“ReCleats” was established in 2011 as a non-profit organization to provide youth soccer players across the globe with new and lightly used sports equipment. The emphasis is on communities which are underserved or where economic conditions are weak and youth sports equipment is essentially seen as a luxury. 100% of the gear and donations will reach the target groups. No management fees, salaries, or any other benefit will flow to the directors, leadership or volunteers. This will remain a community and youth driven organization.
The program is supported in three specific ways:
- Current youth players turn in lightly used gear (cleats, shin guards, socks, shorts, uniform shirts and balls). These are collected, sorted and then forwarded to the target locations.
- New equipment is provided through corporate support, with a regional emphasis.
- Funds are accumulated by volunteers and by corporate donors for the transportation of goods to their destinations.
Opportunities to serve the organization exist in the following ways: corporate fundraising, volunteering to contact sports clubs to support the effort, volunteering logistical support (picking up goods from those who donate), volunteering to meet with local businesses and by placing the collection boxes.
In general the premise is that most sports gear does not get worn out, it needs repetitive replacement as children grow. In the United States especially, the tendency is to discard these items. The underlying desire of the program is to teach American Youth that manufactured goods have a very long life and that even though a product is not brand new, it still may be of great value to someone in the broader world community; someone in need.
Soccer is the worlds’ most popular sport, so it’s a natural way to connect children across cultural boundaries and the organization provides an opportunity for youth to become engaged in a worthy community driven program. There are many lessons available through the implementation of this program.
The launch and direction of the program will be managed by two local Valparaiso boys, both long time youth soccer players.
Michael Gerry and Steven Gerry have grown up with the sport. They share a passion for it and a desire to give back to the sports community. Michael (age 14) attends Ben Franklin Jr. High in Valparaiso and has played the sport for numerous clubs: AYSO, El Dorado Hills Soccer Club, Valpo Soccer Club and NWI United FC. Steven attends Valparaiso High School and has a shared soccer experience with Michael, with the Inclusion of playing on the Valpo High School team. Broader operations will be managed by their father, Robert Mohr Gerry, who holds a business degree from California State University, Chico and an MBA from Valparaiso University; he is also a Past President of NWI United FC. Please join with us in supporting a great cause.
Please find us on Facebook @ ReCleats or email us at ReCleats@gmail.com!