Soccer Gear Shipping Tips

Prep Your Gear

Clean & Ready to Play…

• Wash & fully dry all uniforms (jerseys, shorts, socks) and training tops.
• Wipe down cleats & shin guards; remove mud/grass. Cleats paired, tie cleats together by the laces.
• Deflate balls to save space (leave the needle hole lightly oiled if possible).
• Match & bundle: pair socks, keep uniform sets together, rubber-band by size/team.
• Remove personal info (names, phone numbers, school IDs).
• Gently used only: no torn, excessively worn, or unsafe items, please.

Want to make it a team service project? Ask us for items for a “prep kit” (bags, size stickers, and a quick sorting guide).

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.

Pack Like a Pro

Clean & Ready to Play…

• Use sturdy, medium boxes; avoid oversized cartons.
  > Keep all boxes under 28” max length, width, or height
  > Keep all boxes under 70 lbs, or it becomes a freight rate
• Optional: Line with a trash bag or poly bag to protect gear from moisture.
• Fill empty space with soft items (socks, pinnies) so contents don’t shift.
• Secure all seams with packing tape.
• Label each box on one or two sides.
• Optional: Slip a simple inventory note inside the top of the box:
      Organization / Contact / “Box X of Y” / Contents (e.g., U12 jerseys & cleats).

Want to make it a team service project? Ask us for items for a “prep kit” (bags, size stickers, and a quick sorting guide).

Where to Ship Soccer Gear?

The Gift of Soccer Foundation
3700 Camino Don Diego NE
Albuquerque, NM 87111
(505) 350-2753

Save Money with Pirate Ship

We recommend Pirate Ship for discounted UPS & USPS labels: pirateship.com

Quick Steps

1. Create a free account and choose Create a Single Label.
2. Measure & weigh each box (length × width × height, pounds/ounces).
3. Compare UPS Ground vs USPS options; choose the best price.
4. Purchase & print the label; tape it flat (no seams).
5. Drop off at UPS/USPS or schedule a pickup in Pirate Ship.
6. Save the receipt & tracking—you’ll use it for your donation record.

Money-saving guidelines

• Keep each box under 28″ on the longest side.
• Keep each box under 70 lb to avoid oversized/freight pricing.
• Use Pirate Ship to access discounted UPS & USPS rates.

Other Donation & Shipping Info

• Shipping is typically covered by the donor.
• Your official donation receipt will include the Fair Market Value (FMV) of the gear plus your shipping cost (from your label receipt).
• We can create a dedicated Gear Collection webpage for your club with a donation button to help offset packing & shipping costs—ask us to set this up.

GOS Process Overview