To have the greatest impact on a young student’s school experience, we understand “meeting kids where they are” has a lot to do with how we’re able to connect and provide critical support and resources. In a very literal sense, an easy way to meet young OKCPS students is on a soccer pitch!
As the district’s highest-demand sport, our job is to help expand and grow opportunities to play, so more kids can enjoy their passion sport while attending school – all at no cost. Whether it’s more team events, special tournaments, training camps, or other soccer related activities, history has shown if we build it, they will come!
That’s why we’re thrilled to introduce the newest member of our team, Cody Laurendi, as Director of Soccer & Youth Sports Advocate.
Cody is no stranger to the Oklahoma City soccer community. After an impressive career as a professional goalkeeper, most notably with OKC Energy FC from 2016 to 2020, Cody has shifted his focus from playing the game to coaching both players and coaches, on and off the field of play.
With his passion for the game and vision for increasing youth participation in Oklahoma City, Cody is a key player in helping us keep our goal of creating a clear pathway to enable kids in OKC’s urban core to play sports for free from 3rd grade through high school graduation.
Welcome to the F&F team, Cody!
What is your name and title at Fields & Futures?
I am Cody Laurendi, Director of Soccer & Youth Sports Advocate at Fields & Futures.
Explain your roles and responsibilities in that position.
My role at Fields & Futures is to build relationships throughout OKC with both coaches and players, providing opportunities and experiences that further their development both on the field and in our community.
Give us a brief history of your career path or previous experiences that led to this position at Fields & Futures.
I am a former professional goalkeeper of 15 years. Originally from Florida, I spent years in Europe, the Caribbean, and various stops throughout North America before ultimately finishing my career here in OKC with OKC Energy FC.
What are your immediate goals or objectives as Director of Soccer & Youth Sports Advocate?
The immediate focus is on using Fields & Futures’ infrastructure of quality athletic fields to create opportunities for local youth sports organizations, including the YMCA and OKC PAL, to provide free soccer leagues and clinics.
My goal is to help kids find opportunities to continue their careers at the next level.
What are your long-term goals or objectives as Director of Soccer & Youth Sports Advocate?
My goal is to help kids find opportunities to continue their careers at the next level. To do so, I will lean heavily on my personal network of college and professional coaches to give players exposure and ultimately help them use soccer as a way to go to college and even turn pro.
How important are sports in the development of a young person? Why do you feel this way?
Through sports, a young person learns commitment, consistency, teamwork, and other essential lessons that mirror life. I believe sports are the best path to develop strong, resilient, high-character individuals who ultimately become positive contributing members of society.
Talent is universal, but opportunities are not.
Fields & Futures’s mission is to help underserved kids and communities realize their purpose and potential by creating more opportunities to play team sports. Why do you believe in this mission?
Simply put, talent is universal, but opportunities are not. If we can just give kids the opportunities they deserve, doors will open to a world they didn’t know they had access to.
Fields & Futures has built 70 outdoor fields, tracks, and courts since 2012. Now that the fields have been built, how can we ensure there are teams to use them?
Programming. Our strategy is to provide kids, coaches, leagues, and schools with essential, sport-specific resources and support. My responsibility is to maximize opportunities for both organized team activities and supplemental training for our kids.
As Director of Soccer, what opportunities do you see to attract or engage new donor bases or program partners?
Soccer will continue to gain in popularity as we inch closer to the 2026 World Cup here in North America. It is the sport that unites cultures better than any other. Potential donors and program partners will see how greatly Fields & Futures impacts kids and communities by giving them the opportunities and exposure they so desperately deserve.
As Youth Sports Advocate, do you see any opportunities to attract or engage students in new or exciting ways?
Absolutely. My goal is to help as many athletes play as early and for as long as possible. As I mentioned, my network of professional and college coaches will be aware of the talent here in OKC and will give many athletes an opportunity at a post-high school career.
I just hope I’ve played a small role in helping kids discover and reach their potential through the sport of soccer.
In the future, when you step back and look at the impact you’ve had on Fields & Futures and the OKCPS community, what specific outcome would make you feel like your tenure was a success?
When that time comes, I just hope I’ve played a small role in helping kids discover and reach their potential through the sport of soccer.
