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Written by Communications Team

June 11th, 2026

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From a community football pitch to the FIFA World Cup stage

Deedson Louisius and Leverton Pierre - who started their football careers at a small community project and are now preparing to play at the 2026 FIFA Football World Cup.

The FIFA Football World Cup is in full swing, and this Sunday, Haiti will take to the pitch to play their first-round match. We were especially excited to see two of the players named in the squad - midfielder Leverton Pierre and forward Deedson Louisius - as their professional football careers started from a small community football project in Port-au-Prince, which Children on the Edge supported. 

Education through sport

In 2010, following a devastating earthquake which struck Haiti, we worked alongside Coach Patrice Millet, who set up a community sports organisation (FONDAPS). Patrice was diagnosed with bone cancer in 2006. This experience made him realise he wanted to dedicate his life to giving something back to the young people of his country. His work supports children living in some of the toughest areas of Port-au-Prince to access sports coaching, mentoring and nutrition.

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We teach education through sport. Teaching the children how to win and how to lose. We teach them how to nourish their bodies, how to dress, to conduct themselves. We teach values and respect so that one day they can accomplish something in their lives.

Patrice Millet, founder of FONDAPS
"

Children taking part in a session with FONDAPS

More than just football 

Patrice set up his community football programme in 2007, but there is much more to the programme than just football. In addition to training and matches, coaches support the children with any issues they face, and at the end of each session each child receives a food parcel to share with their families. 

Leverton Pierre grew up in one of the toughest areas of Port-au-Prince and was just nine years old when he first started attending Patrice’s coaching sessions. Patrice had to visit his family on many occasions to convince them about the positive impact football could make. During football practices, Patrice spotted Leverton’s potential and was instrumental in kick-starting his professional career, supporting him to join his first professional team at 16. Since then, Leverton has gone on to play professionally in France and currently plays for Portuguese team Vizela. 

Children on the Edge COO Ben Wilkes says, “Having worked with Patrice over the years, this is just one example that reflects not only his dedication, but what happens when you genuinely value children as individuals.”

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It’s a moment of huge pride for us. We will be cheering them on at the World Cup
"

Patrice Millet 

Professional Success Home and Away

Leverton isn’t the only player to go through Patrice’s programme and reach top-level football.  33-year-old Roselord Borgella plays professionally in Mexico for club Tijuana and is part of the National Women’s football team. Another player called up for the Haitian World Cup Squad is Forward Deedson Louisius. Deedson was mentored by Patrice and his team, and has now been signed by Major League Soccer Team, Dallas FC. 

What started as a small grassroots football project to educate children in Haiti through sport has created a lasting legacy.

Haitian Professional Footballers Roselord Borgella and Deedson Louisius

Create Lasting Legacies

Help create even more lasting legacies by making a regular donation. No matter the amount, your investment will help more children reach their potential and look forward to a brighter future. 

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