From Plano to Chicago: Kellyn Acosta's Journey to Empower Community Soccer
- Andi Revesz
- Oct 21
- 3 min read
Chicago Fire and United States Men’s National team midfielder Kellyn Acosta joined the Edgewater Castle Football Club’s (ECFC) Board of Directors and became a part owner of the organization last year.
Acosta, who was signed to the Chicago Fire in 2024 as a free agent, wanted to join the organization after connecting with President and Owner Andrew Swanson following his signing. A direct message from Swanson explaining the organization prompted a quick lunch before a practice. It was at this practice where Acosta felt moved by the organization — Swanson’s open arms and ECFC’s welcoming coaching staff — and wanted to find ways to help out.
Acosta’s life has always involved soccer. After trying a variety of sports growing up in Plano, Texas, in high school, he made the decision to commit to soccer, playing for FC Dallas Academy.
He signed his first professional contract at 16 years old, adding pressure to still being in school while being seen as a professional.
“Making money at that age was a bit obscure because I was actually still physically going to high school,” Acosta said. “My first two periods of school were considered off-campus PE and that’s when we trained. After I finished practice, I would go straight to school and just be like every other kid.”
Acosta explained the microscope he was under, being viewed as a student and professional athlete while also being an African American in a predominantly white neighborhood. Acosta comes from a mixed race family — his father Japanese American, his mother African American and a Mexican American step father — which he said impacted him growing up.
He said the experiences he faced — from identity issues to embarrassment and being the butt of jokes — shaped him into the person he is today.
“I looked down on it when I was younger,” Acosta said. “Now, it’s actually a blessing to be able to blend in with so many different cultures and have that part of my makeup.”
Acosta’s cultural blend has helped him in his soccer career. He said a lot of doors have opened up for him socially, being exposed to people from all walks of life, religious beliefs and ethnicities. He said he appreciates being a part of a sport which normalizes this.
Acosta is no stranger to international soccer at the beginning of his career.He played in the 2011 FIFA U-17 World Cup, was the youngest team member on the 2013 U-20 World Cup squad, and was also on the roster for the 2015 U-20 World Cup.
Acosta made his senior international debut Jan. 31, 2016 in a friendly against Iceland. This appearance and scoring his first goal with the national team are memories he said he holds close to his heart.
Acosta made history in 2022, becoming the first Asian American to play for the United States in the World Cup. He said playing on the international stage in such a renowned environment was a dream come true.
“The pinnacle of any sport is to play at the highest level representing your country,” Acosta said. “That was something I always dreamed of achieving and to be able to achieve that in Qatar was something that is truly special.”
Outside of soccer, Acosta runs The Kellyn Acosta Foundation, which strives to raise awareness and funds for disadvantaged and disabled youth, according to their website.
The mission behind ECFC — promoting free and fair access to soccer for all ages — is something Acosta holds close to himself, saying the accessibility of soccer creates an environment for everyone to continue playing the game. Acosta said the main reason behind his foundation, and partnering with ECFC, has been to help bring the love he has to others.
With the work in his foundation, Acosta has built multiple soccer fields in underprivileged communities in Chicago and Los Angeles, with plans to continue to build more.
“It’s kind of giving me my life,” Acosta said. “I was just very moved by everything that the club has stood on and also been built on. I just wanted to see what other ways I can help gain more exposure and help build the club up even bigger and better.”
With his background and experience, Acosta has and will be a strong partner for ECFC, helping the club continue to go Onward and Upward Always.
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