CESA Merges with Final Third Foundation

Columbus East Soccer Association (CESA), a nonprofit organization, has officially merged with Final Third Foundation (F3), and now falls under the F3 umbrella. ​

CESA, established in 1984, will continue to serve its mission to provide a safe environment for kids to learn and enjoy the global game. The organization has served communities in the East and Southeast areas of Columbus. With its move to Easton Sports Park in September, 2000; it also serves communities in the North and Northeast areas of the city. 
 
Dave Hepler, former CESA Board Chair, states, “I’m pleased to announce that CESA has merged with F3. CESA has worked hand-in-hand with F3 since 2018. We share the same vision and passion for the empowerment of diverse communities and cultures in central Ohio. F3’s Founder and Director, Benjamin Levey, has been a leader in the development of nonprofit sports and development programming in central Ohio and Mombasa, Kenya for over 10 years. We are excited about our future with F3 in continuing to offer a healthy, inclusive, family-centric environment through sports, and specifically through the global game.” 
 
Levey says, “CESA's already developed programs and brand will become more prominent due to F3’s broader mission and vision. At the same time, F3's positive impact on communities will now be seen and felt in more and more neighborhoods of Columbus, Ohio.” 

F3, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, with a mission that centers around growing the game and leveling the playing field, will now take over the responsibility of running CESA programs along with the oversight and management of Easton Sports Park.     
 
“At 5 years-old I started playing with CESA. It is where I found my love and passion for the game. CESA’s brand and long-term sustainability is very important to me and our F3 management team. This is a big step for F3. We believe this partnership will only bring in more CESA participants and members, and thus create a larger and stronger F3 family,” says Levey. 
 
F3 believes soccer can be used as an equalizer and platform to build a better generation. The Foundation's support for local youth and partner organizations is wide-ranging, and includes everything from reducing financial stress to providing educational and enrichment programs.