About
We aim to establish an academic and character-driven sporting academy in the North of Haiti that serves as a foundation for student-athletes to become the role models they aspire to be.
Concept
Using a phased approach for investment and construction, we seek to build a world-class sports academy complete with a private school, student residences, and other economic amenities that will benefit investors and the region.
Drawing upon the nation’s rich history of human empowerment, justice, and equality, we will target the north of the country near Cap Haïtien, where iconic historical spaces remain and an infrastructure exists independent from Port-au-Prince.
Our spaces will be positive, encouraging, and intentional, aiming to reclaim the region’s education legacy and inspire courageous leaders. Given the lush nature of the north and the insular protection of the Massif du Nord mountains, we aspire to have many open spaces for collaboration. The facility will be constructed with the highest safety standards available, understanding that the nation is vulnerable to natural disasters. Sustainable energy harvest and storage will be important for daily operations and will be included in our ambitious plans.
The academy will focus on providing positive, productive pathways for highly talented young Haitians identified by its qualified staff. The academy will also inspire more than those enrolled in its program. The surrounding economic space and the diaspora may also find inspiration in the quality and nationalism harkened in its construction, message, and quality of education. In the later stages of its development, it will be an economic hub capable of drawing foreign investment and attracting diaspora members to visit, work, or invest.
The space, its function, and its people will highlight Haiti as a location of excellence. With its graduation of excellent role models in sports and academics, we believe our location will grow to exhibit facilities capable of hosting national and international events, showcasing the nation, its culture, and economy as a model for future development and positive Haitian attention.
Our Vision
To foster a culture of excellence, integrity, and inclusivity which in turn cultivates a community of champions who excel in their respective sports and serve as ambassadors for positive change.
Excellence
Integrity
Resilience
Community
Social Responsibility
Passion
Leadership Team
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Ryan C. French
A former American soccer player who played a season in Haiti, Ryan has wide-reaching experience as a soccer coach and club director. Ryan was inspired by the work of Right to Dream Academy (Ghana), where he started their Kumasi Soccer School. He understands that Haiti is full of dreams and would like to support pathways for this talent to develop to its fullest.
Ryan was most recently the Executive Director of a large youth soccer Club near Chicago affiliated with their MLS club, the Chicago Fire FC. He has been a Coaching Director and Director of Operations at other Chicago Fire affiliates and was a member of the coaching staff for the Chicago Red Stars Reserve team.
His education includes an MBA from Pepperdine University and an MSc. in International Project Development from Rouen Business School, a French Grande Ecole.
Contact
Professional Experience
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Chicago Fire Juniors North Shore, Executive Director
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Chicago Fire FC, Director of Operations, Fire Juniors West
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Chicago Red Stars Reserves, Assistant Coach
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Right to Dream Academy, Kumasi Soccer School Head of Program
Education
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Rouen Busines School, Master of Science in International Project Development
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Pepperdine University, International MBA
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North Central College, International business and ecomonics
James Louis-Charles
A Haitian American with extensive experience as a club director, educator, and soccer coach. James has a Masters’ Degree in Sustainable Peace and Sport from the International University of Monaco. After observing that Haiti possesses an abundance of untapped talent looking for an opportunity to flourish, he desires to build an academy to give Haitian kids an opportunity to reach their dreams and fulfill their potential.
James’s experience includes teaching at Union School in Port-au-Prince, the nation’s most prestigious private school, where he was also the school’s Athletic Director. He is currently the Executive Director of FC Juvenat, a community coed soccer program in Port-au-Prince. He has coached at Bethesda Soccer Club in Washington DC, and was the Country Director for GOALS Haiti, the nation’s most outstanding sport for development program.
James is passionate about positive outcomes for Haitian youth and is an expert on the challenges and narrow pathways that student-athletes face in the country.
Contact
jlouischarles@louvertureacademy.org
Professional Experience
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FC Juvenat, Founder and Executive Director
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Union School (Port-au-Prince), Athletic Director and Social Studies teacher
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Goals Haiti, Country Director
Education
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International University of Monaco, Master of Arts in Sustainable Peace through Sport
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University for Peace in Costa Rica (United Nations-mandated university for peace education)
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American University, International Studies
