Our Story

Founded in 2015 by JuanCarlos Cruz, S.O.T.A.M Outreach Ministry began as a vision to empower and uplift underserved communities. JuanCarlos, who grew up in Montgomery County, Maryland, and Washington, D.C., faced financial and socioeconomic challenges as a child of a young immigrant family from El Salvador. His passion for soccer was limited by a lack of access to resources and programs. Through the generosity of local programs and individuals, he was able to nurture his love for the game.

JuanCarlos’s journey took him from local youth programs to coaching soccer at the collegiate level at The University of Alabama. During this time, he felt a profound calling to give back to the community that had supported him. Inspired by his faith and his favorite verse, Psalm 91:1—“Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty”—JuanCarlos recognized the transformative power of community support and divine protection.

With a heart full of gratitude and a mission to create opportunities for others, JuanCarlos founded S.O.T.A.M Outreach Ministry. The organization is dedicated to providing youth with access to programs and resources they might otherwise lack, aiming to build future leaders and strengthen communities. Through S.O.T.A.M, JuanCarlos’s vision is to offer children the same support and opportunities that shaped his own life, fostering their growth and potential in a nurturing and faith-driven environment.

S.O.T.A.M Outreach Ministry began its impactful journey in Silver Spring, MD, with a single soccer clinic serving just three children. Fueled by a deep commitment to community and a vision to make a difference, the program rapidly expanded to include multiple clinics, camps, and recreational leagues catering to various age groups. By God's grace and through dedicated efforts, S.O.T.A.M has reached over 500 children in the local area.

The ministry’s growth didn’t stop there. With a mission to extend its reach, S.O.T.A.M embraced opportunities to assist children in El Salvador and Guatemala, impacting over 1,000 young lives. Partnering with local churches, S.O.T.A.M has utilized soccer as a platform to share the gospel and enrich the spiritual lives of these children, demonstrating the power of faith and community.

What began as a modest community initiative has evolved into a global outreach ministry. Through fervent prayer and the support of a passionate team, S.O.T.A.M has transformed into an exclusive outreach program dedicated to serving at-risk youth worldwide. Our vision extends beyond local boundaries to include regions in Central America, the Caribbean, and beyond, as we strive to offer sports-based programs and Christ-centered teaching to children in need.

S.O.T.A.M Outreach Ministry is committed to continuing its mission of nurturing young lives both locally and globally, spreading hope, faith, and opportunities for a brighter future.