Washari Lands in Japan!

Washari Jaziya, an Ascent Soccer graduate and captain of Malawi's U20 national team has ventured east for a professional football opportunity, signing with Japan's Nankatsu SC. Based in Tokyo, the club is backed and named by Yoichi Takahashi and his globally recognized manga and anime series Captain Tsubasa.

Washari, a native of Nkhotakota, Malawi, started his academy journey with Ascent Soccer in 2020 and was our anchor at centre back in 2023 when the U16 boys captured Iceland’s Rey Cup during Ascent’s first-ever European tournament appearance. 

Along with leading the Malawi U20s, Washari has also played for the U17s and just this week, received his first call-up to the senior national squad.

With Nankatsu SC, who play in Division One of the Kantu Soccer League, Washari is expected to play at both centre back and in the midfield.

ASCENT GIRLS ARE SEVEN OF ELEVEN! A whopping seven Ascent Soccer scholars and graduates were in the starting eleven of Malawi's U20 Women's National Team! They earned a 1-1 draw with the Central African Republic in World Cup qualifying action. Leticia (left) captained the squad and scored their only goal. So proud of our girls and staff for making this happen! Our equity impact keeps growing!

OUR FIRST UNIVERSITY GRADUATE! Congratulations to Geoffrey Ogenrwot, who graduated last week from Pennsylvania's Dickinson College, with a major in Studio Art. In 2024, he also helped the Red Devils earn their first ever appearance in the final eight of NCAA D3 Tournament. Geoff started his academic and soccer journey at Canada's St. Andrew's College and his creative acumen stood out from day one. Way to go Geoff!