SOCCER FOR SIGHT

On the field and off Gift For Sight strives to help those in need. Partnering with local Evolution Soccer Club to create a new initiative called Soccer For Sight, Gift For Sight continues to raise money to cure blindness abroad while helping to also raise awareness of the domestic need amongst youth and their families who cannot otherwise afford club fees.

CBS Report, “Gameover: Middle-class and poor kids are ditching youth sports” reports:

Youth sports in the U.S. have long been considered an important part of growing up. Rising costs of playing sports coupled with rising economic inequality is increasingly leading poor and even middle-class families to hang up their cleats.

“Coaching youth soccer has been a passion of mine since college and anytime I have a chance to marry my passion with a purpose I will always do so. In learning that only 3 in 10 children from families earning less than $25,000 play organized sports compared to 7 out of 10 in families earning $100,000, it becomes a responsibility for all of us to help bridge the gap. No child should be left behind when it comes to having access to play sports in the U.S. just like no child should live needlessly blind due to cataracts abroad,” said Jessica Feilmeier.

Hosting free foot skills training sessions during the summer, Evolution Soccer Club raises money for Gift of Sight while also collecting donated soccer items for the families in the community who are struggling with club fees as a way to offset expenses. Additional donations can be run through Gift of Sight’s Soccer For Sight initiative to scholarship players in need. Partial to full scholarships have been gifted to over 100 youth players.