WHO WE ARE

ASA Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to using sports as a tool for sustainable social change. We work directly with schools and communities to create impactful programs that combine education with the power of sports, enhancing learning, health, safety, and well-being for vulnerable youth and adults in developing countries. Our initiatives promote gender equality, diversity, inclusion, human rights, peace, tolerance, and economic opportunities.

Founded in 2001 by Lee Hawkins, a former Southampton F.C. trainee and education consultant from the UK, ASA Foundation began as a youth empowerment academy for Indonesian street children. Following Hawkins’ involvement in international relief efforts, including the Aceh tsunami (2004) and Yogyakarta earthquake (2006), the organization evolved into a global leader in sports-based education and development, partnering with international donors, governments, and NGOs.

OUR MISSION

ASA Foundation harnesses the universal appeal of sports to drive social progress, empower communities, and create meaningful change. Our key objectives include:

 

• Promoting Health & Well-being – Encouraging physical activity, healthy lifestyles, and disease prevention.

 

• Fostering Social Inclusion – Bridging cultural, social, and economic divides through sports.

 

• Empowering Youth – Providing leadership, life skills, and confidence-building opportunities.

 

• Advancing Gender Equality – Challenging stereotypes and empowering women and girls in sports.

 

• Strengthening Communities – Building social resilience and community engagement through sports initiatives.

 

We believe sports can transcend barriers, inspire positive change, and create a more inclusive world.

 

HOW WE WORK

As a Sport for Development organization, ASA Foundation aligns its programs with the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
 

Core SDGs Supported:

• SDG 3: Good Health & Well-being – Using sports to promote physical, mental, and reproductive health, prevent non-communicable diseases (NCDs), and raise awareness of gender-based violence (GBV) prevention.

 

• SDG 4: Quality Education – Integrating life skills, health education, STEM, and circular economy learning through sports-based education programs, ensuring inclusive and equitable learning opportunities.

 

• SDG 5: Gender Equality – Creating equal opportunities for girls and women, fostering female leadership in sports, and using sports to challenge gender stereotypes and prevent GBV.

 

• SDG 8: Decent Work & Economic Growth – Providing internship and employment pathways, enhancing youth employability through sports-based skill-building and entrepreneurship training.

 

• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – Ensuring inclusivity for people with disabilities, marginalized youth, and underserved communities through equal participation in sports and leadership opportunities.

 

• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities & Communities – Engaging local communities in circular economy education, environmental sustainability through sport, and fostering safe, inclusive public spaces.

 

• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption & Production – Promoting eco-friendly sports practices, waste management, and sustainability education through sports-based circular economy activities.

 

• SDG 13: Climate Action – Raising awareness of climate change and sustainability through sports, encouraging recycling, upcycling, and environmental responsibility in communities.

 

• SDG 16: Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions – Using sports to promote conflict resolution, teamwork, and leadership, while engaging youth in positive social change initiatives.

 

• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – Collaborating with governments, NGOs, schools, corporations, and international foundations to create long-term, sustainable impact through sport for development programs.
   

Through its holistic Sport for Development & Social Impact approach, ASA Foundation actively contributes to these global goals, ensuring sustainable and scalable transformation for youth and communities worldwide.

We deliver these programs through a mix of in-person and virtual Training of Trainers (ToT) sessions and youth development interventions focusing on health, gender equality, human rights, financial literacy, STEM, circular economy, and disaster resilience.

 

HOW WE MONITOR & EVALUATE

Using a Pilot, Learn & Grow approach, we continuously adapt our programs based on feedback and outcomes. Our Theory of Change framework ensures measurable impact by using a mix of qualitative and quantitative indicators, baseline and endline assessments, observational studies, surveys, and real-time Stories of Change (SoC) reporting. We also implement Logical Framework Approach (LFA) methodologies in collaboration with partners like USAID and INGOs.

 

HOW WE GUARANTEE SUSTAINABILITY

Sustainability is at the core of ASA Foundation’s programs. We prioritize high participant retention, engage beneficiaries in program design, and extend support beyond project completion through social media forums, virtual meetings, and periodic site visits. Our internal fundraising supports long-term impact, while we also provide employment and leadership opportunities, including overseas exchange programs with partners like the British Embassy, British Council, Portsmouth F.C., and the U.S. Embassy.

Through our holistic approach, ASA Foundation empowers individuals and communities to create lasting change through the transformative power of sports.