Jimmy Banks Academy
About Us
The Jimmy Banks Academy was birthed from the inspiring success story of the late Jimmy Banks™, a renowned USMNT Soccer Icon, Mentor, Community Advocate, and Milwaukee Native.After his passing, the children of Jimmy Banks, Demetrius "Dee" Banks Sr., J.C. Banks, and Jordan Banks established the Jimmy Banks Academy (J.B.A.), to honor his memory in community, education, mentorship, and soccer.Jimmy Banks™ was an American soccer defender who played for the Milwaukee Wave and more notably, was one of the first two African-American men to represent the United States National Team. He was born on September 2, 1964, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and passed away on April 26, 2019, in the same city.Banks began his soccer career at The Salvation Army - Citadel at the age of 6. Growing up in the Westlawn Housing Projects and attending the Silver Spring Neighborhood Center, Jimmy's passion for soccer was nurtured from a young age. Throughout elementary, middle, and high school, he continued to refine his skills on the field. At Custer High School, Banks earned numerous honors, including the prestigious McDonald's All-American Award. Jimmy continued to hone his craft at Milwaukee Kickers and the Bavarian Soccer Clubs. Banks played college soccer at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, where he was a forward/midfield star on the men's soccer team and was co-captain his senior year.Jimmy earned 35 caps with the national team between 1986 and 1991, including two games at the 1990 FIFA World Cup. After retiring from playing professionally, Banks remained deeply involved in youth mentorship, community outreach, and soccer development. Banks served as Director of Athletics at Mary Ryan Boys & Girls Club, entered the coaching ranks with youth clubs (Jimmy Banks Soccer Camp and Simba’s Soccer Team), and later as the Head Coach of the Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) Men's Soccer Team, leaving his imprint on the hearts of each individual impacted by his life.In 2022, Milwaukee Public Schools renamed Custer Stadium to honor Banks.Our mission at Jimmy Banks Academy (J.B.A.) is to continue his legacy by using the power of soccer as a catalyst to equip and empower underserved youth ages 5 - 17 with essential life skills. Our programs integrate physical fitness, educational goal-setting, and impactful mentorship that positively influence the lives of young people. Sports, physical activity, education, and mentorship transform lives, nurture communities, and cultivate responsible citizens.Recognizing that strong communities are built through strong families, J.B.A. is committed to its impact beyond youth programming by providing resources, opportunities, and support that uplift the entire family.
The Academy
Our three-pillar program focuses on the critical needs of youth in our community. We provide inclusive programming that encourages regular physical fitness, healthy nutrition, and social habits, educational goal-setting, literacy, mentorship, and fun. The staff comprises experienced soccer coaches, mentors, educators, and trained volunteers dedicated to helping bring out the untapped potential of every child.Soccer Academy
This program consists of camps, clinics, and classes that focus on developing soccer skills, physical fitness, and healthy nutrition awareness, while using soccer as a catalyst for advancing essential life skills. (June - August)"4" Ward Education Academy
This component is designed to help youth pursue their educational goals and develop financial literacy. It is never too early for our children and youth to begin planning for higher education and long-term economic stability. (September - November)“Class Act“ Mentorship Academy
Programming focuses on personal and social development, mentorship, leadership, and learning how to positively impact and support others. (Included in all academies)Jimmy Banks Academy builds stronger communities by investing in youth, regardless of their socioeconomic background. Through strategic partnerships and innovative programs, J.B.A. provides access to education, workforce development, and community resources that promote opportunity and improve the quality of life for youth and their families.Jimmy Banks Academy is committed to creating meaningful opportunities that empower youth to reach their full potential, develop essential life skills, and become confident leaders who contribute to healthier, stronger, and more resilient communities.
Community. Connection. Compassion. Impact.On August 7, 2026, Jimmy Banks Academy, Inc. and Fountain of Hope came together for an exciting evening of community outreach, fellowship, fun, and giving back!The event created an opportunity for youth, families, and community members to connect while receiving valuable resources, including essential kits, toiletries, shoes, food and refreshments, resource information, and more.From the smiles and conversations to the generosity of our volunteers and supporters, the event was a powerful reminder that community is built when we show up for one another.For J.B.A., community outreach is an extension of our mission to empower youth and strengthen the communities they call home. We were proud to join with Fountain of Hope to make a positive difference and create an experience centered on care, compassion, connection, and hope.Thank you to everyone who helped make this day possible and to every young person, family, and community member who joined us!Together, we are investing in our families, building stronger futures, and uplifting our community.Jimmy Banks Academy, Inc. × Fountain of Hope
Building Hope. Changing Lives. Transforming Our Community.
