About the 141 Initiative: Building Character and Self-Esteem through Soccer

The 141 Initiative helps provide children access to character development and skill building through soccer. Our goal is to prepare children for success on and off the field.

We believe that a positive experience in sports can have a lasting impact on a child’s life both on and off the field.

Through offering a  character-focused soccer program in Knoxville, Mike Lewis, Sr., 141 Director, and his children, Michael and Cassie, have seen first hand how children’s lives are enriched by the program. Unfortunately, not every child may have access to the program due to financial limitations.  

Mike and his family created The 141 Initiative in an effort to make this self-esteem building program available to an underserved child for every child whose families can afford to pay, thus the name, “141″ (one for one).

Building Character and Self-Esteem through Soccer

The focus of 141 is positively impacting children’s lives with a fun, character-focused, and game driven program. 

Equipped with caring and energetic coaches, age and developmentally appropriate curriculums are used to engage children. The coaches love making a positive impact in these little lives and some even sponsor children or coach the sessions for free. 

Each weekly session includes a character focus (such as teamwork, patience or respect) and a new soccer skill, building on the prior week. 

The 141 Initiative

Our Mission

To positively impact underserved children’s lives by giving them the opportunity to participate in Knoxville’s character-focused soccer program, which teaches soccer skills while also building self-esteem and character. 

Our Vision

To bring a self-esteem and character building soccer program to as many underserved children as those who can afford it (one-for-one); and to make a lifelong positive impact in their lives by doing so.

Our Values

• Every child deserves all the encouragement that a community can offer.
• A positive sports experience can make a lasting impact on a child’s life both on and off the field.
• Children who become successful in life will, in turn, impact their community positively.

How Can I Get Involved?

Coach – Individuals can train to become volunteer coaches. Businesses can promote these community service opportunities. Contact us for more info.

Connect – If you serve disadvantaged children in the 2-8 yr old range or know of a great organization who serves these children and would like to connect us, please contact us for more info.

Give – You can make a positive difference in underserved children’s lives by helping to fund the cost of bringing this experience to them. 

Have Questions? Send us a message.