
Synced Soccer is Breaking Barriers
In 2020, driven by a vision to make sports activities more affordable and accessible to families,
Kidane Henry founded Synced Soccer Academy in Lakeland, Florida. Born in St. Ann's,
Jamaica, Henry was inspired by his family’s journey. His father grew up in a single-parent
household and his grandmother pushed him to further his education despite financial hardships. His father later became Tallahassee's first Black pediatrician. Seeing the power of perseverance and opportunity firsthand, Henry developed a deep understanding of the challenges many families face in providing extracurricular activities for their children. "I see kids with so much potential who simply don’t have the resources to pursue their dreams," says Henry.
Synced Soccer Academy is an organization dedicated to serving the underserved soccer
community in Lakeland. The academy offers holistic programs aimed at developing individuals
both on and off the field, using soccer as a platform for transformative growth. Their mission is
to help players set academic goals and foster personal development, preparing them to serve their
communities, become productive members of society, and build strong families. The
organization's philosophy is built upon five core principles, summarized in the acronym
S.H.E.E.P.: Service, Honor, Empathy, Excellence, and Perseverance. These values are integrated
into the academy programs to enhance the academic, physical, and emotional well-being of
each player.
One of the standout initiatives of Synced Soccer Academy is the "Synced with Success"
program, designed to prepare high school students for the transition to higher education. This
program focuses on students who may not have ample opportunities to participate in college
preparatory activities. It offers college tours and support in areas such as team building, mental
health, financial literacy, time management, and academic tutoring. "Synced Soccer exists to
make sure no child is left behind because of financial barriers and I hope to one day be able to
extend scholarships to the students,” said Henry as he discusses the future vision for his
organization.
Henry journey from Kingston to founding Synced Soccer Academy is a testament to his
commitment to children, community service, and youth development. Although Henry faced
many obstacles while building this organization, he expresses that his main motivation has
always been the children, to whom he has a simple yet powerful message: "Serve your
community and never give up."