Years before retiring from a 17-year pro soccer career in 2009, Tony Sanneh  had planned out his next chapter. He would return to the Twin Cities of Minnesota and expand theSanneh Foundation for underserved children that he launched in 2003. That work has become ever more crucial.

Not ready to subscribe? Sign up here for our free newsletter.

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Soccer America Executive Editor Mike Woitalla has written freelance articles about soccer for more than 30 media outlets in nine nations. The winner of eight United Soccer Coaches Writing Contest awards,...