Terrence Jarrett is a man of two great passions that have defined his life’s journey—helping people and soccer. From a young age, he immersed himself in the world of soccer, playing at every level throughout High School, club, and even during his time in the military. His love for the game extended beyond himself as he became a dedicated coach, sharing his knowledge and passion with others. In Twinsburg, Ohio, he coached his son’s club team, holding a C coaching license and also contributing to the local recreational programs.

After an honorable 8 year service career as a combat medic in the US Army, Terrence decided to pursue a career in the insurance industry. His inherent desire to make a positive impact on people’s lives led him to work in claims. There, he found purpose in putting people’s lives back together during challenging times. For almost two decades, he dedicated his skills and passion to Nationwide Insurance before finding a new home at PURE Insurance, where he now serves as the Head of their casualty organization.

Family is first with Terrence and he cherishes the time spent with his beloved wife, Candace, and their 5 children: Channing, Donovan, Julien, Dakota, and Elijah. The entire family share the love for soccer, and Terrence takes pride in watching his kids grow and excel in the sport. Dakota, his only daughter, recently embarked on her journey as a college soccer player at Ole Miss University.

Through his dedication and his commitment to helping others, Terrence has left a profound impact on the lives of many. Whether on the soccer field, guiding his children, or rebuilding lives through insurance. Terrence continues to pursue his passions with unwavering enthusiasm and compassion, while making a positive difference to the people he connects with along the way.

I would like to introduce myself to all future Uhuru girls’ soccer players and parents. My name is Darnell Chambers, and I am a board member of Uhuru soccer club. I started playing soccer as a youth in my hometown and state of Kenosha, Wisconsin, around the age of eight. One of my most vivid memories from my youth soccer days was going to practice at our local park. My mom and I would walk a block, then run a block on our way to practice. It is something that sticks with me to this day. Soccer has always been a passion of mine, and I have a great love for the sport. I played collegiately for
four years at Heidelberg College, where I was a team captain and All American. After graduation, I was inducted into the sports Hall of Fame at Heidelberg College for soccer. Fast forward to today; I have been a resident of Arizona for almost twenty-five years alongside my wife, Brooke, and we have two kids who have grown up playing soccer here in Arizona. Our daughter plays collegiately for University of Kentucky and our son plays for Barca MLS Academy in Casa Grande. Being a part of Uhuru is important to me personally because I strongly believe in the development and culture that is offered and taught there. Uhuru is all about fundamentals first, improving skills, and a player focused model that helps in learning the game and how to play the game. I am excited and honored to be a part of this inaugural soccer season and seasons to come. Carpe Diem!

Mark comes to Uhuru with decades of philanthropic and professional experience that support his dedication to our mission in Arizona. Mark grew up playing the game in Georgia, and first got involved with coaching while still in high school through Soccer in the Streets, an Atlanta-based program dedicated to making the game available to all. After college while beginning his professional career, he continued to volunteer coach in the San Francisco Bay Area. His passion for coaching rekindled upon moving to Arizona and he has coached over 10 seasons in the East Valley. Mark helped to establish a soccer club over the past couple of years and is excited to turn his attention to Uhuru.

Professionally, Mark has over 2 decades of experience in technology and financial services organizations. Currently, he handles Strategic Partnerships and Business Development for ADP’s Wisely product, a banking application designed to aid those that are either unbanked or underserved by traditional banking products. He has a Bachelor of Engineering degree from Vanderbilt University and an MBA from the University of Illinois.

Mark and his wife, Brie, are the proud parents of two soccer players, Taylor and Ryan, and can be found most weekends on the sidelines cheering them on. He is still learning to call soccer “football”, but Winston is helping him with that.

David C. Brown is the Owner and CEO of DCB Consulting Services, a technology consulting firm that focuses on technology and advisement services with specialization in technology capability assessments, security reviews and strategy development. David is also a lover and fierce advocate of the power of sports in building and shaping young minds.

Married for 25 years, David is a proud father of three beautiful and very talented daughters that each came up through the Arizona club scene. David witnessed first-hand how youth soccer has made a difference in the lives of each of his daughter’s by helping them find their voice, developing their skills’ and enhancing their personal growth both on and off the field.

His decision to become a board member for an all-girls youth soccer program is not only fulfilling his sense of service to others, but has also become the catalyst for his desire to profoundly affect the community with a lasting change in the face of club soccer throughout Arizona. “I loved how club soccer helped develop my girls but man was it expensive.” It has been David’s dream to open this beautiful game to a wider audience making it affordable for all to compete on the highest levels. David envisions a world where every young girl has the opportunity to play the game they love, where they can build confidence, develop teamwork skills, and create lifelong memories.

Educationally, David holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Management of Information Systems from the University of Arizona and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Phoenix. David is a Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) and holds certification for ITIL v3. He is also an alumnus of the Apollo Group Executive Development program.

With a strong background in technology consulting, a deep-rooted passion for the positive influence of sports, and a dedication to making a difference in the lives of young girls, David is a remarkable individual who strives to leave a lasting impact on his community. His vision of a world where every aspiring young girl can embrace the game she loves is a testament to his unwavering commitment and compassionate spirit.

