Oklahoma City — Jozy Altidore, the retired U.S. national team striker who scored in two World Cups, revealed Thursday his investment in the city’s emerging professional soccer franchise. Partnering with Echo Investment Capital CEO Christian Kanady and business associate Alex Lee, Altidore joins investors including NBA star Russell Westbrook, the Chickasaw Nation and entrepreneur Nick Gross.

The group targets a full soccer ecosystem in Oklahoma City, anchored by a new stadium set to break ground on the south side of downtown. Altidore’s involvement extends beyond ownership. His company, Sogility, will launch one of its high-tech training centers here, offering data-driven skill development for youth players.

Altidore traces his motivation to a key moment at age 8 in a South Florida park. A Boca Raton academy coach spotted him playing pickup soccer, approached his Haitian immigrant father Joe and offered free training. Joe Altidore hesitated, citing tight finances and soccer’s costs. The coach persisted. That opportunity propelled Jozy to a 20-year pro career, including stints at Villarreal, AZ Alkmaar and Toronto FC.

"That was my story, so why can’t that be someone else’s story?" Altidore said in an interview. "Somebody did it for me, so I am incredibly motivated to do that in as many places as I can, and we’re going to do that in Oklahoma."

Sogility facilities use sensors and analytics to track metrics like agility, first touch and foot strength. Kids train individually without team pressures, receiving real-time feedback. "There is no more guessing in terms of how your left foot is comparable to your right foot," Altidore explained. "We’re able to train that in real time."

The approach aims to keep more children in sports longer. Altidore often heard dropouts cite intensity or feeling unwelcome. Sogility seeks to build confidence and benefits like better grades and school attendance, even if few reach pro levels. "We know not every kid is going to be a professional soccer player," he said. "But will they be able to contribute?"

Kanady envisions an inclusive network covering development, training, education and entertainment. "Unless soccer is someone’s natural love language, they may not realize just how deep and wide the passion for this game lives in our community," Kanady said. He highlighted grassroots players who pursue the sport purely for love, alongside established clubs and school programs.

Altidore, 36, retired three years ago and shifted focus to philanthropy, including his foundation and World Food Program efforts tied to Haiti. Oklahoma City’s immigrant communities, largely Latino, resonate with him. "I see myself in a lot of these people," he said, recalling his father’s path from Haiti to New Jersey, then Florida. "There’s a million little Jozys here who can use somebody like myself, somebody like Russell, somebody like Christian."

Gross’s Find Your Grind complements the vision, linking soccer to career development. Kanady praised Altidore’s role. "Having Jozy as an ambassador adds an exciting new dimension," he said. "His choosing to bring his talents and business to Oklahoma sends a loud and positive message."

The ownership group’s ambitions signal Oklahoma City’s soccer surge. With the stadium in planning stages, backers aim to nurture talent from park kickabouts to pro pitches.