Looking at how many jersey’s I have from all the seasons that are just sitting in my closet I was looking for a way to either reuse these at Neighborhood Sports or give them to disadvantaged kids in other areas of the country or world.

In looking into this I stumbled upon non-profit org on facebook through the Men’s National Team called “Cleats For Bare Feet”. I’ve been in contact with the person running it and told him that I would be a collection spot in Austin to help them out. They are trying to get 1000 pairs by July and said they would also take Jerseys!! I think just here in Steiner we can make a big impact.

Here’s their mission:
Mission: To collect both boys and girls second-hand soccer cleats and send them to disadvantaged footballers in foreign countries such as Kenya and the Ivory Coast, as well as areas in the United States.

Here’s the statement that I got back from the coordinator…and the blog to check it out: http://www.cleatsforbarefeet.blogspot.com/

Thank you for taking the time to read about this initiative. “Cleats for Bare Feet” is a project stemming from the need to simply do something good. It was recently established upon my return from Kenya in early December. The ultimate goal is to collect both girls and boys soccer cleats and send them to footballers around the world. Soccer is not only a popular sport, but a medium through which many valuable lessons can be learned. It can provide leadership for those with no direction, motivation for those with nothing else going for them, and a way to interact with people of all backgrounds. Since many disadvantaged children do not get to have these experiences in other ways, we figured soccer cleats might just give them that opportunity. We are asking for nothing else but a simple donation of your second-hand soccer cleats. We are aiming to have over 1,000 pairs of cleats to send to countries such as Kenya in East Africa, the Ivory Coast in West Africa, and even certain areas of the United States.

Thank you for lending a helping hand to a foot in need.

They are looking to send the cleats and now jerseys to the following places:

  • Shangilia children’s home in Kenya (I know someone who works here).
  • My former high school principal’s school in Kenya.
  • We are also in communication with organizations/schools in Senegal, Mali, the Ivory Coast, and South Africa.
  • I am in communication with the US Soccer Foundation for groups to donate to in the United States and abroad.