Bar/Bat Mitzvah Soccer Projects
A Bar/Bat Mitzvah is about stepping into responsibility—and choosing how you’ll show up for others.
When friends and family donate gently used gear, or a financial gift, you’re doing something powerful: extending the life of equipment that still has so much game left, and opening the door for another child to feel teamwork, confidence, and belonging through soccer. It’s a hands-on way to live tikkun olam—repairing the world through generosity, community, and purpose.
Why Partner With The Gift of Soccer?
This is a meaningful Mitzvah project because it’s…
- Tangible: Guests can donate real gear that kids will actually use (cleats, balls, shin guards, uniforms, socks, bags).
- Sustainable: You’re repurposing gently used equipment instead of letting it sit unused.
- Community-powered: A simple collection drive brings teammates, classmates, congregants, family, and friends into one shared act of giving.
- Flexible for guests: People can give gear or make a monetary donation to help with equipment needs and shipping.
- Proven impact: The Gift of Soccer’s donations have reached 68,500+ children across 26 countries.
All donated items should be gently used and in good condition, ensuring that they can be repurposed for children around the world.
Why Donate Soccer Gear?
- Reduce Waste: Keep gear out of landfills by repurposing it for children in need.
- Help the Environment: Promote sustainability through responsible recycling.
- Empower Youth: Your donation equips children with the gear they need to play, learn, and grow.
Soccer Gear Recycling Facts
- By recycling just one soccer ball, you prevent 2.5 lbs of rubber and plastic from ending up in a landfill.
- One pair of recycled soccer cleats prevents nearly 1 pound of synthetic materials—including rubber, leather, and plastics—from contributing to landfill waste.
- Recycling 10 soccer uniforms saves about 15,000 gallons of water, which would have been used in the production of new textiles.
- An average soccer net is made from 30 feet of nylon, which takes 30–40 years to decompose in a landfill. Repurposing it helps reduce long-term plastic pollution.
- One soccer jersey contains the equivalent of 8 plastic water bottles worth of polyester. Recycling it keeps microplastics out of our oceans.
- Over 300 million soccer balls are produced every year. If just 1% were recycled, it would prevent 750,000 pounds of waste annually.
- The global sports gear industry produces nearly 5 million tons of waste annually. By recycling and repurposing equipment, we can significantly reduce this environmental footprint.
- Textile waste from sports uniforms accounts for a significant portion of landfill content. Repurposing soccer gear helps cut down on this waste, supporting sustainable sports.
Address
3700 Camino Don Diego NE
Albuquerque, NM 87111
Let's Talk
Call/Text: +1 (505) 350-2753
email: ken@thegiftofsoccer.org
Working Hours
Mon – Fri: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Frequently Asked Questions
Here is a list of questions for Bar/Bat Mitzvah Projects.
Please reach out to us if you don’t see your questions. We are happy to connect with you!
How does recycling soccer gear help the environment?
When you donate your gently used soccer gear, it stays out of landfills and finds a new life with children in need. By repurposing items like soccer balls, cleats, and uniforms, we reduce environmental waste and extend the life of these products. Every donation helps to minimize pollution and supports a more sustainable future for youth sports.
Can guests give money instead of gear?
Yes. Guests can make a financial donation through this page. Monetary gifts help cover shipping costs, gear needs, and program support, so the project can reach more kids.
What kind of soccer gear can I donate?
We accept a wide range of soccer equipment, including:
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Soccer Balls
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Cleats and Shoes
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Uniforms and Jerseys
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Shin Guards and Goalkeeper Gloves
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Training Equipment (cones, nets, etc.)
All donated items should be gently used and in good condition, ensuring that they can be repurposed for children around the world.
Where do the donations go?
Donations support children and communities who lack access to proper soccer equipment—locally, regionally, and worldwide—depending on current needs and distribution opportunities.
How do I run a collection drive (and where do I send everything)?
It’s simple: place a collection bin at your celebration, synagogue, school, or club, then gather gear over a set time window.
Thank you so much for reaching out and for considering The Gift of Soccer Foundation as part of your organization’s soccer gear collection efforts. We are excited about the opportunity to give your gently used gear a second life and share the joy of soccer with children in underserved communities around the world.
Ship Gear to:
The Gift of Soccer Foundation
3700 Camino Don Diego NE
Albuquerque, NM 87111
When you do ship gear, here are some savings tips:
1) Keep all boxes under 28” max length, width, or height
2) Keep all boxes under 70 lbs, or it becomes a freight rate
3) Use Pirate Ship for Discounted Shipping via UPS & USPS
Is my gear donation tax-deductible?
Yes! The Gift of Soccer Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, which means all gear donations are tax-deductible. After you make a donation, you will receive a confirmation and a receipt for your records. If you’re organizing a gear drive, we can also provide documentation for your community donation organizational efforts.