He grew up with one pair of cleats for a whole season. Now Brian Anunga plays for FC Cincinnati, has shared the pitch with Lionel Messi, and this Sunday he is opening the gates for the next generation.
A warm welcome at the training ground
We came for an interview and left feeling like family. Brian Anunga met the ZAIEAR team with a smile and invited us onto FC Cincinnati's training ground, where our host Ruby sat down with him on the pitch.
When the cameras stopped, he didn't rush off. He shared lunch with us and kept the conversation going: about home, about the game, and about the kids he is building something for. That kindness is exactly what this story is about.
From one pair of cleats to the big stage
Brian is an FC Cincinnati midfielder and a former captain of Cameroon's U-20 team. Growing up, his hero was Samuel Eto'o, a fellow Cameroonian that a whole generation looked up to. Today Brian has played against Lionel Messi, "probably the greatest player to ever play the game," as he put it.
He has not forgotten where he started. As a kid he played with one pair of cleats all year. That memory is why he created the Anunga Foundation: to give young players a dream, give them hope, and help them grow their game, here in Cincinnati, across America and back home in Africa.
This Sunday: train with the pros
On Sunday, November 8, Brian and his FC Cincinnati teammates host a one-day youth soccer camp in Cincinnati. Kids get coached by the pros, position by position: Teenage Hadebe on defense, Brian on midfield, Ayoub Jabbari on finishing and Roman Celentano in goal. Special guests Miles Robinson, Obinna Nwobodo and Kévin Denkey join for a Q&A, photos and giveaways.
- When: Sunday, November 8, 1–5 PM (check-in from 12:30 PM)
- Where: 7400 Cornell Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45242
- Who: ages 6–14
- Contribution: $149 per player, supporting the Anunga Foundation. Spots are limited, first come, first served.
Can't make camp? Bring a pair anyway. The day doubles as a Cleats Drive: drop off new or gently used cleats, shin guards, balls, goalkeeper gloves or kits at check-in from 12:30 PM. No sign-up needed. The gear goes to Cincinnati kids first, then to youth teams in Cameroon.
Register on the Anunga Foundation website
About the Anunga Foundation
The Anunga Foundation opens doors for young people through soccer, in Cincinnati and in Cameroon. Every camp registration helps finish the foundation's free academy and sends kits and cleats to youth teams in Cameroon. You can also give through donations, volunteering or sponsoring camp day. The foundation is independent of FC Cincinnati and MLS.
- Website: anungafoundation.org
- Camp and registration: anungafoundation.org/camps/cincinnati
- Contact: contact@anungafoundation.org
Watch the full interview above, and subscribe for more stories at youtube.com/@ZAIEARMEDIA.
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