Agbegnigan Amouzou, known as "Coach Fofo," is a former professional soccer player from Togo. (born 20 May 1967)[1][2] He began his soccer career in his home country Togo and represented the Togolese national team in the 1986 World Cup.[3][4] His playing career ended in France in 1998. Transitioning from his successful playing days, Coach Fofo has continued to excel as a youth soccer coach, transforming countless lives through his soccer academy.[5][6]
.jpg) Agbegnigan at an award ceremony in the U.S (2022). | |||
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Agbegnigan Amouzou | ||
| Date of birth | 20 May 1967 | ||
| Place of birth | Lomé, Togo | ||
| Team information | |||
Current team | ESYDA (coach) | ||
Coaching career
editAfter retiring from professional soccer, Agbegnigan Amouzou transitioned into coaching.[4] In 2002, he moved to the United States, where he obtained various coaching certifications and started making a significant impact on the local soccer scene.[5][2][3] He founded the Elite Soccer Youth Development Academy (ESYDA) in Maryland, a non-profit organization dedicated to youth development through soccer.[7] The academy focuses on teaching leadership, discipline, and educational success.[4][2]
Awards and Recognitions
editCoach Fofo is widely recognized for his contributions to the community, both on and off the soccer field.[6] He has been actively involved with numerous soccer clubs in the Maryland metropolitan area.[2] His efforts have been acknowledged with awards such as the 2013 IMPACT Silver Spring Social Momentum Award and the 2022 Ivory Coast Embassy in the United States – Prix de la Fraternité (Sports/Football) for his impact as an African diaspora member. In November 2023, Agbegnigan Amouzou received a new recognition in Maryland from Montgomery County Executive, Marc Elrich.[4][8][9]
References
edit- ^ Barrios, Jennifer (29 March 2019). "Youth soccer coach facing deportation gets one-month reprieve". The Washington Post.
- ^ a b c d Zirin, Dave (19 April 2019). "A Beloved Soccer Coach Faces Deportation Thanks to Trump's Immigration Policies". The Nation.
- ^ a b "Coach FoFo training the next generation of USA's elite soccer players, while prioritizing education". WTTG (Fox 5 DC). 16 July 2021.
- ^ a b c d Agbenou, Mensah (31 May 2024). "Agbegnigan Amouzou: From African soccer fields to U.S. youth coaching excellence". Afrikpage.
- ^ a b "Togolese Immigrant Hopes to Shape Future of US Soccer". Voice of America. 2 July 2023.
- ^ a b "Edge of Sports: Saving Coach Fofo". The Progressive. 31 May 2019.
- ^ "TOPSoccer Club Directory - TOPSoccer - Special Needs/Adaptive Soccer | Maryland". www.msysa.org. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
- ^ "Silver spring soccer coach gets extension in immigration case". The Washington Post. 23 April 2019.
- ^ "Our Founder". Retrieved 1 June 2024.