C4BF Makes a difference in Kenya

In July C4BF received a request for cleats to help the Aspire Mega Soccer Academy (AMSA) in Kenya. The AMSA is a sports centered charitable organization established to transform the lives of the most impoverished and vulnerable youngsters through soccer and education in Kenya. Most of their participants are orphans who cannot afford to buy equipment, not even shoes to wear to school. This is the kind of challenge Cleats For Bare Feet is working toward overcoming.

In August, we connected with a US representative for AMSA and provided them with 13 pairs of cleats for their team.

Today, we received this letter and photos from the Director of AMSA.

Dear C4BF,  

Thank you so much for your donation of 13 pairs of soccer cleats, and 1 ball.In fact. We don't know how to thank you and if it will ever be enough!
We may not be able to thank everyone who donated these cleats but, please let them know that AMSA youngsters are very proud of them and that they have contributed to a great cause and injected a fresh impetus of hope and self belief into the lives of impoverished and vulnerable youngsters in KENYA.
Before your donation, we only had 5 pairs of cleats that were being shared at intervals among the under 12 years. The players wearing shoes at the beginning of the game would in turn share them at the start of 2 half!
That now, the under 12 years can comfortably play 90 minutes wearing cleats is a big milestone to us and by extension the entire community.

As you can see, we still require cleats, shin guards, even uniforms for the older players. We shall always welcome and appreciate any assistance from you. Attached herein are photos of AMSA children.

We don't even know how to thank you and whether our thanks will ever be enough. The equipment to us is a dream come true! And a miracle! , you are changing many lives here!.Attached are the photos of the youngsters.
May the Almighty Father bless you abundantly and long live cleats for bare feat.

Sincerely ,

Eusebias Francis

It is our great pleasure to have been able to be a part of helping Eusebias, his team, and the AMSE work towards their continued goal of identifying, nurturing  and developing talent both on the field as well as in the classroom. 

We hope to be able to find other ways to provide the participants of AMSE with more equipment in the coming months. 

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Soccer As Social Change?

Obviously, at Cleats For Bare Feet we believe soccer can change lives through giving. In this post I want to explore another relationship between soccer and social change. The one of protest and soccer. All over the Middle-East and Africa soccer is being used as a platform of protest. These protests break the established barriers within the soccer world.

Tear gas. Screaming. Innocence killed. Singing."Tayyip do you know Istanbul United? Since 31 May 2013." This is Turkey. The recent protests that broke out in Taksim Square have been widely publicized for the violence. The demonstrators were trying to stop the “renovation” of the historic, Gezi park, into a shopping mall complex. Originally the protests had an environmental theme, but they then became a more general anti-Erdogan/AKP (the current prime minister and regime) demonstration. It’s interesting that these protests, which will likely drastically change Turkey’s political climate, started with a park. This open green space means so much to the people of Turkey that it could spark such a violent response. 

Fans of rival teams embracing

Now how does this relate to soccer? Other than the park, being used for soccer, the protests have united polarized soccer fans for the first time in 30 years (see report by the Huffington Post). To give you an idea of how much these fans dislike each other, earlier in May a Fenerbahce fan was stabbed to death (report) by two Galatasaray fans after a big game. These are two of the “Big Three” soccer teams in Turkey whose fans participated in the protests, the last being the Besiktas. There is bad blood between these fans to say the least. But somehow the political pressure has reached a breaking point and the fans have taken to working together to bring attention to their cause. “Istanbul United” being their new coalition of fans. "It's very clear that even if Gezi Park (protests) achieve nothing else, they have still brought peace in football," Erten wrote in the Radikal newspaper. "At least for now."

Protesters playing soccer

Not only has soccer played a role in Turkey, but a similar phenomenon happened in Egypt. In fact all over the region soccer can be tied to political unrest. Many argue that soccer can be used to predict social uprisings, and reportedly the CIA regularly sends agents to matches to gauge the mood of a country. Soccer gives people a voice of protest they wouldn't normally have, by using matches the public can express their discontent through what the government labels “hooliganism”. These fans are using soccer as a way to unite their country and prove the strength of their beliefs. Political implications aside, we at Cleats fully support the comradery of soccer fans all over the world. 

