Karen Football Association Undefeated in UPSL, Representing & Uplifting Southeast Asian Community
Founded in 2019, Karen Football Association was created to give the Southeast Asian community that has settled in Minnesota a platform for representation in the world of soccer. The club has created not only a successful youth academy, but also men’s and women’s semi-pro teams that now compete in the UPSL.
The word Karen refers to an indigenous ethnic group native to eastern Burma (Myanmar) and western Thailand. For many in this community, life has been marked by displacement, as the civil conflict in Burma—now the country’s longest-running—has forced thousands to flee their homes and live in refugee camps outside of the country. Minnesota is now home to the largest Karen population in the United States and has become a new base for hope and rebuilding. Out of this, the Karen Football Association (KFA) was born, offering more than just a team—a symbol of resilience and unity through sport.
With a mission centered on creating opportunities for an underserved community, KFA is much more than a club. “We proudly joined the UPSL, expanding our mission to offer a development pathway for our community and other ethnic groups from Burma and beyond,” says founder Kyle Johnson.
Today, the Karen Football Association youth soccer program serves over 250 young athletes and is a critical part of the club’s growth. The new-formed men’s team is currently undefeated and sitting at the top of the UPSL Division 1 Midwest West conference, with a 4-0 record and ambitions of promotion to the Premier Division.
KFA has also taken an important step forward by launching a women’s team in the UPSL Women’s Midwest West – North conference. Though the team is still in search of their first win, their participation is a historic moment for the community.
“Many of these athletes are overcoming cultural barriers simply by playing—a testament to our ongoing commitment to gender equity and community leadership,” says Johnson. KFA welcomes players of all backgrounds and today includes over 100 adult athletes who are developing not only on the field but in their new lives in the US.
“At KFA, we believe in more than just the game—we believe in the power of sport to change lives,” Johnson reflects. As the club continues to grow in both visibility and impact, it remains a powerful example for what community-first sport can achieve.
For more information on the Karen Football Association teams in the UPSL, visit www.upsl.com. To learn how to join the UPSL for the upcoming Fall Season, visit www.upslregistration.com/application/team.
About United Premier Soccer League
The UPSL was formed in 2011 and occupies the unofficial fourth tier of US Soccer. Across its Premier, Division 1, Women and Academy divisions there are more than 800 teams competing nationwide. The UPSL is the largest Pro Development League in North America and is a National Affiliate member of the U.S. Soccer Federation (USSF). Each UPSL team is individually owned and operated. UPSL teams are eligible to participate in the U.S. Open Cup Qualifying Rounds through the league’s affiliation with USSF. More information about UPSL can be found at www.upsl.com or by following the league on Facebook (facebook.com/upslsoccer), Instagram (@upslsoccer) and Twitter (@upslsoccer). Contact UPSL: [email protected] / Media: [email protected].