1 Million pieces of soccer equipment redistributed through US Soccer Foundation’s Passback project

With the help of many dedicated individuals, soccer clubs, and organisations the US Soccer Foundation has reached the momentous milestone of 1 million pieces of redistributed soccer equipment through its Passback project.

Through the Passback programme, new and gently used soccer gear is collected by organisations, teams, clubs, and individuals and is redistributed across the globe to help underserved communities

The Passback programme dates back Almost 25 years when Ole Holsti was given a request by his daughter, a Peace Corp volunteer in Malawi, to bring soccer balls on his visit to her as the kids were playing soccer without equipment.  This simple request in 1991 was the point of inspiration for Mike Moylan, Founder of Sports Endeavors – Soccer.com and the team to build a programme that passed along “used but still usable equipment” that was collecting dust in the closets and garages of American soccer families to underserved communities.

Almost a decade later the idea served as the launch pad for a partnership with the U.S. Soccer Foundation, the Passback programme with the U.S. Soccer Foundation was born.

The mission of the U.S. Soccer Foundation is to enhance, assist and grow the sport of soccer in the United States, with a special emphasis on underserved communities.

The Foundation is a leader in sports-based youth development and is using soccer as a vehicle for social change among youth in urban areas. It provides nationally recognised programmes that are proven to deliver positive health and social outcomes. The Foundation's innovative, accessible and affordable initiatives offer safe, urban environments in which both boys and girls thrive.

Since its inception, the Foundation has awarded over $57 million in financial support to soccer organisations and field-building initiatives nationwide and redistributed soccer equipment to children around the world. The Foundation is currently providing children in 20 cities across the country with physical activity, nutrition education and mentorship through a range of programmes.