Years in the Making: The Chicas Brothers Come Full Circle
Two brothers. One community. A full-circle moment under the lights in DC.
For the first time ever, Chris and Axel Chicas (brothers and Open Goal Project alumni) faced off against each other on the same field—Howard University vs. Marymount University.
It was more than just a game. It was a moment years in the making for their family, for our program, and for a community that has grown alongside them.
The Moment
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The Moment 〰️
Open Goal Project Alumni Night at Howard University
On a special night Open Goal Project Alumni Night in April, Axel and Chris went head-to-head in a hard-fought match as Howard hosted Marymount in DC. Axel and Howard took the win (2–1), but the result almost felt secondary. Watching two brothers—both first-generation college student-athletes—compete at the collegiate level was something bigger. It was a reflection of years of work, sacrifice, and belief. And for us, it was a reminder of why this work matters.
How It Started
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How It Started 〰️
Where It All Began
We first met Axel and Chris in 2018 at our Summer Skills Camp. Axel was 12. Chris was just 10. At the time, they were playing through after-school programming with DC SCORES—full of potential, but without access to the pathways to play competitively. Like so many families in our community, the next steps in youth soccer—travel teams, competitive leagues, exposure—felt out of reach.
Breaking Down Barriers
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Breaking Down Barriers 〰️
The Pay-To-Play System They Were Up Against
In our early years, we directly supported and sponsored players, including the Chicas brothers, to play on other travel soccer teams. The above infographic demonstrates some of the challenges Axel faced competing in 2018. The barriers are significant.
High Costs: Competitive travel soccer can cost thousands of dollars each year. Even with partial scholarships, families are often left covering expenses that quickly add up—equipment, travel, lodging, tournaments.
Lack of Access: Most high-level clubs operate far from the communities we serve. A 15–20 minute drive might not sound like much—but without reliable transportation, it becomes a major barrier.
Extensive Travel: To compete at a high level, players are expected to travel hundreds of miles each season. For many families, that simply isn’t realistic.
The Open Goal Project Journey
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The Open Goal Project Journey 〰️
Changing the Pathway
Through Open Goal Project, Axel and Chris gained access to consistent, high-quality training in their own community—while also receiving financial support to compete on more competitive travel teams. We worked alongside their family to help cover fees, reduce barriers, and create opportunities that otherwise wouldn’t have been possible.
But just as important as the soccer was everything around it—mentorship, accountability, and a belief that their goals were within reach. Over the years, they didn’t just grow as players. They grew into leaders.
Full Circle
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Full Circle 〰️
From Players To Mentors
Today, both Axel and Chris are not only college athletes—they’re coaches, mentors, and role models within our program through our Empowerment Cycle workforce development program.
They’re helping guide the next generation of players who are walking the same path they once did.
That impact extends far beyond the field.
Even The Field. Change The Game.
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Even The Field. Change The Game. 〰️
More Than A Game
From not having any access to pursue their competitive soccer dreams, to playing against each other, collegiately, as first-generation college student-athletes.
Their story is a living testament to the power of soccer as a vehicle for youth development—and to the strength of a community that continues to invest in its own future.
