In East Knoxville, Jonathan Haskell has been dedicated to fostering community through soccer for several years. His efforts culminated in 2025 with the establishment of Ujima, an afterschool program designed to teach students the intricacies of "the beautiful game" while simultaneously offering academic assistance, mental health resources, and leadership training.
On a sweltering August afternoon, boys and girls gathered behind Vine Middle Magnet School, some sporting cleats and athletic gear, while others opted for sandals and jeans. Many were already engaged with soccer balls, enjoying some pre-practice fun before the formal session began.
As the practice commenced, the students participated in a playful game called "don't drop the egg," where they teamed up to keep a ball in the air while trying to knock down their opponents' balls. Haskell, leading the drills, emphasized teamwork with a call-and-response routine: "When we work?" he asked, to which the children enthusiastically replied, "We work together." He continued with, "When we rise?" and the kids responded, "We rise forever." This interaction highlights the program's focus on building not only soccer skills but also a sense of community and mutual support among the participants.
As the new school year begins, Ujima is in the process of applying for 501(c)(3) status to operate as an independent nonprofit organization, further solidifying its commitment to expanding opportunities for local youth.
Haskell's journey began when his family lived in Hungary for a decade, where his sons developed a passion for soccer. Upon returning to the U.S., they were advised that to continue playing, they would need to relocate to more affluent neighborhoods like Bearden or Farragut. This experience prompted Haskell to question why access to soccer should be limited to certain communities. He noted that soccer in the U.S. often comes with high costs and limited availability, a reality he believes still necessitates programs like Ujima.
After relocating to Burlington in 2015, Haskell sought to engage with a community where he could make a meaningful impact. He began volunteering at Vine Middle Magnet School that same year, and two years later, Ujima was born, named after the Swahili word meaning collective work and responsibility. The program has already seen some of its participants achieve significant milestones, including contributing to Austin-East's first-ever soccer state championship win in 2021.
Currently, Ujima operates at several schools, including Green Magnet, Sarah Moore Greene, Spring Hill, and Belle Morris, in addition to its flagship program at Vine. Students participate in two-hour sessions after school, starting with various lessons, such as asset mapping with psychology graduate students from the University of Tennessee and analyzing their own soccer statistics. Following the educational component, the students engage in soccer practice until it's time to head home, with Ujima providing transportation, snacks, and all necessary equipment.
Haskell emphasizes the importance of community support, stating, "These kids know that growing up in this neighborhood is hard. They hear what the city says about them, and so we know that we’ve got to have each other’s backs if we’re going to be successful. We want Ujima to be a place of safety and belonging." This commitment to creating a nurturing environment is a cornerstone of the program's philosophy.
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