Our Mission & Vision
At The Gift of Soccer Foundation, our mission is to empower underprivileged youth around the world through the beautiful game of soccer. By collecting and repurposing gently used soccer equipment, we provide children in need with the resources to learn, play, and grow both on and off the field. Our vision is to create a global community where every child, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to experience the joy and benefits of soccer. We believe in the power of sport to bring people together, foster teamwork, build brighter futures, and sharing joy. Join us in making a difference !
“The Problem”
The Gift of Soccer Foundation is dedicated to addressing the lack of access to sports and recreational opportunities for underprivileged children, both locally and globally. Many children in underserved communities lack the necessary equipment to participate in activities, limiting their ability to engage in physical activity, develop teamwork skills, and experience the joy of play. Additionally, economic barriers prevent families from purchasing gear, creating disparities in youth sports participation.
“How we Solve the Problem”
By collecting and repurposing gently used soccer equipment, we provide children with the resources they need to play, learn, and grow. This not only promotes physical health and social development but also fosters inclusivity and sustainability by reducing waste. Soccer has the power to inspire and uplift communities worldwide, yet far too many children are unable to participate simply because they lack a ball, cleats, or a jersey. Our distribution partners rely on our donated soccer equipment to enhance their humanitarian efforts, as the gear not only provides children with opportunities to play but also helps build trust within communities, making their outreach more effective and impactful.
The Gift of Soccer works to bridge this gap by redistributing donated equipment to children in need, ensuring that no child is left out due to financial limitations. Our efforts help create equal opportunities for youth to engage in a sport that builds confidence, discipline, and community. Through our work, we aim to level the participation field, allowing every child—regardless of their background—to experience the lifelong benefits of sport and community.
The Gift of Soccer Foundation receives gently used soccer gear from generous donors across the country, including cleats, jerseys, balls, shin guards, and other equipment, which we repurpose to support underserved children and communities worldwide.
Our Goals
Increase Gear Donations
Expand our network to collect more gently used soccer equipment from individuals, schools, and soccer clubs, ensuring we have ample supplies to support underprivileged communities worldwide.
Broaden Global Reach
Establish partnerships with local organizations and community leaders in underserved regions to distribute soccer equipment and create sustainable soccer programs that have a lasting impact.
Raise Awareness
Enhance our marketing efforts through social media campaigns, community events, and collaboration with influencers to raise awareness about our mission and the importance of sports in child development.
Engage Volunteers
Build a strong volunteer network to support our initiatives, including equipment collection, sorting, and distribution, as well as organizing fundraising events and community outreach activities.
Secure Funding
Develop diverse funding streams, including grants, corporate sponsorships, and individual donations, to ensure the financial stability and growth of our programs.
Measure Impact
Implement robust monitoring and evaluation systems to track the impact of our efforts on the communities we serve, allowing us to continuously improve and demonstrate the effectiveness of our mission in empowering youth through soccer.
What we have accomplished together.
To date, we have made 30 major donations to 20 countries, spreading the gift of soccer across the globe to over 48,000 children.
Thank you for your support!
How your contributions are used to maximize the foundation’s impact.
- Program Services– Direct costs related to delivering soccer gear, mentoring assistance, and educational support to underprivileged communities.
- Operations and Logistics– Expenses for shipping, transportation, storage, and distribution of soccer equipment to local and international locations.
- Fundraising and Events– Costs related to organizing donation drives, fundraising campaigns, and outreach events.
- Marketing and Outreach– Expenses for raising awareness, social media promotions, website management, and community engagement efforts.
- Administrative Expenses– Salaries (if applicable), office supplies, utilities, and software/tools needed to manage the foundation’s operations.
- Volunteer and Training Support– Expenses for volunteer recruitment, training, and providing resources to those helping with collections and distributions.
Donate via Venmo!
Support Our Mission!
Help make a difference in the lives of underprivileged children by supporting The Gift of Soccer. Your contribution will bring joy, unity, and hope to children worldwide.
Join us in creating a positive impact – donate today to provide the gift of play and help change lives.
Our History
The Gift of Soccer Foundation was established in 2010 by Ken and Margie Levandoski to provide underprivileged players in their local community with the essential equipment needed to play soccer. The founders were astonished by the amount of excellent equipment that was quickly outgrown or set aside and simply getting lost. Recognizing this waste, they saw an opportunity to repurpose these items and make a positive impact.
Over time, the need and opportunities to reach children worldwide grew rapidly. Since its inception, The Gift of Soccer Foundation has done 30 donations to 20 countries, collected from various organizations, families, and corporate sponsors. Additionally, the foundation has had the honor of assisting many established and grassroots organizations with vital business structural consulting, enhancing their ability to serve their communities effectively.
Youth soccer offers numerous benefits to participants, including self-discipline, self-confidence, improved physical health, and stronger relationships with peers and adults. The skills developed through soccer translate to other areas of life, such as school performance and family relationships, fostering both physical and mental growth. Soccer serves as a fantastic foundation, with skills that are applicable to any sport a child may choose to pursue.
While many organizations work hard to make a difference, they sometimes need assistance to grow and perform at their best. Support can come in the form of fiscal donations, equipment donations, organizational structuring, marketing, and strategic planning. The donations, programs, and consulting provided by The Gift of Soccer Foundation helps organizations become stronger and more efficient. As grassroots organizations improve, the overall soccer infrastructure strengthens, benefiting children and entire communities.
