Background - About Joe
Joe Macedo was 6’5” and played like he was 5’7”. All vision, composure, and grit — the kind of player who made everyone around him better without trying to. He didn’t play for the spotlight. He played to win, and he played for his team.
He was already working toward his dream before most kids his age knew what theirs was. He made varsity as a sophomore at El Dorado High School, carried that same level to Brea Olinda as a Sophomore, earned a spot with a top tier team for Pateadores in Irvine , and then did something most teenagers only dream about — he went to Guadalajara on a professional trial. He stepped onto that field facing coaches who spoke only Spanish, matched their fitness demands, pushed through the language barrier, and never blinked. That was Joe. He didn’t wait for the right conditions. He walked into the challenge and met it head on.
Off the field he was somebody else entirely — always smiling, always talking, always making people laugh. He loved music, video games with his friends, and meeting people of all ages. He loved his siblings deeply and had already started coaching his little sister in soccer. He was 17 and already thinking about who he could bring up behind him.
He passed away July 13, 2024, doing what he loved — putting in extra time on his own. He lived by Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” He meant it every single day.
The Joe Macedo Soccer Foundation is based in Brea, California. We are committed to honoring Joe’s passion, kindness, and legacy by empowering underserved youth through soccer, mentorship, mental wellness programs, and support for athletes pursuing their professional dreams.
Serving North Orange County and beyond, we provide soccer camps, mental health workshops, scholarships, and development opportunities to help young people build skills, confidence, resilience, and hope for their futures—both on and off the field.
Inspired by Joe’s dream of playing professionally, we strive to shape a stronger, healthier next generation—one goal, one child, one community at a time.
OUR MISSION
Our Vision
To build a world where every young person—regardless of background—has the opportunity, support, and belief to chase their dreams, overcome adversity, and achieve greatness both on and off the field.
We envision a future where youth are not only developed as athletes, but are empowered as leaders, role models, and champions for life—carrying forward the spirit of resilience, hope, and passion that defined Joe Macedo.
