Huila Academy — Free Soccer & Arts Program for Black & Brown Girls

Our story

Built by someone who needed this

Huila Academy was founded by a woman who fought for every moment on the field — and is building what she needed at age eight.

Founder, Huila Academy

Angola → Brazil → United States

"I started playing football at eight in Angola, where girls weren't supposed to play. I played anyway — in the streets, when no one was watching. I'm building what I needed then. No girl should lose her game because the world didn't make room for her."

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Sport as educationWe teach football, but also strategy, discipline, and the confidence to take up space in any room.

🌱

Whole-child developmentWellness, nutrition, and language learning alongside athletics — because girls need more than a ball.

👨‍👩‍👧

Community, not just drop-offEvery family volunteers one hour a month. When parents show up, kids feel it.

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Zero cost, alwaysRegistration is free. Pay-to-play wastes talent. We're here to close that gap.

Program policies

What families need to know

Clear expectations keep everyone safe and the program running smoothly for all our girls.

Medication & Health Policy

Medication

Do not pack medication in your child's belongings. A medication permission form must be signed by a parent or guardian. Only medications which are medically necessary and cannot be scheduled outside of program hours will be administered. All medications must be in a prescription bottle or original container and appropriately labeled. Only one week's worth of medication will be accepted.

Sunscreen & Insect Repellent

Please apply sunscreen and insect repellent before your child arrives each day. Please supply any products your child may need. Staff will provide frequent opportunities to reapply during the day. Spray or mist-type products are recommended. These products are not to be shared with other participants.

Sickness / Illness

Participants should remain home if they have any of the following symptoms:

Fever of 100°F or higher (oral) or 98.4°F using a forehead thermometer
Sore throat, new cough, or new shortness of breath
New loss of taste or smell
Diarrhea or vomiting
New severe headache
Contagious rash or condition (chicken pox, pink eye, ringworm, lice, etc.)

If a participant shows symptoms during the program, the parent/guardian will have 1 hour to pick them up. Participants may return after 24 hours symptom-free (without medication), or with written documentation from a doctor.

Behavior Management Policy

Our Approach

We utilize and encourage the practice of respect and positive reinforcement as effective methods of behavior management. We believe that when participants receive positive and understanding interactions, they can develop good self-concept, problem-solving abilities, and self-discipline.

Discipline Steps

Step 1: Quiet reprimand or verbal warning
Step 2: A Behavior Action Plan is implemented with the participant and parent/guardian
Step 3: First Incident Report presented to the parent/guardian
Step 4: Second Incident Report — possible two-day suspension; parent/guardian may be asked to pick up within 30 minutes
Step 5: Third Incident Report — participant may be permanently removed from the program

Immediate Removal

Weapons, drugs, severe verbal threats, sexual misconduct, or any safety-related behavior may result in immediate suspension or expulsion, regardless of prior steps.

Field Trips

Participants must wear the provided Academy field trip shirt at all off-site trips. Buses depart at the scheduled time and will not be held for late arrivals. If your child arrives after departure, you are responsible for transporting them to the field trip location or waiting until the program returns.

Participant & Parent/Guardian Expectations

Participants Are Expected To

Maintain a positive attitude using appropriate language and behavior
Stay with their staff members and follow their instructions
Be willing to try all activities with a positive attitude

Unsafe or disrespectful behavior may lead to suspension or removal from the program.

Parent/Guardians Are Expected To

Know the rules — review all policies before the program begins
Be on time — pick up promptly and notify staff if running late (late fees may apply)
Stay updated — keep contact, emergency, and medical information current
Encourage participation and support your child's involvement in all activities
Work with staff — listen to feedback and partner on positive solutions
Respect staff decisions — trust that staff act in the best interest of all participants

Parent/Guardian Conduct

Do not approach other participants — staff will handle all concerns
Do not record or photograph participants, staff, or visitors
Aggressive or unsafe behavior (yelling, threats, intimidation) is not permitted

This policy applies to all parents, guardians, authorized pick-ups, family members, and guests.

Visitor & Registration Changes

To make a change to your registration, contact Huila Academy directly. If your participant clears the waitlist, you will be notified by phone and/or email and will have 3 business days to confirm enrollment.

Every girl deserves to play