Soccer in the Streets is fortunate to have recently added Otto Lowey as an additional board member with our organization. He has a special connection with Soccer in the Streets and brings a wealth of experience to his role.
Otto Lowey
From a young age, Otto has carried a passion for community and soccer and more importantly how those two things interrelate and work together. Immigrating to Atlanta as a refugee from Liberia at two-years-old, he has overcome racial and systemic obstacles to build a successful career in both soccer and data analytics.
“Overall times growing up as a refugee were rough, lack of food, limited places to sleep, not understanding why I couldn’t get certain normal things, and more. However, there were several moments with mother and friends that made my mind go into a safe happy place,” said Lowey. “Most of those moments were at the cement futbol fields I created a moment of utopia with my friends. Those days I could play, have fun, and not worry about not having a meal or the power being out in our home.”
Often moving from one low-income apartment to another, Otto quickly found comfort in playing soccer wherever and however he could. Otto had not yet found community throughout his moves and was eventually able to create a union with Blacks, Latinos, and Asians who all played together, something that he hadn’t yet experienced before.
He continued to push his abilities without proper training, and one day, a British man approached him about joining his team. This man would go on to provide Otto transportation to and from practices and was a light of hope for further opportunities. From that moment on, Otto’s barrier-breaking mentality took him to almost signing a contract with AC Milan, getting a scholarship to play with Winthrop University, and finally going on to play professionally in the MLS.
Otto (left) playing during an MLS game
After his time with the MLS, Otto returned to Atlanta and worked as a Coach with Soccer in the Streets in the Vine City area for two years. During his time there he was able to connect and foster a relationship with its community and players.
“The mission at Soccer in the Streets’ spoke to me since I was that kid growing up in low-income housing and understanding that I see my face on each of the kids we work with,” said Lowey. “When I was a Vine City coach and giving back to my community fueled my passion to be there for the kids 200%.”
He also comments- “I think the biggest breakthrough I have had with the youth players doesn’t come from being an ex-professional MLS player. It came from being consistent in their lives, listening, and being authentic with the kids. A lot of their days are hectic due to the environment they are being raised in but having a coach that is consistent and pours positivity back into them makes their 30mins to an hour all worth it when they come out and play soccer,” said Lowey.
“Seeing a face that is similar to them and understanding that I grew up with similar beginnings makes the connection more real for the kids and myself. I think that is where the true inspiration comes from, not that I was an ex-professional MLS player, but for them to know, I started off just like them and made it out of a difficult childhood environment. The ability to have hope/belief for those kids is more valuable than money.”
Mr. & Mrs Lowey
Otto continued his coaching career with DDYS (Decatur-Dekalb YMACA Soccer). In 2016, he joined the Atlanta United team as one of the first Assistant Coaches for the Youth Academy. His goal as a coach was to guide the kids to not only become better players, but also well-rounded individuals beyond the pitch.
While coaching with Atlanta United, Otto was able to come full circle and provide transportation to some of the kids, the same way someone once did for him. Knowing that he is in a position to guide, inspire and give hope to kids who need to be given a chance is one of the reasons Otto continues to look for ways to build community and empower Atlanta’s youth through soccer.
“I love Atlanta with every fiber in my body! My focus will be on keeping true to the community and connecting our youth to better opportunities than I did growing up,” said Lowey.
While maintaining his passion for soccer, Otto gathered over ten years of Marketing and Analytics experience. Currently, he serves as a Portfolio Manager with Moxie. As well, Otto is apart of the Emerging 100 Black Men of Atlanta. He strives to provide guidance by mentoring both High School and Collegiate level young Black professionals.
Otto with his family
Through his network with current Lowes CEO, Marvin Ellison, Otto organized a suit drive to provide all Best Academy graduating seniors a new suit to prepare them for the beginning of their professional careers. Simultaneously, Otto has worked closely with HYPE, who is dedicated to serving as the main source of Georgia’s aspiring leaders, mainly focusing on the Hispanic community.
With all the hard work, he has already put in at the organization and building a connection with the youth players, Otto will be an influential part of showing the young children of color that they have representation a the top. As well as showing them they can make a difference in the same community. We are thankful to have him as apart of the extensive board!