Destin Football Club (Destin FC) has announced its partnership with the Boys and Girls Club of the Emerald Coast to fund 12 scholarships to support local youth soccer. The donation provides more than $6,000 in club fees, soccer uniforms and gear to underprivileged youth on the Emerald Coast.
“Our mission is to give players from every socio-economic background a chance to experience a high level of play,” says lead athletic director, Guillaume Joyeux, who helped spearhead the club’s creation in 2019. “We have a duty to give this sport back to the people, invite more children into the culture of soccer and make playing fun again.”
Destin FC has distinguished itself with its European club model, which focuses on technical development, local league play, and fostering a sense of community through soccer. This approach has been a welcome alternative to travel soccer clubs, who often focus on frequent and rigorous tournament play, which is both physically taxing for young players and an expensive commitment for many families.
“I think what we are doing is groundbreaking from the US perspective,” says Destin FC president and parent, Vaughn Braeuninger. “We’ve opted for league play and friendlies instead of tournaments as a way to ensure children’s bodies aren’t overloaded.”
What began as a small but passionate band of families and their young players looking for a travel club alternative, in just over a year, has grown into a robust community club with a roster of more than 75 young athletes ranging in age from 5 to 14. The European model quickly attracted an international line-up of coaches, as well, now representing France, UK, Peru, Scotland, and Mexico. Young Destin FC players are never surprised to see their coaches on the pitch as well, playing as part of the newly formed adult team.
Prior to partnering with the Boys and Girls Club of the Emerald Coast, Destin FC funded seven additional scholarships to help offset the cost of play for local athletes. The club is also a United Way Emerald Coast Community Partner and has received sponsorship support from several local businesses, including Target and Synovus Bank. The club is looking forward to continued growth and expanding opportunities for local youth through continued partnerships and scholarships.
“I would like to thank the Destin FC organization for creating opportunities for our club members,” offers Shervin Rassa, CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast
“It is because of community partners like them that we are able to serve as the emerald coast’s premier youth development organization.”
Destin FC was created in 2019 with the goal of expanding soccer culture on the Emerald Coast. Their city-based program models proven European community clubs, with an emphasis on fun and technical development, providing a path for youth athletes to reach their full potential as soccer players. Destin Football Club, Inc. is a registered 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation.
Additional information about Destin FC can be found at www.destinfc.org.
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