New Mexico

New Mexico

The New Mexico
Soccer Foundation

Our Mission

To Keep New Mexican Kids Healthy, Happy and Hopeful through the Practice of Competitive Soccer

ApplyDonateAbout us

100%

Of Donations go to scholarships

We have no overhead costs

1000+

scholarshipS awarded

Since our inception in 2007. Each player receives $300, paid directly to their club to cover club and coaching costs

300k+

300 thousand dollars

Have gone to deserving players in NM

Our Mission

Values

A community where kids are participating in soccer is a healthier one. Kids succeed in life if they play sports. Kids thrive if they are living in community with others.

Mission

The mission of the New Mexico Foundation is to improve the lives of young New Mexicans through the practice of competitive soccer.

Vision

We envision a community where all kids, regardless of their families income benefit from the practice of competitive soccer. We envision a community where kids thrive from being placed in an environment where expectations are placed on them, where they are physically active and surrounded by their peers.

Our Partners

About Us

Ian Paul & Lara Patriquin

Founders

Ian Paul and Lara Patriquin established and managed the New Mexico Soccer Foundation between 2007 and 2022. Their efforts led to the contribution of over $300,000 to deserving young soccer players in New Mexico. The Foundation and the youth soccer players of the state extend their heartfelt gratitude to Ian and Lara for their unwavering commitment and dedication. Thank you both for making a lasting impact on the lives of so many young athletes in our community.

Devon Baird

President

Devon Baird, a native of Albuquerque, New Mexico, has been playing soccer for over 20+ years. During his youth, he competed at regional and national tournaments around the US. From 2016 to 2020, Devon played college soccer at Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado. In 2021, Devon took over his family's businesses, Vernon's Speakeasy and The Village Shops at Los Ranchos, and now serves as their owner and operator. He has also been coaching soccer in Albuquerque since 2021, working with Rio Rapids Soccer Club.

Kim Baird

Executive Director

Kim Baird is a dedicated parent of three boys who are all deeply passionate about soccer. Over the years, she managed her two older sons’ teams and has remained actively involved in the sport. Her oldest son, Devon, played at Fort Lewis College and now serves as President of the New Mexico Soccer Foundation. Her middle son is entering his senior year at Southern Methodist University, where he plays for the men’s soccer team. Kim’s youngest, 12, plays for the NM Rapids on the U13 ECNL team—keeping the family tradition alive. Kim’s commitment to service extends far beyond the pitch. She held leadership roles on several boards, including serving as State Council Director for the Colorado State Council of the Society for Human Resource Management (COSHRM) and President of the Human Resource Management Association of New Mexico (HRMA). In education, she contributed her time and expertise to the Manzano Day School Board of Trustees—working on the development, marketing, and long-range planning committees—as well as the Development Committee at Bosque School. And most recently, assisted the North Star PTA HATS Committee in raising funds for their technology teacher and other critical school programs. An alumna of the University of New Mexico, Kim holds a BA in English and Political Science and an MA in Public Administration. She also completed 72 hours toward a PhD in Organizational Learning and Instructional Technology. Her career in human resources spans more than 30 years in senior leadership roles across industries such as restaurant, tech, government contracting, retail, automotive, finance, legal, and healthcare. Today, Kim works for her son Devon at TVSLR, LLC in a leadership support role, continuing her passion for both business and community.

Deanne Schufft

Deanne is a dedicated educator with twelve years of experience in the Rio Rancho Public Schools. Currently serving as an Educational Technology Specialist, she is passionate about leveraging technology to enhance student learning. Beyond the classroom, she owns a successful photography business. A committed member of the community, Deanne is thrilled to serve on the board with the New Mexico Soccer Foundation. With her oldest playing soccer at Fort Lewis, and two younger athletes still at home, she understands the importance of youth sports in shaping young lives. Sports have always been a cornerstone of her family, and she is excited to support the development of young athletes in our community.

Charlie Kaiser

Charlie works as a mental health coach with athletes at the youth, collegiate, and professional levels. She spent four years at Fort Lewis College where she played division 2 soccer and now resides in Albuquerque. Currently, she is pursuing her Master’s in Social Work at New Mexico Highlands University where she hopes to gain skills that she can bring back to the New Mexico soccer community.