Our Story
For more than a decade, Creative Player Sports, Inc. has inspired thousands of young athletes across the Greater Charlotte Area through its nationally recognized soccer learning system. Building on this legacy, the Creative Player Sports Foundation was established to ensure that children from under-resourced communities have the same access to high-quality sports and educational opportunities as their peers.
By removing financial obstacles, we provide pathways for young players to participate, learn, and grow—on the field and in life. We use soccer as more than just a game—it’s a motivational tool that builds confidence, instills discipline, and fosters resilience.
Through our programs, children in Charlotte’s at-risk urban communities gain not only the chance to play, but also the inspiration and resources to succeed academically, socially, and personally. The Creative Player Sports Foundation is committed to fueling futures—one player at a time.
Our Mission
Our goal is to use soccer as a tool to enhance the lives of children in need by engaging them in educational opportunities. By building community through soccer and leadership training, we seek to remove barriers by bringing children together from different ethnic, racial, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Fuel the Mission
What We Do
After school soccer programs, scholarships for academy & club level youth soccer competition, growth-mindset and leadership training, reading comprehension and writing skills tutoring, and healthy living classes
Career talks, entrepreneurial training, and 1-on-1 mentoring with creative professionals and athletes.
Local food drives, clothing drives, neighborhood & community gatherings to bring together people of all backgrounds from the Greater Charlotte area
Our Staff
Executive Director
Daniel Araujo
Daniel Araujo is the Founder and Executive Director of Creative Player Sports Foundation and Charlotte Metro FC, and serves as Technical Director for Creative Player DMAC Futbol. A native of Montevideo, Uruguay, Daniel is also a leader in the Charlotte community by serving on other non profit boards and advancing youth development through education and sport.
Technical Training Director
John Pietak
John Pietak is the Technical Training Director for Creative Player Foundation, recognized as an innovator in youth sport education through the Creative Player Coaching Vision. A former All-American player at Catawba College, John holds advanced degrees in physical education and education. He is widely respected for his passion for player development and leadership as a technical director in Charlotte.
After School Director
Sydney Burroughs
Sydney grew up attending mission trips, where a passion for serving the community first took root. After a year of volunteering, she took on the role of Program Director at Creative Player, continuing her commitment to youth and community development. She is currently finishing a Communications degree with a concentration in Public Relations and a minor in Sociology at UNC Charlotte, combining her academic and hands-on experience to make a meaningful impact.
Education Advisor
Marianne Smith Stern
Marianne Smith Stern is the Education Director for Creative Player Sports Foundation. A former teacher and school administrator, she holds a B.A. in English from Elon University. With over a decade of teaching and tutoring experience, Marianne brings a broad range of methods and experiences to meet students' needs. She is passionate about personalized learning and helping children reach their full potential.
Executive Director
Daniel Araujo
Daniel Araujo is the Founder and Executive Director of Creative Player Sports Foundation and Charlotte Metro FC, and serves as Technical Director for Creative Player DMAC Futbol. A native of Montevideo, Uruguay, Daniel is also a leader in the Charlotte community by serving on other non profit boards and advancing youth development through education and sport.
Technical Training Director
John Pietak
John Pietak is the Technical Training Director for Creative Player Foundation, recognized as an innovator in youth sport education through the Creative Player Coaching Vision. A former All-American player at Catawba College, John holds advanced degrees in physical education and education. He is widely respected for his passion for player development and leadership as a technical director in Charlotte.
After School Director
Sydney Burroughs
Sydney grew up attending mission trips, where a passion for serving the community first took root. After a year of volunteering, she took on the role of Program Director at Creative Player, continuing her commitment to youth and community development. She is currently finishing a Communications degree with a concentration in Public Relations and a minor in Sociology at UNC Charlotte, combining her academic and hands-on experience to make a meaningful impact.
Education Advisor
Marianne Smith Stern
Marianne Smith Stern is the Education Director for Creative Player Sports Foundation. A former teacher and school administrator, she holds a B.A. in English from Elon University. With over a decade of teaching and tutoring experience, Marianne brings a broad range of methods and experiences to meet students' needs. She is passionate about personalized learning and helping children reach their full potential.
Our Board Members
Board Chairman
William Ingram
President
Daniel Araujo
CEO: Legion Brewing
Phil Buchy
CEO: Medshift
Joe Gasque
Financial Advisor at Morgan Stanley
Grisel Fernandez
SVP at Bank of America
Emily Oliver
CEO Brew Movers
Adrian Gram
Every donation, every hour volunteered, and every new partnership helps a child in Charlotte rise beyond their circumstances. By supporting Creative Player Foundation, you’re not just backing soccer—you’re investing in education, mentorship, and brighter futures for underserved youth.
