, CEO & President- AKP Sports Foundation
Phone: (626) 720-3898
Email: john.lee@akpsports.org
Website: https://www.akpsports.org
