About Beyond Borders Athletics
Community Partners
Together with these incredible organizations, we're building a stronger Buffalo for our youth.
Canisius High School
NYS West Youth Soccer
Full Circle Family Services
HEAL
Dick's Sporting Goods
Project Play WNY
D'Youville University
Nativity Miguel
The Salvation Army
Nichols School
Seven One Six
Thomas Smith Athletic Center
St. Joseph's Collegiate
Where Borders Disappear & Belonging Begins
Who We Serve
- Immigrant and refugee youth (Somalia, Nepal, Iraq, Congo)
- BPS student athletes facing 62–72% chronic absenteeism
- 87% economically disadvantaged, graduating at 69% rate
BBA uses sports as a vehicle for growth, creating inclusive opportunities and building pathways for youth who have historically been overlooked.
How BBA Came to Be
Sports became Aweso's bridge to belonging. Because coaches, teachers, and mentors from NativityMiguel, Canisius, and beyond invested in him and believed in his potential, he was able to focus fully on being the best student-athlete possible — ultimately excelling in the classroom and on the field and court as a standout soccer and basketball player in high school and college. Along the way he discovered a calling: mentoring younger athletes walking the same path.
BBA is his way of paying that forward — building that same village for the next generation of student athletes facing the same hills he once climbed.
BBA is committed to ensuring that no young person is denied the chance to play, grow, and thrive because of their circumstances. Like Aweso, these young people also have passions and real talents and with the right guidance and access, they can pursue dreams that once felt out of reach.
Stories like these prove that when barriers fall, potential rises — and our youth will rise with it.
What We're Building Toward
Year-Round Programming
3–5 days/week after-school sessions, 3:30–5:30pm — keeping kids engaged and growing.
Academic Enrichment
Tutoring in core subjects, monthly coach-led check-ins, and report card tracking.
Rotating Enrollment
Wraparound support for 200+ youth annually — no one gets left behind.
Accomplishments & Development
Our Mission
Beyond Borders Athletics creates equitable access to sports that spark academic growth, personal development, and lifelong opportunity for youth from underserved communities.
Our Vision
A Buffalo where every child can participate in organized sports that teach teamwork, leadership, and resilience — laying the foundation for lifelong success.
Our Core Values
Equity
Every child deserves equal access to sports, regardless of background.
Inclusion
Spaces where every young person feels seen, valued, and welcomed.
Empowerment
Sports as a vehicle for confidence, leadership, and growth.
Community
Strengthening Buffalo by investing in its youth.
Board Members
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.