As JAXUSL continues to grow USL pro soccer in North East Florida, we’d like to show our appreciation and shine a light on the people and organizations that have already laid the foundation for soccer in our region with our Spotlight on Youth Soccer series

All Nations Soccer is a local organization that serves Jacksonville’s immigrant community, but its motivation goes far beyond the pitch.

“It really is a unique opportunity we get to serve the nations living right here in the city,” founder and executive director Josh Kimball said. “The players continue to play in the league because they feel like it’s a family.”

The operation’s history dates back to 2014, when Kimball began conducting soccer-based outreach, specifically with refugees in the area. He then pivoted to starting a league, who often didn’t have the opportunity to play competitively due to a variety of barriers, including finances and work schedules. 

A unique aspect of ANS was in its founding, as the players themselves had a major say in how things would be done. This has helped make the league an inclusive option for those who aren’t native to the First Coast.

“They wanted a league that served the international community and a league that was faith-based,” Kimball said. “[It] really would be a community and not just a soccer league.”

In 2018, All Nations Soccer League kicked off with eight teams consisting of players from 24 nations. It has since grown to 26 teams and offers an opportunity to play the beautiful game for over 2,000 immigrants and refugees in the Jacksonville area.

For many of the refugees that make up the league, moving to the United States wasn’t a choice. They have had to leave behind everything that they know to come to a completely new home, which can be a lot to deal with. 

This can result in groups sticking together, opting to surround themselves with what is familiar. This hasn’t necessarily been the case for ANS, though, which Kimball believes is one of the most pleasant surprises that he has observed during the league’s history.

“That aspect of players only feeling comfortable sticking with people that speak the same language and share the same culture, that’s been broken down,” Kimball said. “We feel that God has used soccer to help players form relationships that are outside of their ethnicity.”

This encapsulates the mission of ANS, which can be broken into three points: restore, unify and empower. Unlike most sports operations, soccer is merely the vessel which is used to help provide a sense of community for those who have been forced to leave everything behind.

After all, the entire reason that the league exists is what sets it apart. The league’s name comes from the Bible’s Great Commission, which says to “go and make disciples of all nations.”

“We’re not out to be a business to make money off the league,” Kimball said. “Our sole motivation is to help players to thrive in relationship with each other and in God.” 

Other than normal matches, one way that ANS does this is through the Florida Refugee Cup. This event exists as a de facto all-star game for the league, with the best players from its 26 teams taking the field. It’s yet to be determined when and where this year’s rendition will take place, but it’s sure to be a blast when the day comes.

All Nations Soccer is looking forward to what JAXUSL will offer Jacksonville, primarily serving as a source of motivation for players in the area. Many of its players have fought through hardships and trials, but that hasn’t stopped them from dreaming of playing professionally one day.

“For certain players, it could be a great opportunity for them, as a grassroot talent, to be identified,” Kimball said. “That visibility is certainly encouraging.”

JAXUSL will also look to tap into Jacksonville’s bustling soccer culture, which is often overlooked on a national or even statewide scale. Much like ANS, unification is a key factor of what JAXUSL is doing through its pre-play efforts.

“I just love JAXUSL’s mission to really unite the city around us being a soccer community together,” Kimball said. “This is a game for the whole city.”

For those wanting to get involved with ANS, there’s a variety of options. Outdoor soccer takes place in the spring and fall, with a men’s and women’s league for each. To beat the heat, there’s also an indoor futsal league during the summer.
You don’t have to play to make a difference, though, as referees are always needed. You can also volunteer, whether it be setting up the field or passing out water and snacks on matchday. To learn more, visit All Nations Soccer online or contact them at info@allnations.soccer.

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