Korean American Soccer Tournament (KAST): Unifying Communities Through Sports, Service, and Leadership

The Korean American Soccer Tournament (KAST), hosted annually by the AKP Sports Foundation, is a premier national event that brings together college students, young professionals, alumni, and community teams from across the United States. Through the unifying power of soccer, KAST fosters meaningful connection, cultural celebration, and community engagement within the Korean American and broader Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community.

Launched in 2022 in New York, the inaugural tournament featured 10 university teams and over 400 participants, quickly becoming the largest Korean American college soccer tournament in the nation. The event garnered national and international media attention, highlighting the growing presence and influence of Asian Americans in athletics and community leadership.

Since its inception, KAST has expanded significantly—engaging more than 50 colleges and universities nationwide and introducing open league divisions for adult men’s and women’s teams to encourage broader participation and inclusivity. To date, over 4,000 players and participants have taken part across regional tournaments spanning the East Coast, Midwest, and Southeast.

Beyond competition, KAST is a platform for service, leadership, and community impact. Each tournament integrates intentional service initiatives and outreach efforts, including:

-Community Service Projects: Partnering with local nonprofits (such as food banks, youth organizations, and shelters) to serve surrounding communities through volunteer efforts tied to tournament weekends.

-Back-to-School Drives & Youth Engagement: Supporting underserved youth through school supply drives, mentorship, and youth sports clinics led by participating athletes and volunteers.

-Charitable Giving & Fundraising: Mobilizing participants and partners to give back through fundraising efforts that support community programs and nonprofit partners.

-Leadership Development: Providing opportunities for student-athletes and young professionals to lead teams, organize initiatives, and engage in service-oriented leadership.

KAST serves as more than a sporting event—it is a movement that empowers the next generation of leaders to live out values of unity, service, and cultural pride. By bringing together diverse communities through sport and service, KAST strengthens relationships across cities, campuses, and cultures.