Club Formation:

Hawks FC Inc is a nonprofit established in 2017 to ensure all youth in Lincoln, NE had the opportunity to play soccer.  In 2016, Hawks FC was a group of three independent teams where coaches or parents paid registration fees for youth not able to cover costs. After talking to like-minded coaches who were doing the same to help players on their teams, Hawks FC Inc. was established as a 501c3 non-profit in 2017 so that more underserved players could be reached and resources could be shared among coaches while continuing to ensure that youth were provided a club level experience.  That fall the number of teams under the Hawks umbrella was 6 with crowd-sourced fundraising among parents and word of mouth. 

The demand for teams and a place to play grew quickly.  The following fall, 2018, Hawks FC had grown to 9 teams and a decision was made to become a recognized soccer club with Nebraska State Soccer Association. In May 2019, Hawks FC officially became a registered soccer club with NSSA. The club currently has 13 teams with over 200 total players from age 7 to 18 competing in Nebraska Youth Soccer League.

Our Players:

A large percentage of our players come from underserved audiences including many refugee or immigrant families with limited financial resources. For youth who receive free or reduced lunch, Hawks provides reduced price registration fees. Currently, approximately 50% of our players are in need of financial assistance from the club.  The players come from a variety of countries including the United States, Thailand, Burma, Ivory Coast, Mexico, Iraq, Jordan, and Nigeria.  Nebraska is fifth in the US in refugee resettlement numbers and approximately half of these refugees settle in Lincoln. According to the US Census Bureau (2018), 15.1% of Lincoln’s population lives at the poverty level. These youth will not have access to organized sports in or out of school due to the inability to purchase equipment or pay registration fees. Hawks FC strives to ensure these players have the opportunity to play. Hawks FC as a club has worked to keep registration fees at a minimum for all youth. 

Youth attend practice twice a week during outdoor soccer season and work hard to improve their skills.  They have a high drive to be successful as this is often the first organized sport they are given the opportunity to participate in. Some of our players have said:  

The coaches “helped me get a whole lot better where I can see how much I have improved to the point I made varsity as a freshman! They pushed me to be the best and helped me at my worst.” – U17Boy

“When I joined the team, the coach drove me so that I could go to practice.  The team and coaches made me feel comfortable.  I am thankful they helped me pay when I couldn’t.  I know I have to work harder because of this.” – U16Boy

Our Philosophy:

Hawks FC recognizes the important role a soccer organization can play in helping young athletes grow into productive, confident and generous members of society.  Our club not only teaches soccer skills and hard work, it emphasizes respect for yourself and others, teamwork, gratitude and service.  Coaches and older players provide encouragement and mentoring so all players believe in their ability to be better players and better people. 

Coaches and administrators volunteer their time to the club.  Funds received are used to directly cover the costs of competition and equipment for players and coaches.  Additionally, Hawks FC strives to develop coaches and provides funding for coaches' education for all our coaches.

If you would like to contribute to Hawks FC, find out more here.