Team 402 was established to secure and steward resources that empower athletes, regardless of background, to reach their full potential. To achieve this, the organization...

1) Develops earned-income initiatives that create sustainable business models aligned with our mission;

2) Pursues philanthropic investment to expand opportunity and equity in sport; and

3) Builds public–private partnerships that strengthen community infrastructure and enhance athletic access for all.

By aligning resources, community partners, and shared values, Team 402 serves as a catalyst for positive youth development and equitable opportunity in amateur athletics.

In June 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, a group of public charity executives, professional educators, and lifelong soccer advocates came together with a shared vision : to create a new kind of youth soccer club and a better way of doing business in youth sports. That vision became Team 402 and 402 Development Academy.

Built on the transparency and accountability of the public charity sector, combined with strong business leadership and a passion for coaching kids both on and off the field, Team 402 was designed to be mission-driven from the start. As a public charity, no individual receives any portion of the organization’s net earnings. Every dollar generated is reinvested directly into programs, facilities, player financial aid, and initiatives that expand access to youth athletics while promoting excellence within the game.

The Team 402 experience will provide an honest strategy promoting hard work and excellence in a fun environment, allowing all young athletes the opportunity for personal development through exposure to “the team” experience to build a foundation of empowerment for life.

Providing ethical and transparent governance for the establishment and management of youth sports programs;

Protecting athletes and their families from exploitation and inequitable treatment;

Ensuring access to quality coaching, facilities, and competition so that an athlete’s work ethic alone determines their growth and achievement; and

Promoting the educational and character-building value of sport, connecting lessons in competition, sportsmanship, teamwork, resilience, confidence, and accountability to lifelong success.