The Zotheka (pronounced zo-tay-kah) Foundation is founded by the VandeHei family, who have been integral members of the Alexandria community for over a decade. They are inspired by multiple generations of soccer-playing family members who achieved access to college via soccer and developed

the character to succeed as students and in the workforce thanks in part to years spent playing

at the Academy level on scholarship.

 

Soccer specifically, and sports generally, can open the door to opportunities for young people to rise above tragedy, challenging circumstances, and poverty. Soccer, or Futbol, as it is called in the rest of the world, can be an international equalizer and has lifted countless people and communities

on many continents out of poverty and despair.