A request for support of a small town athlete -
Hi, my name is Christopher Haynes and I am 12 years old, born and raised in Lompoc, CA. I have been scouted by the IMG Academy https://www.imgacademy.com/ in Bradenton, Florida for soccer and was requested to fly out for a 3-day tryout in the middle of November 2025. After the tryout, my parents and I had a meeting with the coach where he told me that I not only made the MLS Next soccer program, but I made the MLS Next U13 Homegrown team, the highest level of soccer I could achieve at my age. I was excited but I knew I still had to be accepted into the IMG Academy academically. My parents and I completed the admissions process in two days and because of the letters of recommendation from my principal, one of my core subject teachers and the fact that I have a 3.87 GPA - I was accepted into the top rated academy as well. *Update: I have started the academy and am thriving in this new environment both academically and athletically!!
This soccer academy has both in the past and presently, been the final step between so many students that are both academic scholars as well as athletes. Their students get into top colleges and even have had the honor of being scouted by the USA youth national teams and professional sporting teams. Because the academy is at the end of the fiscal budget, they provided the financial aid that they could but because I am rated one of the top soccer players there as well as academic scholar, they said they are hoping to provide me with more assistance in the upcoming school years. I have added my biography so that way you can know more about me. If you need to get ahold of me for any questions, my mom’s contact is: Yvonne (Luna) Sprouse at 805-588-8188 and yvonnenluna93@gmail.com. Thank you for your time as time is something you can never get back and thank you for your donation no matter the amount!!
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Christopher Haynes Bio
Every great journey starts with a single step — and his began in Lompoc, California, with AYSO. What started as weekend games and pure love for the sport quickly grew into something bigger. His passion, work ethic, and determination pushed him to reach beyond the local fields and chase a higher level of the game.
From those early days in Lompoc, he made the leap to club soccer with Legends FA, making the sacrifice of driving 45min each way from Lompoc to Santa Barbara every day as he accomplished homework in the car, this is where his drive to grow became impossible to ignore. Surrounded by stronger competition and bigger challenges, he rose to every one of them. Training harder. Playing smarter. Leading quietly, but boldly.
His dedication caught attention far beyond club soccer. He was invited to numerous ODP camps and trials — opportunities that tested not just talent, but character. And he answered every test. His effort and consistency earned him a place on the 2024 Regional ODP Team, one of the highest honors a young player can achieve.
Back with Legends FA, he helped deliver back-to-back championships, including the prestigious Champions of Champions Invitational title. He pushed his team deep into state competition, becoming a CalSouth 2024 Semi-Finalist. And he never stopped working — returning again for 2025 ODP, hungry for more growth, more challenges, and more ways to sharpen his game.
And while his achievements on the field speak for themselves, his excellence doesn’t end there. He has been equally exceptional in the classroom — balancing a demanding soccer schedule with strong academic commitment. His hard work earned him a place on the Dean’s List this year, proving he approaches his education with the same discipline and ambition he shows on the pitch.
All of that hard work led to the biggest milestone yet: being scouted and selected MLSNext Homegrown Team - the highest level for his age. A place where the nation’s top youth players train and get scouted by professional teams.
A place built for the ambitious.
A place where dreamers become doers.
From Lompoc AYSO fields to a top academic and sports academy — this is the story of a player who refuses to stop climbing. A story of discipline, resilience and quiet confidence. A story still being written, one touch, one game, and one opportunity at a time.
This is his journey.
This is his highlight.
And this is only the beginning.
