A few years ago, my dad had an idea to collect soccer uniforms and gear that was no longer in use and repurpose it. He partnered with Ela Soccer with a goal to recycle gently used soccer gear locally and to share our outdated uniforms with children from impoverished communities in other countries. With the support of the Ela community, the Kick it Forward program became a reality. To date, we have distributed over 1500 items and outfitted 10 teams all over the world! To learn more visit www.elasoccer.com/kickitforward.

Originally, our intention was to bring value back to our old uniforms by giving them to those less fortunate instead of just gathering dust in the closet. We have been told the children receiving our uniforms feel blessed because it provides them with hope knowing there are generous people in the world looking out for them. Seeing thank-you letters and pictures from teams in Africa, Costa Rica and Argentina proudly competing in our jerseys makes me proud of what we have put into action, and also makes me want to find more ways to help.

Through our experiences, my family has formed friendships with our international connections. We have been invited to visit Costa Rica to meet the elementary and high school students we’ve been helping. We leave in February! In addition to bringing suitcases packed with clothes and cleats, we’d like to assist the kids academically. Our partners have shared that there is a very real need for school supplies in these communities. I humbly ask for your support through my GoFundMe drive.

We are excited to make more of an impact on these communities and I know this trip will also be very fulfilling to me personally. I truly appreciate any donation you are able to provide- 100% of all donations will go directly to the kids. On behalf of the children in Costa Rica, thank you!

Jack Gilboy
LZHS Class of 2021
Kick it Forward Volunteer