About Beyond Borders Athletics
A community-rooted nonprofit committed to sports equity, inclusion, and opportunity for youth across Buffalo, NY.
Where Borders Disappear & Belonging Begins
Beyond Borders Athletics (BBA) is a community-rooted nonprofit committed to sports equity, inclusion, and opportunity for youth across Buffalo. We believe every child — especially those from underserved and minority communities — deserves access to high-quality athletic experiences that build confidence, connection, and possibility.
Our work is especially grounded in supporting international youths and families who have crossed borders in search of safety, stability, and a better future. Many of the young people we serve arrive in Buffalo carrying stories of resilience, and for them, sports — especially soccer — become a universal language of belonging, teamwork, and hope. While borders may divide us, the power of play brings us together.
BBA uses sports as a vehicle for growth and empowerment, creating inclusive opportunities, nurturing talent, and building pathways that help youth thrive — on the field, in their schools, and throughout their lives. Our programs blend athletic development with mentorship, leadership building, and academic support, ensuring that every participant is seen, supported, and encouraged to reach their full potential.
"We envision a Buffalo where every child, regardless of circumstance, can participate in organized sports that teach teamwork, leadership, and resilience — laying the foundation for lifelong success on and off the playing surface."
Our Vision
How BBA Came to Be
Beyond Borders Athletics was founded by Aweso Noor, who arrived in Buffalo as a young refugee. Growing up on the lower West Side, Aweso saw firsthand how many refugees and inner city youths were shut out of organized sports — not because they lacked talent or passion, but because of financial barriers, limited access, and systems that were never built with them in mind.
Through the years, Aweso witnessed many heartbreaking stories: gifted student-athletes losing their chance to play or attend higher level education institutions. The struggles and lack of support in high school failed to create opportunities for them when it mattered most. Many youths do not fully understand how pivotal academic success is to unlocking future pathways. Without guidance or support, their dreams faded — not from lack of ability, but from lack of access.
Fortunately, sports became Aweso's bridge to belonging. Despite the challenges, he excelled in the classroom and in athletics because of a strong support system that included family and friends, members in the community, teachers, and coaches who poured additional resources — allowing him to achieve academic and athletic excellence at Canisius High School and later at D'Youville University, competing in both soccer and basketball.
Along the way, he discovered a deeper calling: mentoring and coaching younger athletes who were walking the same path he once did. His journey — navigating cultural transitions, inequitable opportunities, and the weight of starting over — shaped a powerful vision for change and to build a support system very similar to the one that created opportunities for him. Those opportunities turned into lifelong success because of others' belief and investment.
Beyond Borders Athletics was created from that vision. BBA is making that same investment into the youth. It exists to ensure that no young person in Buffalo is denied the chance to play, grow, and thrive because of their circumstances. Through accessible programming, culturally responsive coaching, academic support, and a commitment to equity, BBA is breaking down barriers and building pathways for youth who have historically been overlooked.
"For the young people we serve, sports are more than games — they are a source of confidence, community, and hope. And with donor support, we can continue expanding these opportunities, reaching more families, and strengthening the next generation of leaders across Buffalo."
Aweso Noor
Aweso arrived in Buffalo as a young refugee and went on to excel both academically and athletically at Canisius High School and D'Youville University — competing in soccer and basketball. His journey from the lower West Side to the college field shaped a powerful vision: that every young person deserves the same chance he was given.
Today, as Executive Director of Beyond Borders Athletics, Aweso channels that lived experience into building the very support system that changed his life — for the next generation of youth in Buffalo.
Aweso Noor
Executive Director & Founder
Our Mission
Beyond Borders Athletics exists to ensure that student-athletes — especially those from underserved and minority communities — have equal access to the life-changing opportunities that sports provide. We use athletics as a bridge for community connection, growth, and belonging. Through sports, we aim to build confidence, character, and community.
Our Vision
We envision a Buffalo where every child, regardless of circumstance, can participate in organized sports that teach teamwork, leadership, and resilience — laying the foundation for lifelong success on and off the playing surface.
Our Core Values
Equity
Every child deserves equal access to sports, regardless of background or circumstance.
Inclusion
We build spaces where every young person feels seen, valued, and welcomed.
Empowerment
Sports are a vehicle for confidence, leadership, and lifelong growth.
Community
We strengthen Buffalo by investing in its most important resource — its youth.
Board Members
Our board brings together passionate community leaders committed to advancing equity and opportunity for youth across Buffalo.
Aweso Noor
Executive Director
Jumale Jumale
Board Member
Mohamud Yakub
Board Member
Mike Sorrentino
Board Member
William Ching'Anda
Board Member
Earl Schunk
Board Member
Join Us in Building a Future Without Limits
Your support helps us expand access, reach more families, and strengthen the next generation of leaders across Buffalo.