About Kick2Build
Kick2Build is a Colorado nonprofit organization focused on building inclusive communities, and affirming diversity through sports, music, dancing, drumming, singing, stories of life, arts and cultural activities. We embrace the values of cooperation, mutual support, Inclusivity and interdependence. Our group is multi-generational that welcomes all abilities. Our commitment to community building transcends on the field and social activities that strengthen our relationships.
Building a diverse and inclusive community through soccer and cultural programming.
Kick2Build is a Colorado non-profit organization led by BIPOC coaches, professionals and artists focused on ending health inequities in underserved youth. Through sports, arts and culture, participants develop cross-cultural competencies and gain a sense of belonging and acceptance in an environment where people of all backgrounds, gender and ability level can come together to learn, grow and have fun.
Meet The Team
NANA BOAKYE
CEO, FOUNDER & HEAD COACH
Nana started playing soccer as a little kid in Ghana, West Africa. There, in the streets turned make-shift soccer fields, he found happiness and community. Nana excelled in the sport and went on to play in professional clubs in Ghana, Germany and the United States. He loved being a pro soccer player, but knew his calling was more than this.
After moving to Boulder, Colorado in 2012, Nana wanted to recreate the sense of community he had on the soccer field. He started hosting vibrant soccer meetups with warmups to African drumming. In 2019 Kick2Build was born to create a connection between countries and cultures and affirm diversity and belonging through soccer. The love and excitement Nana has both on and off the field is contagious.
JOHN WELSCH
DIRECTOR, COMPETITIVE SOCCER CLUB
John grew up in The Netherlands where soccer was the main sport and he started playing soccer on the streets as soon as he could stand and joined a club at 9. John has been coaching in the boulder area since 1989 and started the Competitive Soccer Club with Nana in 2021.
“When I think about youth soccer, I think about friends, great memories, fun and learning at an affordable price. Youth soccer in the US has become too expensive, too exclusive and it has taken away the opportunity for kids to explore other activities. My number 1 goal is that the players are having fun in practice. When they have fun, they want to come back for more. When they come back for more, they improve. And when they improve, the sky's the limit.“
KIKA TUFF - GRASSROOTS COACH
1) I’ve played soccer as long as I can remember. My mom signed me up for a local church team in St. Louis when I was 5 or 6 years old, and I never missed a season. I have so many fond memories of being drenched playing soccer in the rain while my mom watched from our car in the parking lot. I continued playing all through high school and college — I was never very good, I just never wanted to stop. Once I had kids, I dreamed of finding a community where we could all enjoy soccer together. Kick-2-Build offered everything I was hoping for!
2) I love coaching because it allows me to play soccer, share soccer, and join a community of soccer enthusiasts. My fellow coaches inspire me to keep playing, as much as the kids on the team. I feel like I’m learning and growing, while helping others learn and grow as well. It is such a win-win-win.
3) I have been coaching at K2B for one year.
4) One of my favorite parts of coaching is hearing the kids call me “Coach Kika.” It just means so much! I feel like I’m really living the dream! Some soccer communities are quite exclusive — if you didn’t go pro, you don’t deserve to be coaching. I am so grateful for a community that lets me share what I know and love. Everyone here is invited to come as they are and encouraged to contribute what they can. I love that about Kick-2-Build.
5) Left midfield all. day. long. Love the running; love the passing; love the strategic view of the field. I was never much of a scorer, but I love to facilitate goals. It was the perfect position for me.
Meet the Team
Board of Directors
RICHMOND BOAKYE
Chairman / IT
JON SAINTS
Treasurer
CASIE ZALUD
Marketing
TANGI LANCASTER
Secretary
SELASEE ATIASE
Arts & Culture
DANA ROMANOFF
Media
KATIE TODOROFF
Outreach & Engagement
Competitive Soccer Committee
Meet the Team
CHECHO SANTANDER
President (Youth Club)
JEREMY GEER
Vice President (YouthClub)
BART GEERTS
Treasurer (Youth Club)
CHRISTINA GARDNER-SHIFLETT
Board Member (Youth Club)
SARAH DUTTON-SWAIN
Competitive/Grassroots Liaison
JOHN WELSCH
Director of Soccer (Youth Club)
Meet Our Partners
We believe in the power of collaboration and the strength that comes from working together. Our success is built on a foundation of meaningful partnerships that enrich our offerings and drive innovation.
