PASADENA & ALTADENA, CA
Born From Our Community. Built For Our Community.
Dena United Foundation is a grassroots, community-driven initiative and Community Partners fiscally sponsored project working to make youth sports accessible to every child in Pasadena and Altadena and San Gabriel Valley. We believe the cost to play should never determine a child's potential.
OUR STORY
We Didn't Start With a Soccer Program. We Started With a Community Need.
Dena United was founded in 2025 by community members who saw firsthand how financial and geographic barriers were keeping local young people from participating in organized sports. Following the devastating Eaton Canyon Fire and other challenges affecting families throughout our community, we saw an opportunity to transform neighborhood spaces into places of healing, connection, health, and opportunity.
"Every child deserves a safe place to play, a team to belong to, and the opportunity to thrive."
Soccer became our vehicle. What began as a grassroots effort has grown into a broader Play Equity movement focused on removing the barriers that prevent children from playing. Today, Dena United is working on building a low to zero-cost alternative to the traditional pay-to-play model through free soccer programming, community play spaces, mentorship, academic support, and leadership development.
OUR STORY
A DENA Where Every Child Has the Opportunity to Play.
We envision communities where access to youth sports is determined by interest, commitment, and potential — not household income.
OUR MISSION
Dena United is working to dismantle the financial and geographic barriers that limit youth participation in organized sports. We transform neighborhood facilities and public spaces into inclusive hubs and empower grassroots coaches to better serve our community.
PLAY
Access safe, high-quality sports programming without burdensome entry or tournament fees.
BELONG
Join a dedicated team, build lasting friendships, and develop a strong sense of community support.
THRIVE
Build confidence, positive character, personal discipline, and leadership skills that extend far beyond the pitch.
DENA TEAM CULTURE
Where Belonging Inspires Transformation
When our kids step onto the pitch in matching high-quality gear, they step into an environment where they feel seen, valued, and safe. We're creating a sports culture centered on inclusion, mutual respect, and pure joy.
No Barriers to Entry
We aim to supply jerseys, equipment, and certified coaches to all program participants.
BORN FROM OUR COMMUNITY. FOR OUR COMMUNITY.
Local Roots. Local Leaders. Local Impact.
Dena United was created with the belief that the strongest solutions come from the communities they serve.
Local Youth
Creating opportunities for young athletes to develop their skills and become future leaders.
Local Coaches
Training parents, volunteers, and community members in Sports-Based Youth Development and trauma-informed coaching.
Local Facilities
Activating schools, mini-pitches, parks, and community spaces where young people already live.
Local Partnerships
Working with schools, municipalities, nonprofits, businesses, and residents to build a stronger youth sports ecosystem.
OUR MODEL
Community Need
Identifying the gaps that keep local young people from playing.
Local Investment
Putting resources into local spaces, coaches, and partnerships.
Youth Opportunity
Delivering free, high-quality programming and mentorship.
Community Leadership
Growing the next generation of coaches, mentors, and community leaders.
Today's players can become tomorrow's coaches, mentors, and community leaders.
GLOBAL INSPIRATION
Learning From the World's Best Football Communities
World-class development and broad community access can coexist.
The French Model
France demonstrates how municipal investment in facilities and community clubs can reduce the financial burden on families while creating accessible pathways for youth development.
The Spanish Model
Spain demonstrates the power of neighborhood clubs, local coaches, volunteers, and community facilities in developing young athletes while strengthening social connections.
OUR SAN GABRIEL VALLEY MODEL
Dena United is adapting these principles to our own community by:
Expanding access to public and school facilities
Removing participation and equipment costs
Investing in local coaches and youth mentors
Providing high-quality player development
Connecting athletics with academics and life skills
Our Partners
Building Play Equity Takes a Community.
Dena United believes meaningful change happens when communities, schools, nonprofits, foundations, businesses, and local leaders work together. Our partnerships have helped us expand access to safe play spaces, strengthen youth programming, and build a sustainable, community-based alternative to pay-to-play sports.
Community & Funding Partners
LA84 Foundation
LA84 Foundation has provided grant support to Dena United to advance equitable access to youth sports and expand opportunities for young people in the Pasadena and Altadena communities.
Pasadena Community Foundation
Pasadena Community Foundation has provided grant funding to support Dena United's community-based youth sports programming and Play Equity efforts.
U.S. Soccer Foundation
Through our partnership with the U.S. Soccer Foundation, Dena United has helped expand access to quality soccer infrastructure and community-based programming, including the OEB Middle School Mini-Pitch.
Street Soccer USA
Our partnership with Street Soccer USA Los Angeles has helped bring community-centered soccer, mentorship, and youth development opportunities to Altadena through the UNIQLO Street Soccer Park & Learning Center.
Community Partners
As Dena United's fiscal sponsor, Community Partners provides the organizational and administrative infrastructure that allows our grassroots initiative to pursue its mission and grow its impact.
Investing in Play Equity
Our Partners Don't Just Fund Programs. They Invest in Possibility.
Their support helps Dena United provide young people with:
We are grateful to every organization that believes every child deserves the opportunity to play.
Interested in becoming a Dena United partner?
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