Photo Taken by: Piotr Zalewski
The  Hakkari Gucu (or Hakkari Power) practicing in Turkey

However, there is a voice missing in this union. Women are gaining rights all over the Mideast and Africa, but they are far from equal. In Saudi Arabia, women are only now being allowed into soccer stadiums, and must sit in their own separate section. In Turkey, more and more women and girls are playing soccer. (Check them out here and here) Though the sport is growing, the women playing have yet to be accepted by the public. As we know soccer is a huge part of Turkish culture, drawing tens of thousands to matches, but the controversy of women participating has robbed them of a large fan base. Female players in the premier league have been heckled, discouraged, and given little to no sponsorship. This might explain the startling statistic of a NY Times report claiming that Turkey has 798 registered female players to the 230,000 male ones. But it does seem that as the girls gain success they gain popularity and their fan base is steadily growing. Women were among the protesters in Turkey fighting against the regime.You may have seen the woman in red photos. Soccer is being used to break barriers for women all over the world. In Northern Uganda, Girls Kick It! is a program designed to help girls deal with the effects of the civil war through soccer and education. C4BF contributed equipment to in the past few months. 

We will focus on women in soccer more in later posts, but we at C4BF are inspired by this bravery and trailblazing spirit in the soccer world. Soccer is clearly more than just a sport, it’s a language. A way people express their passions and ambitions. Whether it be political change, gender equality, education, or healing, soccer breaks boundaries and brings so many different types of people together.

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Crowdfunding Wrap-up and New Goals for C4BF

First off, we would like to thank everyone who contributed to our crowdfunding goal. Every contribution makes a difference in the long run. Cleats for Bare Feet is focused on the idea of spending imagination before spending money. Our Cleats on the Ground program is a great example of that mentality.

Throughout this campaign, and long before it started, our sponsor greeNEWit has continued to support the C4BF mission so that we can continue to help players around the world play safer and reach their potential. greeNEWit has agreed to continue to help support C4BF for another year as we gear up for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

During the crowdfunding campaign, we learned an immense amount about ourselves. Through discussions with supportive organizations like Sports & Social Change and Coaches Across Continents, we are shifting our goals a little.

Over the course of the next year, we are aiming to collect 10,000 pieces of equipment and distribute at least 8,000 pieces to players all around the world before July 13, 2014; the day the World Cup ends. We have one year to date to nearly double our collections and distributions. We have absolute faith that we can hit this target and beyond.


Just like with the crowdfunding campaign, we will continue to need your support. Get involved in one of the following ways:

1. If you have equipment laying around your home, now is the time to get it to C4BF.
2. If your kids play on a team, spread the word to the coaches, teammates, the league, etc.
3. If you know of someone who needs equipment, send them our way.
4. If you, or someone you know, is traveling abroad and would like to experience social giving, let us know. With enough time, we can find players abroad who are in need of equipment.

Here is our progress so far:

We are also preparing to launch a new aspect of C4BF that will help local (Baltimore/DC Suburbs in MD) soccer clubs actively raise money for their teams. It’s called OUR Teams and the next blog post will cover the opportunity in more detail. Stay tuned.

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Why does C4BF give Cleats and not money?

Something we get asked frequently: Why do you donate cleats when you could just give money? Good question. With money donations we could repair fields, buy new equipment, or hire coaches. Sounds great right? In truth it’s more complicated than that, we have 3 main reasons why we give cleats.

1. Cleats are a solution. By giving soccer equipment we address a clear issue. People all over the world want to play soccer, but they lack the supplies to participate. We gather cleats, balls, jerseys, etc. and send them to places in need. Even on a small scale, this solves the problem, giving one person a pair of shoes gives them the ability to play soccer under any conditions they have to deal with. This is key. At any donation site conditions are variable, there may be a grass field but in a lot of cases the fields look like this:

Photo Credit

Most fields are dirt and many have nails, glass and garbage scattered throughout. This puts players, at risk for infections, cuts, and and other injuries. Giving cleats is a simple solution to all these risks.  We can give protection to players and allow them to play soccer pretty much anywhere.

