In a heartwarming display of global sportsmanship and community engagement, Hussein Alhassan, a graduate student at the VCU Center for Sport Leadership at the Virginia Commonwealth University in the United States, has brought the spirit of giving and empowerment back to his roots in Ghana. After completing his first semester at VCU, Alhassan returned to Madina, a suburb of Accra where he grew up with a mission that goes beyond academic pursuits.
Driven by a passion for sports and a desire to uplift his community, Alhassan, alongside the VCU Center for Sport Leadership, with support from YMCA of Greater Richmond and ECNL orchestrated a generous donation to the youth soccer side Top Ten Academy in Madina. The donation included essential sports equipment such as bibs and a set of jerseys, providing much-needed resources to foster athletic development among local talents. This charitable endeavor was made possible through the leadership of Dr. Carrie LeCrom, the Executive Director of the VCU Center for Sport Leadership. Dr. LeCrom, renowned for her commitment to sport for development and sport diplomacy initiatives in Africa, has played a pivotal role in bringing positive change to communities across the continent through the Empowering New Voices through Education and Sports Training (ENVEST) project aided by the US State Department.
The Top Ten Academy, a hub for aspiring athletes in Madina which has produced some of the best soccer players from the community, many of whom have moved on to feature for Ghana’s national soccer teams received the donation with gratitude and excitement.
“We are excited and deeply moved by the generosity shown by the VCU Center for Sport Leadership, and we assure you that this donation of essential equipment will provide our kids the needed tool to pursue their dreams” said Mohammed Nurudeen who is the director of the academy.
The impact of such contributions extends far beyond the playing field, as they empower young individuals, instilling values of teamwork, discipline, and determination that propels them to greater heights. This initiative comes at a period when Dr. LeCrom and the Center for Sport Leadership are gearing up to receive a delegation from Ghana and Togo as part of a sport diplomacy mission between the United States and the two West African neighbors in the Spring.
Hussein Alhassan's commitment to giving back to his community and the VCU Center for Sport Leadership's proactive engagement in sport diplomacy exemplify the positive impact that can be achieved when passion, education, and a sense of global responsibility come together.
“It's truly fulfilling to give back to my community and contribute to the dreams of aspiring athletes at Top Ten Academy. The support from the CSL as well as YMCA and ECNL has been instrumental in making this initiative a reality. Together, we are creating positive change through sports and empowering the next generation” said Alhasssan.