Athlete Connections Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization committed to using sports as a platform to teach at risk youth character, discipline, and essential life skills.
Athlete Connections Foundation (ACF) is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization that is designed to utilize sports to teach youth about life skills. We do this through proven programs focused on character development and life skills education. This platform is designed to empower student athletes to reach their highest academic and athletic potential, inspiring personal excellence. The skills that are taught are designed to correlate with all life experiences and encounters. Athlete Connections Foundation has developed youth programs and continues to expand. While the foundation’s roots are in athletics, our vision has grown to create a community arm called “ACF Cares” to support diverse programs and passions beyond sports to the arts, stem camps, scholarship funds, holiday toy drives and beyond.
Our programs are built to correlate with real life experiences, helping young people navigate challenges while providing a positive, structured environment.
Driven by a passion to serve the next generation, Dan Cross Jr founded Athlete Connections Foundation in 2006 to transform youth sports through life skills education, mentorship, and academic support.
Born in Chicago and raised in Carbondale, Illinois, Dan developed leadership and resilience early in life as the eldest of five children. During his professional career, he witnessed firsthand the challenges athletes face after leaving sports and formal education systems — a realization that became the driving force behind the foundation.
While the foundation began in athletics, its mission expanded into broader community impact through ACF Cares and Cross Academy LMS — extending life skills education, scholarship support, STEM initiatives, and family-centered outreach across Central Florida.
“We utilize sports to empower at risk youth, build character, and teach essential life skills through proven programs that inspire personal excellence and high academic and athletic achievement.”
Our volunteer board brings together professionals from across sports, business, law, and community development — all united by a passion for youth empowerment.
Identify youth with interest, need, and skill to participate in sports while increasing scholarships, funding, and mentorship opportunities.
Expand education awareness, recruit volunteers and sponsors, and build confidence through positive support systems and real opportunities.
Use social media and community initiatives to promote personal development, scholarships, higher education, and service.
Our programs support improved academics, stronger life skills, greater responsibility, and healthier choices on and off the court.
Every donation, every volunteer hour, every partnership helps us reach one more young person who needs it.
