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.