Business Details
16 Years
experience
Empowering Underprivileged Youth Through Soccer | The Gift of Soccer Foundation
Founded in 2010, The Gift of Soccer Foundation has dedicated itself to addressing the dual challenges of discarded soccer equipment and underserved youth communities. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we collect, clean, and redistribute gently used soccer gear to children across 25 countries on six continents, ensuring every child can experience the transformative power of soccer. Our team combines decades of athletic and coaching experience with global outreach expertise, having delivered over 66,500 pieces of equipment through 45 major donation initiatives. We emphasize sustainability by repurposing gear that would otherwise end up in landfills, while fostering community development through partnerships with humanitarian organizations.Our programs teach life skills like teamwork and resilience, while empowering donors to turn unused equipment into opportunities for youth. With operations spanning from local collection drives to international humanitarian efforts, we maintain rigorous transparency in our processes and impact reporting. Our board members bring extensive experience from youth sports leadership, international education, and corporate social responsibility initiatives, ensuring our mission remains focused on measurable outcomes. Through strategic collaborations with soccer clubs, schools, and corporate partners, we continue expanding access to the sport while maintaining environmental stewardship.
Services
Gear Donation Program
Eco-Friendly Recycling
Volunteer Opportunities
Global Donation Initiatives
Community Partnerships
Details
- Year established: 2010
Highlights and features
- 15+ years of experience in global youth empowerment through sports
- Proven impact across 25+ countries on six continents
- Sustainable approach to equipment recycling and repurposing
- Strategic partnerships with humanitarian organizations and soccer clubs
- Transparent reporting of 66,500+ gear donations to date
Associations and certifications
- 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Corporation
Services
Gear Donation Program
Our core initiative collects gently used soccer gear from individuals and clubs. Donated items undergo thorough cleaning and quality checks before being distributed to underserved communities worldwide. This program reduces waste while providing essential equipment to children who lack access to proper sports gear, enabling them to participate in organized soccer activities.
Eco-Friendly Recycling
We transform discarded soccer equipment into valuable resources through our environmental initiative. By repurposing items that would otherwise end up in landfills, we promote sustainability while addressing equipment shortages. This program educates donors about responsible gear disposal and extends the lifecycle of soccer equipment through creative reuse solutions.
Volunteer Opportunities
Our volunteer program engages individuals in meaningful service through gear collection, sorting, and distribution activities. Participants gain hands-on experience in humanitarian efforts while directly supporting youth development. We offer flexible volunteering options for individuals, families, and groups to contribute to our global mission while building local community connections.
Global Donation Initiatives
We execute targeted donation campaigns to specific regions through strategic partnerships with humanitarian organizations. These initiatives deliver comprehensive soccer equipment packages to support youth programs in underserved areas. Each project includes needs assessment, logistics coordination, and impact evaluation to ensure resources create lasting positive change in communities across six continents.
Community Partnerships
We establish partnerships with soccer clubs, schools, and businesses to expand our reach and impact. These collaborations create local collection hubs, fundraising opportunities, and awareness campaigns. Partner organizations receive recognition while contributing to our mission of empowering youth through sports and environmental stewardship.
People
Ken Levandoski
President | Executive Director
Co-founder with 30+ years in youth soccer coaching and private/government contracting. Former UNM Men's Club team leader and Notre Dame volleyball player. Oversees global operations and strategic direction while leveraging international experience from 35+ countries.
Margie Espe
Vice President | Executive Director
Co-founder with extensive youth soccer management experience. Former semi-professional cheerleader and educational sector professional with 30+ years experience. Leads organizational development and community engagement initiatives while managing LionSky's operations.
Kenny Levandoski
Treasurer | Marketing Director
15+ year veteran with soccer playing and coaching background. Holds multiple degrees from UNM including MIS, Entrepreneurship, and Finance. Oversees financial operations and marketing strategy while managing international outreach programs.
Jessie Levandoski
Secretary | Social Media Director
12+ year team member with competitive soccer background. Pre-med student at UNM studying Biology and Chemistry. Manages digital communications and social media presence while coordinating youth ambassador programs.
Meredith Reinhardt
Ambassador - El Paso, TX
El Paso chapter founder with lifelong soccer experience. Dental student who leverages local community connections to expand donation networks. Organizes regional collection drives and promotes youth participation in soccer programs.
Questions
How can I donate soccer gear to The Gift of Soccer Foundation?
Donate gently used cleats, jerseys, balls, and uniforms at our collection points like TOCA Loganville, GA, or ship directly to our Albuquerque headquarters. We also accept monetary donations online.
What happens to donated soccer equipment?
All donations are sorted, cleaned, and repackaged for distribution to underserved communities worldwide. We partner with humanitarian organizations to ensure gear reaches children in need.
How does soccer help underprivileged youth?
Soccer teaches teamwork, discipline, and resilience while providing physical activity and social connection opportunities. Our programs use soccer as a tool for community development and personal growth.
Can I volunteer with The Gift of Soccer Foundation?
Yes! Volunteers help collect, sort, and distribute equipment. We also welcome ambassadors to promote our mission in local communities and through social media.
What environmental benefits does your program offer?
We divert hundreds of thousands of soccer items from landfills annually by repurposing gear. This reduces textile waste while extending the lifecycle of usable sports equipment.
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