My name is Alan Carranza, and my journey has always been about using sports as a tool to create opportunity. I grew up playing soccer through the Columbus Youth Guild (CYG) — a nonprofit league that gave kids like me a chance to play, regardless of background or income. CYG taught me the importance of inclusion, teamwork, and community support. It was there that I first understood how powerful sports can be in shaping young lives.

When I entered Franklin Heights High School, I carried those lessons with me. I became a four-year varsity soccer player, proudly representing my school as a goalkeeper. Over those four years, I earned recognition on the OCC First Team, Second Team, and Honorable Mention, but the most valuable things I gained weren’t medals or titles — they were leadership, resilience, and a passion for helping others grow.

Off the field, I stayed deeply involved in my school community. I volunteered through Key Club International, SkillsUSA, and the National Honor Society — organizations that helped me serve others and build leadership skills. I served as Historian for Key Club and President of SkillsUSA, leading our team to win the district business pitch competition and place second at the state level. Our project, Drop In Sports, was a free social media app designed to help athletes connect and play local pickup games. That idea — connecting people through sports — became the foundation for everything I do today.

In recognition of my efforts to make a difference, I received Syntero’s Award for Positive Change, an honor that reflected my drive to create lasting impact in my community.

After high school, I returned to Franklin Heights — this time as the JV Soccer Coach — and saw firsthand how many kids were playing organized soccer for the first time as teenagers. Many of them had talent and heart but lacked access to early development opportunities. That realization reignited my purpose.

I founded the Drop In Foundation to break those barriers. Our mission is simple: Sports for All. We provide opportunities for youth to get involved in sports, develop their skills, and build confidence — regardless of financial situation. We’re not just teaching the game; we’re teaching teamwork, leadership, and belonging.

This initiative will bring families together, strengthen community pride, and introduce kids to sports at a younger age — so by the time they reach high school, they’re not just new players, but confident athletes ready to grow.

What started as an idea in a high school classroom has evolved into a movement that unites youth, families, and communities through the power of sports. The Drop In Foundation is my way of giving back to the same kind of opportunity that once gave me hope.

— Alan Carranza
Founder & President, Drop In Foundation
JV Soccer Coach – Franklin Heights High School