Ujima Soccer Academy is a youth development organization rooted in East Knoxville, Tennessee, that uses soccer to build community and help young people grow on and off the field. Its approach reflects Ujima’s meaning of collective work and responsibility, with an emphasis on teamwork, respect, discipline, and leadership. The academy’s flagship Ujima After School program at Vine Middle combines soccer training with academic support, mental health resources, and leadership development.

In-school programs at Green Magnet, Sarah Moore Greene, and Spring Hill Elementary help create a broader youth development pathway. Ujima also brings soccer into the neighborhood through summer training camps, pickup games, and recreational leagues. Programs are designed to be free or affordable, and the organization says cost should not prevent a young person from participating.

Open to players of all skill levels, Ujima is a youth development program rather than a soccer club, while connecting interested players with One Knox, Emerald, and AYSO