Youth Sports & Fitness
We promote health, discipline, teamwork, and confidence through organized sports and physical activities.
Our Story
Built by the
Community
Habesha Youth Club started as a few regular Saturday kickabouts and grew into a community that means something. Here is how we got here and what we stand for.
Est.
2024
MD
Non-stock Nonprofit
7
Founding Directors
Every
Saturday
Our Mission
A Home for Habesha-American Youth
Welcome to Habesha Youth Club — a nonprofit youth organization dedicated to bringing Habesha youth together in a positive, supportive, and inspiring environment.
Our mission is to foster friendship, teamwork, discipline, cultural pride, and community belonging while helping our youth grow into responsible, compassionate, and confident leaders.
Why We Built This Club
Habesha Youth Club was created to cultivate fraternity and comradeship among Habesha youth and to help develop a healthy, fit, responsible, assertive, and compassionate generation rooted in their heritage, community, and excellence.
Through youth sports, cultural engagement, mentorship, and community activities, HYC provides a space where children can grow, learn, connect, and proudly celebrate who they are.
Who We Are
What "Habesha" Means
Habesha is how people from Ethiopia and Eritrea describe themselves — a shared language, food, music, and way of carrying yourself. The club is a home for anyone who grew up inside that culture, and a welcome for anyone who wants to play alongside us.
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Ethiopian + Eritrean
One community, one crest.
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Family and friends
Players bring brothers, cousins, neighbours.
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Open to all
You do not have to be Habesha to play with us.
Our Programs
What We Offer
Saturday soccer is the heartbeat — but the club is broader than the pitch. Here is everything we do today, and the directions we are growing in.
Cultural Engagement
We help youth stay connected to their Habesha identity, heritage, language, values, and traditions.
Friendship & Community Building
We create a welcoming environment where youth and families build meaningful relationships.
Future Educational Support
HYC aspires to expand into tutoring, mentorship, leadership training, and academic support programs.
Coming SoonCommunity Support Initiatives
We aim to provide broader support programs that uplift families and strengthen the Habesha community.
Coming Soon Two Years Strong
What HYC Has Built So Far
Over the past two years, the club has helped young people grow in real, tangible ways.
- Develop athletic skills and ball-handling ability
- Build stronger friendships
- Learn teamwork and discipline
- Connect with their heritage and culture
- Strengthen confidence and leadership
- Bring families and the community closer together
How It Started
From Kickabouts to a Club
It started with a few regulars
A handful of players started meeting for Saturday morning kickabouts. No structure, no name, just soccer and good company.
Saturday became our thing
Word spread. More people came. The sessions got more organised, and the group started feeling like a real squad.
Habesha Youth Club was born
We gave it a name, designed a crest, and committed to building a club that represents the community, our heritage, and our love of the game.
Incorporated for Community
Officially Built to Serve
HYC was formed to cultivate fraternity and comradeship among Habesha youth, helping young people become healthy, fit, responsible, assertive, and compassionate while staying rooted in heritage, belonging, and excellence.
Public Filing Highlights
Official name
Habesha Youth Club (HYC)
Legal status
Maryland tax-exempt non-stock corporation
Purpose
Organized for charitable, religious, educational, and scientific purposes, including purposes described under Section 501(c)(3).
Principal office
8121 Georgia Ave., Suite 608, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Founding Board
- Zewdu Alem Chairman
- Mekedes Beyene Secretary
- Woineshet Aymeku Treasurer
- Zelalem Amlak Bihonegn Board Member
- Amare Yihun Board Member
- Sayish Afework Board Member
- Amsalu Birhan Board Member
What We Value
The Crest Means Something
Play with Pride
We wear the crest because it means something. Every touch, every sprint, every Saturday represents who we are.
Everyone Is Welcome
Experienced or just starting out. Habesha or not. If you want to play and respect the group, there is a place for you.
Soccer Connects Us
The game is what brings us together. Training, winter cups, and shared moments on the pitch are the heart of the club.
Keep It Real
No shortcuts, no drama. We respect each other, work hard in sessions, and let the soccer speak for itself.
Our Vision
A Stronger Community Through Our Youth
Our vision is to build a stronger, healthier, and more united Habesha community by empowering youth to become proud, responsible, compassionate, and successful leaders.
People
The Club Is Its People
Coaches and Organisers
The people behind the sessions who keep the schedule running, the drills sharp, and the energy right every week.
The group behind every Saturday
Players and Families
The club is bigger than the starting lineup. Parents, supporters, and the wider community are part of everything we do.
Stronger together, on and off the pitch
Standards We Set
Respect, preparation, and a competitive attitude. We hold ourselves to a standard that makes the club worth being part of.
The badge means something here
See What We Are Building
Meet the squad, check the schedule, or plan your first visit.