About FLO
Our mission
To empower youth and communities around the world with the tools needed to succeed.
What we do
Clinics
Our soccer clinics are more than skill sessions; they're a catalyst for leadership, education, and health in under-resourced communities. By working with local schools and teams, we create not just safe spaces but dynamic community hubs where youth can learn, share stories, and empower them to make change.
Community
Our goal is to have a lasting and positive impact in the communities we work. We provide valuable resources for community members such as solar lanterns and school supplies. Proving the daily resources that we take for granted allows communities to focus on the opportunities for growth.
Partnerships
We believe that everyone deserves the same opportunity. Information-sharing is key to empowering communities in places where the roads stop. Partnering with schools and universities, we transfer knowledge and create programs. We also integrate with other orgs, whereby our initiatives are incorporated into theirs.
Our story
While our work started in 2015, FLO's roots trace back decades to a remarkable journey spanning continents, and embodying the spirit of resilience. To understand FLO's story, you must first delve into the backstory of its founder—meet Olf Leyinda Mouyaka.
Born in the Republic of Congo, Olf experienced a childhood marked by civil unrest, leading his family to seek refuge in Gabon, becoming part of the stream of displaced individuals fleeing turmoil. During this time, football, or soccer for those on this side of the globe, became Olf's sanctuary—a place of camaraderie, competition, and self-expression. Even in the face of adversity as a refugee, soccer and family remained Olf's constants, providing solace in the midst of uncertainty.
In 2009, Olf's family was resettled in the United States, facing the challenge of adapting to a new language, culture, and way of life. Undeterred, Olf pursued education, worked as a U.S. Park Ranger, and now embarks on a new journey as a French Teacher in the Cambridge Public School system, showcasing his commitment to service.
A desire to give back
“Since setting foot on US soil, I always knew that I wanted to give back to others and particularly youth in remote communities who were just like me, and to this day still play on the same dirt fields I played on.”
Inspired by his roots and personal journey, Olf was determined to give back. Recognizing the challenges faced by remote communities, he wanted to create something that transcended geographical barriers, and brought hope and opportunity to these villages. He envisioned creating a sport and community center in his native Republic of Congo, and began working on making this vision a reality.
From here, FLO was born. Leading clinics in places such as the Republic of Congo, Panama, Mexico; partnering with organizations in his hometown of Massachusetts; creating curriculums with universities; and supporting communities all along the way, Olf truly has fulfilled his dream of creating something that makes a difference.
“Many organizations do work in places like Congo, Mexico, and Panama, but they all stop where roads end. Yes it’s hard to access these remote communities, but it’s not impossible. The people who live there should have the opportunity to achieve their dreams”
FLO's vision extends beyond soccer fields and classrooms; it reaches into the heart of communities that are often overlooked. We aim to bring programs that inspire dreams, nurture hope, and empower youth in even the most hard-to-reach corners of the world.
In a world that sometimes seems dim, Olf's vision is a beacon of resilience, a testament to the transformative power of sport and education, and a demonstration that, even in the most challenging circumstances, a single individual can make a significant impact on the lives of others.
Let’s work together.
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