AKP Sports Foundation to Host 4th Annual KAST EAST, the Premier Korean American Soccer Tournament in the United States
New York, NY – March 25, 2025
The AKP Sports Foundation, the fastest-growing AAPI faith-based sports nonprofit organization in the United States, proudly announces the return of the 4th Annual KAST EAST, taking place on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at Randall’s Island in New York City. This year’s tournament will welcome teams from some of the most prominent colleges and universities across the East Coast, including NYU, Harvard, Penn State, and more, along with men’s open division teams and women’s teams representing the broader Asian American soccer community.
KAST (Korean American Soccer Tournament) has grown into one of AKP Sports Foundation’s signature national events, providing a platform for Korean American and Asian American student-athletes to build lifelong friendships, foster community spirit, and celebrate their shared heritage through the game of soccer.
This year, AKP FC, the official soccer team representing AKP Sports Foundation’s ambassadors and players, will compete in the Men’s Open Division, bringing together some of the most talented athletes from the AKP community to showcase both their skills and their commitment to AKP’s mission of faith, service, and excellence through sports.
In addition, the 4th Annual KAST EAST will officially debut AKP Sports Foundation’s new apparel partnership with Monarch, a global athletic and lifestyle apparel brand. Monarch will feature exclusive apparel onsite, giving participants and attendees the opportunity to purchase and wear the new co-branded AKP x Monarch collection, blending high-performance sportswear with AKP’s distinct identity and message. This strategic collaboration reflects AKP’s commitment to elevating its events with professional-quality gear, while also supporting an emerging global brand dedicated to innovation, community, and culture.
As part of AKP’s longstanding tradition, KAST EAST 2025 will also feature a Cares Initiative, the service and outreach component embedded into every major AKP event. This year’s Cares Initiative will be held in partnership with Boost Others, an organization dedicated to providing rapid-response support to families in crisis. Through trusted partnerships with social workers, schools, and hospitals, Boost Others identifies families with immediate needs and works to deliver critical supplies and care — all in the name of Christ.
During KAST EAST, AKP athletes, ambassadors, and attendees will have the opportunity to form teams to assemble care packages to families in need across the local community, combining the spirit of service with the camaraderie and energy of tournament day. AKP is proud to showcase the impactful work Boost Others is doing and to invite the broader AKP community to be part of this meaningful outreach effort.
Jaeseok Choi, Vice President of KAST, expressed his excitement for this year’s event:
“The 4th Annual KAST EAST is a testament to the incredible growth and impact of this tournament. Each year, we see new teams join us—not only for competition, but for a deeper sense of community, culture, and camaraderie. This event embodies what AKP stands for: bringing people together through sports, and using that platform to inspire unity, leadership, and service.”
This year’s tournament is expected to be the largest KAST EAST to date, with:
• 15 Universities represented from across the East Coast
• 6 men’s open division teams including club and local teams
• 2 women’s soccer teams, highlighting AKP’s growing emphasis on promoting and celebrating women’s sports within the AAPI community
To learn more about the 4th Annual KAST EAST and to follow the latest updates, please visit:
About AKP Sports Foundation
AKP Sports Foundation is the nation’s fastest-growing AAPI faith-based sports nonprofit organization, dedicated to fostering leadership, service, and community through the power of sports. Founded with the belief that sports serve as a universal language, AKP creates opportunities for athletes of all ages to develop their talents, connect with their heritage, and serve their local and global communities through sports camps, clinics, tournaments, and service initiatives.
AKP’s innovative model blends faith, sports, and service to create transformational experiences for athletes, volunteers, and community members. The Foundation’s reach extends nationally and globally, from hosting major events like KAST to supporting underserved communities through sports outreach programs.
For more information about AKP Sports Foundation and its programs, please visit:
