The Beestera Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation founded in 2021. Based in Albany, NY, the Beestera Foundation provides youth in underprivileged communities with scholarships, coaching education, and equipment. The Beestera Foundation is committed to narrowing the gap, largely divided by socioeconomic status, by providing research-based programming, coaching education, equipment and supplies, and scholarship opportunities, all free of charge to the participant.
The Beestera Foundation values a diverse community of athletes free from discrimination and harassment based on race, ethnicity, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, faith, religion, national origin, disability, age, or genetic information.
The Beestera Foundation emphasizes the belief that any child can do whatever or be whoever they want in life, regardless of socioeconomic status.
OUR INITIATIVES
How we Make an Impact
Game On ensures every child has the opportunity to attend Beestera camps, regardless of financial circumstances. Each scholarship funds a real player’s camp experience, giving them access to high-quality coaching, confidence-building moments, and a positive community.
Sponsor as a business, family, or anonymously.
Gear Up provides essential soccer equipment to players in underserved communities, ensuring every child has what they need to fully participate. Through donated cleats, uniforms, shin guards, and balls, this program removes barriers and helps players step onto the field with confidence and support from their community.
Just Play creates safe, inclusive spaces for youth in underserved communities to experience the joy of soccer while developing important life skills. Through guided activities, structured and unstructured free play, and character-based lessons, players grow on and off the field.
Game Changers equips coaches with mentorship, hands-on training, and support to earn their USSF coaching licenses. By investing in coaches as leaders and role models, this program strengthens community initiatives like Just Play and expands access to positive, high-quality soccer experiences for players in underserved communities.
Our Impact in Numbers
30K
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+27%
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15M
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890
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camp scholarship sponsor
Give a child the opportunity to grow, learn, and be part of the Hive.
Your support provides full or partial scholarships for players who otherwise would not be able to attend Beestera Camps. Part of our Game On initiative.
sponsorship tiers
choose your level of impact
What Swarm Partners Receive
Premier, large logo placement at the top of the Foundation Impact Wall
Recognition as a lead Beestera Foundation partner supporting access and opportunity
Featured acknowledgment across Beestera Foundation digital platforms
Inclusion as a top supporter in the annual Beestera Foundation Impact Report
Recognition at major Foundation events and community initiatives
Opportunity to support a named scholarship or program initiative
Swarm Partner
$10,000
Swarm Partners are making a movement in the community, providing the greatest impact through the Beestera Foundation by opening doors for players across multiple programs. This partnership removes financial barriers at scale and creates meaningful access to both day and residential camp experiences.
Supports: 13 Day Camp opportunities and 3 Residential Camp opportunities
What Hive Sponsors Receive
Logo placement in the Community Hive section of the Impact Wall
Public thank-you across Beestera Foundation digital channels
Inclusion in the Foundation supporter directory
Recognition on select event signage or digital materials
What Impact Partners Receive
Prominent logo placement on the Foundation Impact Wall
Recognition in Foundation email campaigns and social thank-you posts
Brand visibility at select Beestera Foundation events
Inclusion in the annual Beestera Foundation Impact Report
Direct updates connecting the partner to scholarship outcomes
What Bee Strong Sponsors Receive
Name or small logo listing on the Foundation Impact Wall
Social media thank-you post from the Beestera Foundation
Recognition in Foundation community updates
What Scholarship Sponsors Receive
Name listed under Scholarship Supporters on the Impact Wall
Thank-you recognition tied to a specific scholarship outcome
Hive Legacy
OUR BOARD
Madeline (Maddy) Hammer
President
"I’ve been a member of the Capital District soccer community for most of my life. It has always been, and continues to be, a wonderful opportunity for personal growth, friendship, and fun. I’d like to be able to give back to the community that has supported me for so many years and find new ways to make an impact locally and beyond."
Daniel Josepher
Vice President
"I have been grateful enough to have the opportunity to play this sport at some of the highest levels, despite the barriers to entry so many people face each and every day. I am hoping to use this platform and this foundation to afford others the opportunities I took for granted, regardless of socioeconomic backgrounds."
Leigh Howard
Program Director
"Working with Special Olympics New York has shown me the impact that true inclusion can have on a young person’s confidence. The Beestera Foundation brings that same inclusive spirit to the soccer community, creating opportunities that every child deserves."
Michael Matera
Director of Events
"My main goal of the foundation is to give as many youth athletes the chance to enjoy the game of soccer. I never want someone to not be able to play because of financial reasons. Athletes in underserved areas deserve to have the same experiences as everyone else and I am looking forward to giving them this opportunity."
Ryan Wilkinson
Treasurer
"I attended the University at Albany, so the Capital Region holds a special place in my heart. I moved back to the Capital Region in 2019 and have since made it my permanent home. The area has so much to offer and Beestera continues to make an impact in our community. I’d like to help the Foundation expand and support underserved areas so that more children have the opportunity to experience the benefits of sports."
Matthew Needham
Liaison
"Athletics changed my life and gave me an opportunity in the United States. Sport is a powerful thing and can open doors to people that may not otherwise have been possible. It is my goal to give opportunities in underserved communities and continue to try and develop both great players and better people."
James Beeston
Vice Liaison
