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Before the war, a day in the life of a Ukrainian child would likely include watching or playing in a soccer (called football in Ukraine) match. Soccer, the most popular sport in Ukraine, brought joy to a lot of Ukrainian children and teens. But, as the war began and survival became the focus of each person’s life, their beloved sport was left behind. Soccer cleats and balls became just another piece of the dirt and rubble that reflected their life before the war. There was no time or mental energy to play or think about soccer. Safety and family were all that mattered.
As the war continues on, many have found solace away from their homes, their belongings, and their friends. Children had to experience unthinkable trauma, and their lives are nowhere near back to normal.
But, there is at least one piece of normalcy that is possible: soccer.
While they make new friends with new neighbors in their temporary homes, children and teens need the joy that comes from the sport they love – all they need is the equipment.
Paul Layton, owner of Underdog Sports in Springfield, IL, came to Midwest Mission with a desire to get involved in our efforts for Ukraine.
“With the news about what’s going on in Ukraine, we’ve seen a lot of kids and teens struggling, so we wanted to try to do something,” Paul said.
After researching, Underdog Sports found that soccer (football) was the #1 sport played in Ukraine. They quickly prepared a donation that will be included in the next shipment to Ukraine.
Paul and the staff at Underdog Sports knew that being able to play soccer would allow these children who have experienced high levels of trauma to just feel like kids. They would be able to play like they used to, running through the grass with their friends chasing after them.
On Wednesday, January 18, Underdog Sports donated 31 pairs of soccer cleats that will be sent to Ukraine. Like everything in their store, the donated cleats are washed and bleached in detergent, so they are clean and sanitary, ready to be worn and played in.
“We put together this small donation, we’ll see how this goes. And then we will try to do… no, not try to do… we WILL do more! We’ll call upon our customers, and we will get an official soccer drive going for Ukraine,” Paul said.
Thank you, Underdog Sports, for your generous donation. These cleats will be a big blessing for the children and teens who receive them. You are not only giving the gift of a sport, but also the gifts of joy and peace in a time of crisis.
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