2. Money is problematic.

Everybody needs, and can always use more, money! That's true, but in our case money has its setbacks. Building a soccer field costs over $20,000, but collecting financial contributions is easier said than done. People are more than happy to give away used equipment, but money is something people struggle to part with. This concept makes cleats, and other sporting equipment, a readily available resource that we can tap. 

Additionally, ensuring that the money is being used to the best possible effect would be very difficult. Our organization is based in Columbia, Maryland. Tracking funds all over the world would be near impossible with our current resources. Not only are we responsible for where the money would go, but we would have to make sure the fields were being built ethically, that workers were treated and paid fairly, that codes were up-to-date, and that building is environmentally friendly. 

C4BF feels that it can make the most impact by putting cleats on the feet of players.

3. Equipment is interactive

Our mission at C4BF has always been to connect people through soccer. Not only do we want to practically get shoes and balls to players, but we want to show people how they can easily affect someone else’s life. A cleat is more than just protection or equipment, it is a common bond. A jersey was once meaningful to a player in Baltimore and can now be given to a player in Senegal who will value it just as much, if not more. These players are now connected through a love of the sport and through Cleats For Bare Feet. It is so easy to help change someone’s life, especially in this global age, and all you need is a pair of shoes and an internet connection.

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A Greener 2014 World Cup:Copa Verde

CopaVerde is a movement that is trying to catapult Brazil into the forefront of sustainable economics. CV was created, by Brazilians Ian McKee and Vicente de Castro Mello, with the goal of bringing innovative and efficient architecture and development to Brazil. To do this, they are utilizing large sporting events like the upcoming 2014 World Cup to spur growth in many diverse areas. CopaVerde as many goals ranging from developing a Brazilian Electric Car to discovering a cleaner alternative to jet fuel.

One of their current projects, that especially interests us, is their EcoArenas. These are LEED certified stadiums and buildings related to the World Cup that will make the games much greener and benefit Brazil in the future. CopaVerde as completely remodeled the Estádio Nacional de Brasília. The transformation is stunning, the almost 40 year-old stadium is now a glittering symbol of what CopaVerde hopes to continue throughout Brazil. Castro Mello was the lead architect on the project and the stadium features many eco-friendly elements. The most visible innovation is the solar panels lining the roof. They will create 2.5 million megawatts of energy. The new design also allows lots of natural light to fill the arena. Castro Mello also incorporated a rainwater collection and irrigation system as well as on-site construction of concrete parts, which reduces fuel consumption and carbon emissions. The Estádio Nacional de Brasília is one of many innovative buildings in Brasília, which is a UNESCO heritage site recognized for its environmentally-friendly and forward thinking architecture.

Before:

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During Construction:

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After:

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CopaVerde 

is also working to create local eco-friendly projects in the host cities in Brazil. Internationally CV has partnered with the Portland Timbers to host an annual “Green Cup”. The Timbers will play a first-division Mexican team, Monarcas Morelia, to promote their program “Somos Timbers," which promotes Hispanic youth development in the Portland area.

C4BF is always excited to learn about projects like CopaVerde that are using new and creative ways to help the soccer community. If you know of any others, please let us know. 

Connect with CopaVerde at:

Visit Their Website

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CopaVerde

Blog: http://blog.copaverde.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/CopaVerde

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152 Cleats, 135 Soccer Balls, 30 Uniforms, 30 Shin Guards - 1 Week!

This week at Cleats For Bare Feet, we connected with our newest ambassador, Devin Walford, originally from New Jersey and currently living in South Carolina. She is headed on a mission trip to the Dominican Republic and will be delivering nearly 50 soccer balls to kids who love to play soccer but lack some of the means to do so. Devin worked with a New Jersey uniform company to have uniforms printed for the members of the "Baston de Moises" team in the Domincan Republic. Afterward, she reached out to C4BF through our "I need equipment" section of our website. We are happy to announce that the shipment left our office on May 21 and has arrived with Devin. It will be living in South Carolina for a few days and then on its way to the Dominican Republic in the beginning of June. We wish Devin all the best and look forward to hearing about her experience with the team, her mission, and with Social Giving. As we get pictures, we will post them.

We also connected with 2 organizations that are based in Washington DC, but do work in Africa. Both organizations stopped by our office this week and picked up enough equipment to supply an entire village with gear.


