Children from the town of Soweto, South Africa, display the uniforms and soccer balls that were donated by the San Clemente United Soccer Club. Courtesy photo
By Steve Breazeale
In an effort to give back not only to the community but to communities around the world, the San Clemente United Soccer Club, in conjunction with Futbol 4 Dreams and the San Clemente High School soccer program, recently donated over 160 uniforms, 67 pairs of cleats, 180 soccer balls, 100 ball pumps and 100 soccer bibs to children living in towns in Tanzania, Ghana, South Africa and Mexico.
Kerri McClellan, the club’s director of community services, took over one year ago and immediately saw a willingness in her players and their families to reach out and help others.
The club’s initial efforts started around town, with beach clean-ups and volunteer time at senior living centers.
One parent eventually came up with the idea to start a used equipment drive. New and used jerseys, cleats and everything in between was collected and donated by the club’s players and parents.
McClellan soon met with Nicolette Iribarne, founder of the non-profit group Futbol 4 Dreams, and the two set to work to distribute the San Clemente club’s collected gear.
“I felt that it was important that we give back. The players and parents just loved getting involved…Once we talked with (Iribarne) it completely took off,” McClellan said.
The first batch of hand decorated soccer balls, designed by each member of SC United, went to Soweto, South Africa. In December, soccer bibs were sent to El Nino, Mexico.
