Soccer: A Game of Poverty

Soccer is known as the worlds game. Everyone knows that soccer is the most popular sport in the world, outside of America. But the real question is why this game is so popular. What has led to the popularity of soccer across the globe, and what effect does this game have on the people it touches? Soccer uses the power of passion, to inspire young kids and adults a like to follow the game, no matter where it takes them.

If you were to take a guess at where soccer is the most popular, you'd probably say in the wealthy cities, of the big European soccer nations, like Spain, Germany, England, Italy, France. Although this is true to some extent, it's not really true at all. Soccer is the most played sport in the countries that have nothing. In these places, the ball, and a field, bring joy to areas that find joy as a scarcity. Young kids, living in poverty have their lives shaped by the game of soccer. Picture for a second a field of dirt. Few parched shrubs are growing in the dust. A slight breeze is blowing, stirring up sand and dirt and gravel. In the distance, a sandstorm seems to have arose, followed by the yells and shrieks that can only be distinguished as little kids having a good time. As you get closer to the whirlwind of dust, a clearer image begins to emerge. Kids of all ages are running around, and what do they all have in common? They're finding joy through a soccer ball, but wait. It's not even a soccer ball. It is a makeshift soccer ball made of rolled up rags tied into a ball. Or maybe its an old dolls head, that had long been neglected.  Or perhaps a ball of tape or some other odd object. All that matters is that it is round, and can be passed and dribbled. With your feet. Speaking of feet, the cleats on these kids are all-natural. Bare skin meets the Earth as kids run around with the ball. It is all they know in a world of so much despair. Their only escape from the hardship that us rich folk know nothing about.

To this day there are many foundations that have been set up to help kids in 3rd world countries through the beautiful game. People donate old cleats, balls, and shinguards, so that somewhere, some kid can have the chance to enhance his game even more. This small act of kindness can hold of the beast of poverty for some lucky kids. If they can get recognized by anyone with connections in soccer, their life can turn around for the better. But they need the support that only we can give for that to happen for them. Next time you look to get rid of old soccer stuff, take a second thought and try to find the nearest place you could donate them to. You never know when your small act of generosity will have a lasting impact on a child's life, while poverty thrives around them.