I am Ziggy. I wear my upbringing like a badge of honor. For me, being a first-generation Black Brit of African and Jamaican descent meant that excellence wasn’t a choice—it was an expectation. Anything less than an “A” was unacceptable in my household, but the stakes were bigger than just grades.

I didn’t really have a childhood. I was thrust into adulthood before I knew what innocence felt like. My mother, Serina, was 16 when she had me, so in many ways, we grew up together more like sisters than mother and daughter. When my grandmother kicked us out after I was born, we found refuge in foster care—together. That’s where I met Vilma Khan-Biorris, a Trinidadian woman who became my real grandmother in every way that mattered. Her love filled the gaps life had left in me.

Growing up in South East London was survival training. Violence, gangs, and crime were my backdrop. It became clear early on that if you don’t eat, you’ll be eaten, so I couldn’t be scared to walk those streets. Any clout I earned came from standing my ground, but the real power I found came from learning to rise above that world.

What Saved Me: Sports 

My mother and grandmother were warriors—fierce, unwavering, and eternally dissatisfied. In their world, growth was non-negotiable. There were many times where the expectation to be the BEST was forced upon me. That type of thinking bled into every relationship I had and into everything in life that I pursued. I strived to be THE BEST, and if I wasn’t, I degraded myself and ostracized everyone around. Now, as I teach and coach, I make sure to pass on empathy as well as kindness toward mistakes and upset. I refuse to carry those generational curses.

While chaos reigned at home, sports became my sanctuary. School wasn’t just for learning—it was my escape. Breakfast clubs, sports, after-school activities—I lived for those hours. I was fast, strong, and tenacious, but never the best. That meant there was always room to grow.

At 12, my life shifted. I joined Long Lane Junior Football Club in Kidbrooke, England, which is where I met Mick Northwood, the man who saw beyond my tough exterior and nurtured the broken child within. Mick gave me the name “Ziggy” because of the zigzag pattern in my braids. But he gave me so much more as well—belief, discipline, and the audacity to dream.

Mick didn’t just coach me; he raised me in the way I needed. He taught me to question everything, refuse to take no for an answer, and keep pushing even when the world doubted me. Because of Mick, I climbed to the top—playing professionally for Crystal Palace, Millwall Lionesses, and Chelsea FC before moving to America in 2013.

The Birth of The Zinovae Foundation 

When Mick let me know he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in late 2024, I channeled my grief into something bigger—something that would honor his legacy and continue his life’s work. The Zinovae Foundation is that legacy.

Let’s get one thing straight: Access to sports should never be earned—it should be given freely and equitably. But in America, sports are a privilege reserved for those who can pay. This pay-to-play system excludes the very kids who need sports the most—kids like me.

If I had grown up in the U.S., I wouldn’t have had a chance. I would have been another statistic—another kid left behind because financial barriers stood in the way of my potential. But I refuse to let that happen to the next generation.

At The Zinovae Foundation, we are tearing down the financial barriers that keep talented kids off the field and out of opportunities. We serve underrepresented and marginalized communities, prioritizing those from low-income households and single-parent families. We don’t just invest in players—we invest in people.

Our mission is clear:

Access: Provide equitable opportunities to play, learn, and grow.
Mentorship: Offer guidance that goes beyond the game.
Skill Development: Nurture talent rooted in passion and perseverance.

At The Zinovae Foundation, we know that soccer is more than a sport—it’s a lifeline. It builds resilience, discipline, and leadership, shaping young athletes into community leaders who will one day create a better world.

But The Zinovae Foundation is more than just a pathway to elite soccer. We are building future leaders. Through mentorship, workshops, and skill-building programs, we prepare young people to excel off the field as much as they do on it. Our focus is not on just creating great athletes—it’s on cultivating strong, empowered individuals who will one day give back to their communities.

We emphasize mental resilience, emotional intelligence, and leadership development because we know that true success isn’t measured solely in goals and trophies. It’s measured by how much these young people are prepared to lead, inspire, and transform their communities. By teaching life skills alongside technical excellence, we ensure that Zinovae scholars don’t just survive—they thrive.

From Adversity to Action 

People often admire my light and growth, but what they’re really witnessing is a product of my environment—poverty turned power. They don’t see the battles I fought, the wounds I healed, and the strength I had to cultivate to become the woman I am today. But what the world will see soon enough is the impact of collective action—when we come together to change lives, one child at a time.

This isn’t just about soccer. This is about equity. About dismantling systems that lock out marginalized communities. About giving kids the tools they need to succeed—not just on the field, but in life.

Ziggy’s Journey: From Player to Powerhouse 

When I moved to America in 2013, I didn’t just bring my soccer skills—I brought my vision. I saw a broken system that priced out the most vulnerable, denying them access to a tool that had saved my life. I refused to sit idly by while talented kids were pushed to the sidelines because of money.

So, I took action. I went beyond being just a coach. I pursued a master’s degree in Organizational Leadership and Change to gain the tools I needed to dismantle these barriers from within. I learned to navigate systems designed to exclude, and I reshaped them to center equity and inclusion. I used my voice to advocate for marginalized communities, ensuring they had a seat at the table—and a place on the field.

Now, as the founder of The Zinovae Foundation, I’ve come full circle. I’m not just giving kids a chance to play—I’m giving them a chance to win in life.

The Zinovae Foundation is more than an organization. It’s a movement. A revolution built on the belief that every child deserves a chance to thrive. But we can’t do this alone. It takes a village. Join us in leveling the playing field. Together, we can ensure that no child is left behind, no talent goes unnoticed, and no dream is out of reach.

Let’s create a system where the next generation doesn’t just survive—they soar. It all starts with one simple question: How can you make a difference today?

Ziggy Odogun was born Ashante Ese Odogun-Williams in London, England, to a teenage mother. Ziggy defied the odds, turning the weight of her past into a force for change. Her story isn’t just about survival—it’s about rising, thriving, and igniting the same fire in others. Through The Zinovae Foundation, she is ensuring that young athletes with untapped potential have the chance to shine, no matter their circumstances.