.Dr. Okafor is an emergency medicine practicing physician. The founder and current president/CEO of FirstCare charity foundation USA. Dr Okafor has lived in Arizona for the past 16 years. Grew up in Nigeria where he participated in many sports, including soccer. He’s a husband and a father of four children. “ I believe through youth sports like soccer, not only can we discover some hidden talents among our kids but also build a healthier, safe and stronger community. Hobby I love traveling doing my free time and watching sport

Currently, I am privileged to lead the Customer Experience team for my company across both the US and UK. In this role, I leverage my extensive background in non-profit organizations to enhance our customer interactions, ensuring that each engagement reflects our core values of empathy, excellence, and empowerment. My experiences have taught me that at the heart of effective customer experience lies the ability to listen, understand, and act upon the needs and concerns of the people we serve. It’s a philosophy that mirrors the very essence of non-profit work—focusing on the human element.

On a more personal note, my journey into the world of soccer, through my daughter’s eyes, has been nothing short of inspiring. Witnessing her dedication, resilience, and eventual triumph in securing a Division 1 soccer scholarship has been a profound source of pride. It’s a testament to what young individuals can achieve with passion, perseverance, and the right support. Her journey through the rigors of club soccer not only shaped her character but also deepened my appreciation for the sport and its potential to transform lives.

This personal connection to soccer has drawn me towards the visionary work of Uhuru and Winston Jacobs. Their commitment to making soccer accessible to all children, regardless of their background, resonates deeply with my beliefs. I am a staunch advocate for their cause, aspiring to see more kids have the opportunity to grow, learn, and foster a love for the game. Soccer is more than just a sport; it’s a vehicle for teaching life skills, building community, and creating pathways to success.

In summary, my professional and personal experiences are intertwined by a common thread—the belief in the power of engagement, whether it’s serving customers, supporting non-profit causes, or championing the transformative impact of sports. It’s a journey that reflects a dedication to making a difference, advocating for accessibility, and fostering growth and love for the game in the next generation.

A New York native, I have lived in AZ since 1984. I earned my undergraduate degree at the University of Arizona majoring in journalism and obtained both my law degree and Masters of Public Communication at Syracuse University. After being in private practice for many years specializing in commercial limitation, I made the switch to Deputy Counsel for the Arizona Department of Water Resources where my responsibilities range from work regarding the Colorado River and water rights to legislation.

My husband and I have two soccer playing daughters. Jayme is a rising sophomore at Clark University in Massachusetts and plays outside and center back. She earned First Team All Conference and Second Team All Region honors as a freshman. Ally is midfielder and a rising junior at Xavier College Preparatory and plays for Phoenix Rising FC ENCL. She is a two-time state champion and Defensive Player of the Year for 2022-23 along with several other accolades. The skills and honors earned by our girls would not have been possible without the guidance and training from Winston and Uhuru Football Academy. Winston worked with them tirelessly over the years and helped develop not only their physical play but also their mental game. We are grateful for his role in their soccer journey.

Director and Pro Trainer at Uhuru Football Academy AZ

About Winston:

Winston J. Jacobs, the heart and soul behind Uhuru Football Academy AZ, brings a wealth of experience and passion to the field of youth soccer. A dedicated family man, Winston is married with two children and has made Arizona his home since 2014, following a significant period of his life in Cleveland, OH, where his journey in soccer coaching and training deepened.

Education and Certification:

Winston’s academic background is as impressive as his soccer resume. A proud graduate of the Martin J. Whitman School of Business Management at Syracuse University, he majored in Finance, equipping him with the skills to manage and grow the academy. His coaching credentials are comprehensive, holding a UEFA C License, USSF A License, NSCAA/USCA National Youth Diploma, and a KNVB (Dutch certificate), showcasing his global understanding and approach to soccer coaching.

Coaching Journey:

Since founding Uhuru Football Academy in 2010 and becoming the Director of UFA AZ in 2014, Winston has been pivotal in shaping the future of youth soccer in Arizona. His coaching experience is extensive, having served as a Pro Trainer with UFA in Phoenix, a staff coach for Cleveland International, OYSAN, and Region II, as well as a dedicated coach for both boys and girls teams at Cleveland International S.C. Winston’s high school coaching includes roles as an Assistant Coach at St. Edward HS and as the Head Coach at Lakewood H.S.

Uhuru Football Academy:

Under Winston’s guidance, Uhuru Football Academy, a 501(c)(3) organization, has grown into a leading football training academy in the United States, with a mission to leverage sports as a vehicle for providing education and sports opportunities to underserved communities. With branches in four states and two countries, Uhuru Arizona marks the first to offer a training academy coupled with competitive teams in the US.

Playing Career:

Winston’s playing career is as distinguished as his coaching, including five years with the Maryland Bays professional team, seven years with LEL DI Germany Central FC, four years playing NCAA soccer at Syracuse University, and six years with Columbia Kicker youth in Maryland.

Vision for Uhuru Arizona:
Winston’s vision for Uhuru Arizona is not just about nurturing soccer talent but creating a community where young athletes can grow, learn, and excel both on and off the field. His dedication to the sport and to the youth he coaches is evident in the success and expansion of Uhuru Football Academy.