In July, Jimmy Banks Academy joined Elite Summer Development Camp in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, for a four-day evening camp designed to motivate and develop youth players seeking to improve their technical ability, confidence on the ball, athletic movement, and overall understanding of the game, all within a challenging, supportive, and enjoyable environment.Tony Walls and J.C. Banks, both former professional players and experienced coaches with backgrounds spanning MLS NEXT, ECNL, and collegiate soccer, provided high-quality instruction while creating a competitive and engaging atmosphere that encouraged player development, confidence, and growth.As part of the experience, Jimmy Banks Academy provided each participant with DSG Youth Compression Shirts featuring UPF 50+ sun protection and cooling technology, an especially valuable benefit during the 90+ degree summer temperatures. Participants also received Louisville Slugger visors and Stanley Cups. More than just camp gear, these items represented confidence, pride, teamwork, and a sense of community. For these young athletes, they served as tangible reminders that they were valued, supported, and part of something bigger than themselves.At Jimmy Banks Academy, we leverage soccer as a catalyst for youth empowerment, intentionally combining athletic development with education, mentorship, and essential life skills. Our mission is to expand access and opportunities for young people, regardless of their background, while helping them grow as teammates, leaders, and individuals, both on and off the field.We are grateful to JC Banks and Tony Walls for welcoming Jimmy Banks Academy to this fantastic experience. Together, we are working to expand opportunities, strengthen communities, and empower the next generation of youth through the game of soccer and beyond.
Jimmy Banks Academy proudly recognizes Black Players for Change (BPC), in partnership with the MLS Players Association and the U.S. Soccer Foundation, as a major supporter of our 2025 Summer Youth Program.Through a notable grant, Jimmy Banks Academy was able to purchase 40+ Adidas jerseys, ensuring our participants were equipped with high-quality gear that inspired confidence, pride, teamwork, and togetherness. For our youth, these jerseys represented more than uniforms; they symbolized belonging, encouragement, and the power of unity.Jimmy Banks Academy uses soccer as a catalyst for youth empowerment, intentionally combining athletic development with education, mentorship, and essential life skills. Our work focuses on expanding access and opportunity for young people, particularly those from underserved communities, while helping them grow as teammates, leaders, and individuals on and off the field.Our mission strongly aligns with Black Players for Change, whose commitment to advancing equity and creating pathways for youth through soccer reflects the very heart of JBA’s work. This partnership allowed our participants to experience what it means to be seen, supported, and invested in, reinforcing the belief that sports can be a powerful force for positive change.We are deeply grateful for this investment in our youth and look forward to continuing our partnership with Black Players for Change to expand opportunity, strengthen communities, and empower the next generation of youth on and off the field.
Sponsored by:
The excitement and growth this summer was great! From soccer drills to mentorship talks, our youth were not
just learning soccer skills and exercise techniques; but they built character, confidence, made and set goals,
learned about being a "Class Act", developed teamwork, received literacy books for home, and daily healthy
lunches were distributed to ensure we developed the whole child.We are so proud of the kids and grateful to all the coaches, interns, sponsors, volunteers, and parent/guardians
who made this year's academy possible, as we work together to shape the future of the next generation of youth
and honor the legacy of Jimmy Banks!
Sponsored by:
Additional Partners:
Jimmy Banks Memorial Stadium
Ribbon Cutting & Mural Unveiling Celebration!June 9, 2025
2025 April PBS Black Nouveau Broadcast
featuring Jimmy Banks!
Make A Donation
One of the great pleasures for Jimmy Banks Academy Inc. is expressing our heartfelt appreciation for the acts of kindness extended to us.Thanks to our generous partners and sponsors, we can continue our mission of supporting underserved youth in Milwaukee, Ozaukee, and Waukesha Counties. Our programming focuses on soccer, education goal-setting, financial literacy, essential life skills, and mentorship, ensuring young individuals have access to quality programming.If you would like to contribute and help us make a difference, please consider donating by clicking the "Donate Now" button below.
Your support plays a vital role in empowering the young people in our community. Together, we can create a brighter future for these deserving individuals.For any inquiries or further assistance, please contact La Toya Wimpie at (414) 323-2338.
Board of Directors
Demetrius “Dee” Banks Sr.
Executive Director
La Toya Wimpie
Board Member
Executive Secretary
Jordan Banks
Board Member
Treasurer
Jimmy "J.C." Banks Jr.
Board Member
Soccer Academy Coordinator
Christopher Perceptions
Board Member
Communications & PR Coordinator
Educational Coordinator
Datherene Gant
Board Member
Kenneth Gold Jr.
Board Member
Contact Us
For press or general inquiries, please complete the following form and we will respond to you within 48 hours.