The first organization, the African Volunteer Football Academy for the Less Privileged (AVFAL) provides soccer training to players, ages 8 - 21, in Cameroon. Working directly with the AVFAL's founder and president, John Kemoe Bengu, and the Secretary General, Ngole Cyril e setup a time to deliver 100 pairs of cleats, 50 soccer balls, 30 uniforms, some socks, and goalie equipment to ship over to the kids in Limbe, Cameroon later this year. Mr. Cyril was so excited when he picked up the equipment, he kept saying, "The kids in Cameroon are going to be so excited about this! You have no idea what it will mean to them."

On Friday, after working together for a few weeks we were able to connect with a member of the Propagand’Arts project and school based in Senegal. This makes our third distribution in Senegal this year. "The people in Senegal LOVE soccer," said Awa Daffe, our contact at the organization and person in chanrge of marketing and partnerships. With her help and connections C4BF will be distributing 50 pairs of cleats, 35 soccer balls, and 15 uniforms to the kids at her school. 

Friday's distribution also marked the first distribution our newest intern, Jessica, was able to participate in. The gentleman pictured was interning for one day as part of his high school graduation requirements. Jae Hoon spent the day helping us inventory items, and preparing the package for Awa to pickup. "That was a really rewarding day." 

That's how we feel most days. We are so pleased to be able to help so many people around the world play soccer safer and to reach their potential. Today we inventoried our 6100th item as well. Quite the first week for Jessica and the one day experience for Jae Hoon. SocialGiving at it's best! 

We're close to hitting our two week mark of our fundraising campaign, if you haven't contributed yet, do so before time runs out. 

CONTRIBUTE NOW!

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UMBC & The Next Generation of Social Entrepreneurs

The University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) is committed to educating and mentoring the next generation of the workforce to be “Agents of Change” in their communities. UMBC’s Shattuck Family Internship Program for Entrepreneurship Innovation & Social Change provides selected students with a stipend to intern as member of a start-up for one semester. At the end of the internship, students can apply for seed-funding to support an entrepreneurial venture of theirs.

Andres Camacho and Josh Massey are both students who were selected to be a part of the Shattuck internship program. They have spent the past few months working for Columbia based sustainability company, greeNEWit. In addition to being the state leader in providing household energy retrofits, greeNEWit’s Agent of Change program provides students with an entrepreneurial mindset, both undergraduates and high school students, with mentorship and a supportive environment that encourages interns to develop and flex their social entrepreneurial muscles.

Cleats For Bare Feet (C4BF), a social project operated by the Agents of Change Program and sponsored by greeNEWit, was founded in 2009 with the goal of providing used soccer equipment to less fortunate players all over the world. To date, we have collected over 6000 pieces of equipment and distributed nearly 5000 to smiling kids around the world: The US, Senegal, Cameroon, Romania, Haiti, Puerto Rico, Sudan, Zimbabwe, China, and many others.

As the newest Co-Directors of C4BF, Andres and Josh are working to re-imagine the nature of charitable giving in the 21st century. Last week, C4BF launched a crowdfunding campaign in order to raise the funds needed to create a social media website that connects the following three groups anywhere in the world:

1. People who have second-hand sporting equipment or cleats to donate.

 
2. Players, organizations or schools who need cleats and sporting equipment.

 
3. People who can take cleats abroad while on their travels around the world.

 

The social media web platform will solve the distributive difficulties associated with sending equipment to those in need (it's super expensive!), and it will also re-imagine the typical donation process as a more interactive and enriching experience. Users will be able to track their cleats as they travel the world, discover the impact they are making and connect with others through the love of the game. 

Andres completed the Shattuck program last semester and, thanks to a scholarship from Mayo and Molly Shattuck, will be contributing $1,000 in seed funding to the project. I’d like to give a big “THANK YOU” to Mayo and Molly Shattuck as well as to UMBC, for their support of social entrepreneurship and innovation in undergraduate education. Josh just completed his semester in the program and will be applying for the scholarship from the Shattuck’s as well.

For More information on the Shattuck Family Internship Program Visit the UMBC Shirver Center’s website or read a short release about the 2012 Interns.

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