Bar Mitzvah/Bat Mitzvah Soccer Projects
Overview
Turn a love of soccer into tikkun olam. Host a simple gear drive or fundraiser with The Gift of Soccer Foundation and help underprivileged youth play, learn, and belong—while keeping usable equipment out of landfills.
A Bar or Bat Mitzvah is a milestone about stepping into responsibility—**and choosing how you’ll show up for others**. For many families, that naturally leads to a mitzvah project: something personal, hands-on, and rooted in Jewish values like *tzedakah* and *tikkun olam* (repairing the world).
If soccer is part of your child’s life—practice, teammates, tournaments, friendships—then a **Soccer Mitzvah Project** is a beautiful way to connect what they love with what they believe.
That’s exactly why families across the country are choosing to partner with **The Gift of Soccer Foundation**.
The Event
What makes a “Soccer Mitzvah Project” so meaningful?
Soccer teaches kids discipline, teamwork, resilience, and belonging. But for many children—locally, regionally, and globally—**the barrier is simple: they don’t have the equipment to play**.
A Soccer Mitzvah Project invites friends and family to donate:
– gently used cleats
– balls
– shin guards
– uniforms/jerseys
– socks, bags, goalkeeper gloves
– training gear (cones, nets, etc.)
And for guests who prefer, they can also make a **financial gift** to support transporting the gear to the areas where it is needed most.
The result is tangible. A child who has never owned proper cleats suddenly has a chance to step on the field with confidence.
Why partner with The Gift of Soccer Foundation?
1) It’s truly hands-on (and kid-led)
This isn’t a “write a check and move on” project. It’s a real drive your child can lead—collecting, organizing, and rallying a community around giving.
The Gift of Soccer’s model is built for that: a simple collection bin at your celebration, synagogue, school, or club—plus a clear list of what to donate.
2) It’s sustainable tikkun olam
A Soccer Mitzvah Project isn’t only about helping kids. It’s also about **reducing waste** and extending the life of equipment that still has so much game left.
When you repurpose gear instead of replacing it, you keep materials out of landfills and help reduce the environmental footprint of youth sports—one bag of gear at a time.
3) It’s flexible for every guest
Some guests love bringing a pair of cleats their child outgrew. Others prefer to give money. The Gift of Soccer makes both easy—so every guest can participate in a way that works for them.
4) It’s a trusted nonprofit with proven reach
Since 2010, The Gift of Soccer Foundation has sent **88,750+ pieces of soccer gear** to children in **27 countries on 6 continents**, powered by community drives and volunteers.
5) It’s easy to run (with clear logistics)
Families love projects that are meaningful *and* manageable. The Gift of Soccer makes it straightforward:
– Place a collection bin where your community gathers
– Collect gear over a set time window
– Ship the gear to the foundation (shipping tips are provided)
And because The Gift of Soccer is a registered **501(c)(3)**, donations are **tax-deductible**, with confirmation/receipts available.
How to Run your Gift of Soccer Mitzvah Project (Simple Plan)
Step 1: Pick your “collection moments”
Choose one or more:
– at your Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebration
– at your synagogue lobby
– at school or a local soccer club
– at a team practice or tournament weekend
Step 2: Promote the drive
Keep it simple. Share:
– what gear you’re collecting
– the dates
– where to drop it off
– your “why” (one sentence is enough)
Step 3: Collect gently used gear in good condition
Encourage donors to clean out closets and garages. “Gently used” means: still playable, safe, and ready for another kid.
Step 4: Ship the gear to The Gift of Soccer Foundation
**Ship to:**
The Gift of Soccer Foundation
3700 Camino Don Diego NE
Albuquerque, NM 87111
shipping tips (provided by the foundation) include keeping boxes under specific size/weight thresholds and using discounted shipping options when available.
Step 5: Share the ripple effect
After your drive, share a quick thank-you and a photo of the collection pile (or the bin!). People love seeing what they helped accomplish—and it inspires others to do the same.
Why partner with The Gift of Soccer Foundation?
1) It’s truly hands-on (and kid-led)
This isn’t a “write a check and move on” project. It’s a real drive your child can lead—collecting, organizing, and rallying a community around giving.
The Gift of Soccer’s model is built for that: a simple collection bin at your celebration, synagogue, school, or club—plus a clear list of what to donate.
2) It’s sustainable tikkun olam
A Soccer Mitzvah Project isn’t only about helping kids. It’s also about **reducing waste** and extending the life of equipment that still has so much game left.
When you repurpose gear instead of replacing it, you keep materials out of landfills and help reduce the environmental footprint of youth sports—one bag of gear at a time.
3) It’s flexible for every guest
Some guests love bringing a pair of cleats their child outgrew. Others prefer to give money. The Gift of Soccer makes both easy—so every guest can participate in a way that works for them.
4) It’s a trusted nonprofit with proven reach
Since 2010, The Gift of Soccer Foundation has sent **88,750+ pieces of soccer gear** to children in **27 countries on 6 continents**, powered by community drives and volunteers.
5) It’s easy to run (with clear logistics)
Families love projects that are meaningful *and* manageable. The Gift of Soccer makes it straightforward:
– Place a collection bin where your community gathers
– Collect gear over a set time window
– Ship the gear to the foundation (shipping tips are provided)
And because The Gift of Soccer is a registered **501(c)(3)**, donations are **tax-deductible**, with confirmation/receipts available.
A Great Fit for Jewish Federations, Synagogues, and Teen Engagement
Jewish Federations of North America help build and sustain flourishing Jewish communities across North America, Israel, and communities around the world. A Soccer Mitzvah Project is a natural match for that spirit of community care and global connection.
Here’s why Federations and congregations love this kind of project:
– **Youth leadership:** teens can lead a drive, promote it, and track outcomes
– **Community-building:** it brings families together around shared purpose
– **Values in action:** a direct way to live *tzedakah* and *tikkun olam*
– **Real-world impact:** gear becomes opportunity, confidence, and belonging for kids
It’s also highly adaptable: B’nai Mitzvah students, religious school classes, youth groups, teen philanthropy programs, and even young adult groups can all run a drive using the same simple framework.
Real stories, Real teens, Real impact
One of the most powerful parts of these projects is how personal they are.
Kids like **Connor Vandenberg** and **Summer Greenberg** chose The Gift of Soccer because soccer helped shape who they are—confidence, motivation, belonging—and they wanted other kids to have that same chance.
That’s the heart of a great mitzvah project: turning gratitude into generosity.
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## Ready to start a Soccer Mitzvah Project?
If your child loves soccer and you want a project that is **meaningful, sustainable, and community-powered**, The Gift of Soccer Foundation is here to help.
**Learn more & start your project:**
https://www.thegiftofsoccer.org/soccer-mitzvah-projects/
**Support with a financial gift (optional):**
https://www.thegiftofsoccer.org/donate/
**Questions / get connected:**
Call/Text: +1 (505) 350-2753
Email: ken@thegiftofsoccer.org
Together, we can give kids around the world more than gear—we can give them the joy, confidence, and community of the beautiful game.
