Ventura Football Network announce Strategic Partnership with AOS Sports and College Player Pathway
Comprehensive Recruiting Education Platform to Empower Student-Athletes at VFN Showcases Nationwide
Ventura, CA — March 5, 2026 — Ventura Football Network (VFN), a nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding access to football across the country, announced a strategic partnership with AOS - Athlete of Significance and its College Player Pathway (CPP) program. Through this partnership, AOS and CPP will deliver a comprehensive recruiting education platform to student-athletes and their families at VFN showcases and events nationwide.
The collaboration brings together AOS Sports’ proven recruiting education curriculum with VFN’s expansive network of showcases, which connect players with college, amateur, and professional scouts from every level of collegiate soccer across the United States and beyond. By integrating the College Player Pathway into VFN’s showcase ecosystem, student-athletes will gain access to the tools, mentorship, and guidance they need to navigate the college recruiting process with clarity, confidence, and purpose.
“This partnership is a natural fit for what we’re building at AOS Sports,. The VFN shares our commitment to breaking down barriers and creating meaningful opportunities for young athletes. Together, we can ensure that every student-athlete who steps onto a VFN showcase field is equipped not only with exposure, but with the education and leadership skills to take control of their recruiting journey.” said Christian DeVries, Founder of AOS Sports.
A Platform Built on Purpose
The College Player Pathway, developed by AOS Sports, is designed to educate, empower, and elevate student-athletes and their families through every stage of the recruiting process. Unlike programs that focus solely on player identification, CPP provides a comprehensive approach that includes recruiting readiness, communication skills, character development, and strategic alignment with schools that match each athlete’s academic and athletic goals.
VFN’s showcases are specifically designed to provide maximum exposure without the pay-to-play barriers that often limit access for talented athletes. With 60+ scouts from every level of college soccer attending both in-person and virtually via livestream, VFN events already serve as a critical gateway for aspiring collegiate athletes. The addition of AOS Sports’ recruiting education platform will enhance the athlete experience by providing structured guidance before, during, and after each showcase event.
“At Ventura Football Network, our mission has always been to remove barriers and create real opportunities for athletes who deserve to be seen. Partnering with AOS Sports and the College Player Pathway takes that mission to the next level. We’re not just giving athletes a stage to showcase their talent, we’re now equipping them with the knowledge and tools to navigate the recruiting process with confidence. This is a game-changer for the families and communities we serve.” said Cameron DeJong, Founder of Ventura Football Network.
What the Partnership Delivers
Through this strategic partnership, student-athletes participating in VFN showcases across the country will benefit from access to AOS Sports’ College Player Pathway recruiting education modules, which teach athletes how to communicate with coaches, build recruiting profiles, and evaluate college programs. Athletes and families will receive personalized guidance on navigating the recruiting timeline, including NCAA eligibility requirements and scholarship opportunities. The partnership also introduces AOS’s signature leadership development programming, rooted in the Athlete of Significance philosophy that an athlete’s value extends beyond physical talent and into character, commitment, and purpose. Additionally, VFN’s film, analytics, and media support will be paired with CPP’s recruiting strategy, creating a powerful end-to-end platform for college-bound athletes.
A Shared Mission: Equity, Access, Opportunity
Both organizations are united by a common belief that talent should never be limited by financial barriers. VFN’s mission to eliminate pay-to-play obstacles aligns directly with AOS Sports’ commitment to making recruiting education accessible to every student-athlete, regardless of background. This partnership ensures that the athletes who need guidance the most will have access to world-class recruiting education at no additional cost through VFN events.
“In a landscape where talent is everywhere, we help student-athletes stand out by leading with character, commitment, and significance, With VFN’s incredible reach and community-first approach, we’re going to change the game for thousands of young athletes across the country.” added Christian DeVries.
About AOS Sports
AOS - Athlete of Significance is a recruiting, education, and leadership development platform founded by Christian DeVries, a former 20-year college soccer coach and Sports Management professor. AOS develops student-athletes, coaches, and leaders who realize that lasting impact comes from value rather than just talent. Through the College Player Pathway, Coaching the Bigger Game, and leadership workshops, AOS empowers the sports community to lead with purpose on and off the field. Learn more at www.aossports.com and www.collegeplayerpathway.com.
About Ventura Football Network
Ventura Football Network (VFN) is a nonprofit organization expanding access to football in Ventura County and beyond through showcases, player development support, community partnerships, and club collaboration. VFN runs free and low-cost exposure events that connect players with college, amateur, and professional scouts, breaking down pay-to-play barriers and lifting the football community together. Learn more at www.venturafootballnetwork.com.
