Meet the Founder
Dave Brown
Founder & CEO
Dave Brown's life has always revolved around soccer, which he uses to build community.
As a former U.S. Youth National Team player, Dave is on a mission to unlock the potential youth players to become the best versions of themselves, both on and off the field. He is a seasoned soccer coach, the co-founder of Virtual Fútbol Academy, and the founder of Virtual Learning Foundation.
Dave’s core philosophy is this:
When kids build confidence, they unlock their potential.
Dave developed this philosophy through his years in the field.
This same philosophy is embedded in the Virtual Learning Foundation’s mission today. The Foundation empowers coaches in fútbol techniques and positive education and psychology practices so that each coach can ultimately help kids find confidence, self-belief, and resilience that will serve them in other areas of life.
When he’s not on the field or immersed in soccer, Dave can be found scooting around the streets of Philadelphia on his Onewheel or practicing meditation and mindfulness.
David’s Story
David Brown's life has always revolved around soccer. He began playing at a young age and eventually became a member of the U.S. Youth National Team.
After retiring as a player, David began to explore ways to help support other youth players. Having been a player, he knew how important having the right coach is to building self-confidence and a lifelong love for the game. He wanted to bring teamwork and access to quality resources to other young players in the Philadelphia community.
In 2013, David ran a club-neutral group that provided local soccer clubs with trainers and coaches. His goal was to help young players and deliver top-tier coaching. This initiative helped many young athletes and reinforced his belief in teamwork and access to quality resources.
By 2017, David had taken his vision further. He established RC Celta Academy in Philadelphia, a franchise of La Liga's RC Celta. This academy is an excellent program for youth players and offers access to global training methods.
When COVID-19 disrupted training and competitions in 2020, David found a fix. He saw the potential of technology, so he developed a program that used video games to teach soccer. The video games helped players stay engaged and improve their skills, even while stuck at home.
This innovative approach founded the Virtual Fútbol Academy (VFA), a company merging technology with soccer education. The VFA empowers coaches and players worldwide with advanced training tools, giving them new opportunities.
The VFA is a partner organization of the Virtual Learning Foundation. The Foundation partners with the VFA to connect coaches from under-resourced communities with best-in-class resources so that youth everywhere can benefit from better mentors and soccer education.
David's journey is not only his work; it's also his personal growth.
Those who know David describe him as energetic, intelligent, and striving to improve. He is reflective. He works on self-awareness and emotional intelligence.
David's approach to his foundation is personal because he wants to create a meaningful experience for the next generation. He blends his passion for soccer with a desire to make a positive impact.
Open-mindedness is at the core of everything at the Virtual Learning Foundation. As the leader, David embraces new challenges and tries new approaches. He develops his nonprofit to serve young athletes better. His unique ability to innovate and inspire sets him apart.
The Virtual Learning Foundation has a clear vision: To help every coach and player unlock their potential.
To do this, the Foundation needs YOUR support to proivde tools, guidance, and inspiration.
Together — let’s change lives.