HISTORY
Hosting the 1994 World Cup changed the face and fortunes of soccer in the United States forever. In 1989 just 3,000 spectators watched the U.S. beat Trinidad and Tobago in a World Cup qualifier. By July 4th there were 84,177 people packed into California's Stanford Stadium. Spectators watched the U.S. narrowly lose 1-0 to Brazil while 13.6 million watched on TV. The 1994 World Cup was so well run that it generated $350 million in revenue and $60 million in profit, all of which was placed in a non-profit fund called United States Soccer Federation Fund Incorporated, which is still used today to promote and support Grassroots Soccer Initiatives in the United States.
Gabriel and Likius served in different capacities leading up to and during the past FIFA World Cup events. Both men participated in various programs that included creative arts, cultural dancers and musicians, entertainment, sports activities, preaching schedules, prayer teams, and much more.
In 2006, Gabriel was sent out to train hundreds of volunteers from Africa and became the official YWAM Kick Off ‘06 Africa Coordinator. He was then recognized and invited by FIFA to bring a team of volunteers to offer African hospitality at the FIFA official handover ceremony in Berlin as Germany formally handed over the key to South Africa to host the 2010 Soccer World Cup.
In 2008, Gabriel began working in preparation for the 2010 FIFA World Cup outreach projects in South Africa through Ultimate Goal, a large Christian networking group that mobilized, recruited, trained and equipped countless Christian groups, non-profit organizations, sports entities and many more. After training, these local and international organizations were to participate in various events and programs around South Africa during the Soccer World Cup. Ultimate Goal facilitated creative arts, cultural dance/music, entertainment, sports, hospitality and provided some places to local and international soccer fans. He was then promoted to Global Project Manager where he became the point person for all participating teams, both local and international.
Both Gabriel and Likius have played crucial roles in past FIFA World Cups. They are looking to continue to serve and build a legacy for Grassroots in the United States in preparation for the 2026 World Cup and prove that America is an ambitious soccer nation that strives for change.
Gabriel and Likius have continued to serve and create a legacy, even beyond the FIFA World Cup.
Here they are with
Corban University's women's soccer team which Likius was coaching.
Gabriel is the president and founder of Precision Soccer Club (www.precisionsportsacademy.com)
He is also the president and founder of MHFI, which is a USA based non-profit (www.mulengahope.org)