More Than a Game
Our foundation was built on a simple belief: every young person deserves access to sport, regardless of zip code, income, or circumstance.
Felipe Pinto
Founder & Executive Director
Felipe Pinto
Felipe Pinto grew up understanding what it means to be on the outside looking in. As a first-generation Brazilian American navigating his place in the world, he found that sport became a bridge, a common language that opened doors, built friendships, and gave him a sense of belonging.
After years of working in youth development and community organizing, Felipe saw the same barriers repeating themselves: families who couldn't afford registration fees, kids without transportation to fields, neighborhoods without safe places to play.
In 2025, he founded the Ventura Damon Youth Foundation to turn that belief into action.
Sport gave me everything. This foundation exists to make sure it can do the same for every child.
— Felipe Pinto, Founder
Our Leadership
United by a shared commitment to creating greater access, opportunity, and belonging through sport for every young person we serve.
Brianna Khang
Vice President
Brianna brings focus, warmth, and a deep commitment to youth development to her role. She works alongside the executive team to strengthen VDYF's programs, partnerships, and community presence.
Shawn Allien
Treasurer
Shawn oversees VDYF's financial operations, ensuring every dollar is managed responsibly and directed toward maximum impact for the youth and communities the foundation serves.
Sam Fadool
Director of Marketing & Creative
Sammy leads VDYF's marketing and creative efforts, bringing the Foundation's mission to life through design, storytelling, and thoughtful communication.
From One Pilot to a Growing Model
2025
The Foundation Begins
The Ventura Damon Youth Sports Foundation is established with a mission to use sports to create greater access, opportunity, and meaningful experiences for young people.
Fall 2025
First Middle School Pilot
VDYF launches its first school-based soccer initiative, helping provide young athletes with equipment and resources while building the model for a program that could expand to additional schools.
Spring 2026
Building Long-Term Partnerships
VDYF enters a five-year partnership with Perfect Soccer, creating a long-term commitment to supporting middle school soccer and providing equipment, uniforms, and opportunities for young athletes.
Summer 2026
A Major Community Milestone
VDYF helps bring together Massachusetts Youth Soccer, the U.S. Soccer Foundation, and community partners to deliver a new mini-pitch and expand access to quality places to play. The Foundation's work receives coverage from The Boston Globe, NBC10 Boston, WCVB, The Enterprise, and Wentworth Institute of Technology.
Fall 2026
Expanding the Model
Building on the success of its initial pilot, VDYF is expanding its school-based programming to reach more students and communities. The Foundation is also growing its elementary school programming through a new after-school soccer initiative in partnership with Massachusetts Youth Soccer, creating more opportunities for young people to access the game, develop their skills, and build lasting connections through sport.
Be Part of the Story
The next chapter is being written right now in Brockton and beyond. Join us.