Our Story

Final Third Foundation (F3) was founded on a simple belief: soccer can be a vehicle for education, wellness, and community transformation.

In 2011, Founder Benjamin Levey helped establish the Likoni Community Football League (LCFL) in LikoniMombasa, Kenya - one of the poorest regions in the city. Together with local coaches, they created a league that offered hundreds of children not only access to soccer, but connection, mentorship, and opportunity. That league still thrives today and continues to be supported by F3.

Upon returning to Columbus, Ohio, Levey, alonside Board Member, Gary Blumberg, launched Final Third Foundation to expand this work locally and globally. F3 now combines soccer, literacy, environmental education, and wellness programming in communities where access is often limited.

In 2021, F3 merged with Columbus East Soccer Association and began managing Easton Soccer Fields, now known as Pathways Park. The space is being transformed into a vibrant community hub that reflects our values of access, belonging, and development.

Each year, F3 serves thousands of youth and families through:

  • Soccer & Literacy – an innovative school-based program building reading fluency and confidence

  • Environmental Awareness (Sprouts) – engaging youth with nature and sustainability

  • Community Soccer Leagues - providing recreational soccer and facilities for all

  • Community Events – like the Columbus Nations Cup, uniting cultures through the game

  • F3 Soccer Academy – for players seeking advanced training with a community-first mindset

  • Skills Clinics and Seasonal Camps – open to all regardless of ability or income

  • Futsal Leagues and Training – promoting creativity and skill in the offseason

.