Sankofa, a metaphorical Adinkra symbol, represents the concept of drawing wisdom from the past and applying it to the present. Just as Jackie Robinson and other African American pioneers broke barriers in sports, Sankofa Soccer Academy aims to introduce minority communities to a sport traditionally underexplored by people of color.
The academy's twofold mission is to not only open doors for these communities but also introduce the soccer world to a new generation of athletes — the next Serena Williams or Tiger Woods of the sport. Mya Walsh, the founder of Sankofa Soccer Academy, seeks to create a space where minority soccer athletes feel seen and supported, especially in environments that don’t always reflect their identities. The brand mark embodies this vision perfectly.
For the logo, I designed a powerful combination of a soccer ball integrated with the iconic raised fist. This fist symbolizes strength and the resilience of Black soccer players breaking through barriers. The design incorporates the Pan-African colors — red, yellow, green, and black — to honor the heritage of the African American community.
The overall shape of the logo draws inspiration from the rounded patches commonly found on soccer uniforms, making it versatile for various applications, from uniforms to soccer balls. It’s a strong visual that communicates Sankofa’s mission of empowerment and inclusion.
