Foundation sends used soccer equipment to Ukraine (06/11/00)

Foundation sends used soccer equipment to Ukraine

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. - The Soccer Recycling Foundation, a non-profit corporation based here, has in the past eight months sent 1,500 pounds of new/used soccer equipment to the Rohatyn region in western Ukraine.

The Soccer Recycling Foundation was created by the Jejna family in Arizona to assist financially disadvantaged soccer players or teams. Thus far, the thrust of the project has been to assist in the development of youth soccer players in Ukraine.

As stated by Foundation Director Orest Jejna, "Playing at the higher levels of soccer throughout the world, requires the development of a strong core of players at the youth levels. Since the independence of Ukraine, many of the sport programs have not been properly funded due to other financial and economic government priorities. The foundation has been able to assist in filling this financial gap with the donation of soccer equipment to various players and youth teams in Ukraine."

The foundation has received many letters of appreciation from various teams and schools that have been outfitted with equipment from the program.

The Soccer Recycling Foundation has been able to accomplish its goal of assisting soccer players by gathering used soccer equipment from existing youth soccer clubs and players throughout the southwest and from various U.S. national team coaches. "The concept of recycling soccer equipment has caught on like wildfire," said Mykola Jejna, who has spearheaded the collection efforts on the East Coast. After the items are collected, they are sorted and sent to players or teams that have placed a request with the foundation.

Based on the thousands of soccer players in the United States and Canada, there is always a constant surplus of used equipment. Most parents would simply donate the items to Goodwill or the Salvation Army, without knowing whether the items have been used by anyone interested in soccer. "The Foundation is heaven sent to soccer moms who can clean out their children's closets and get the satisfaction that the donated items are going to a good cause," said Lynne Jejna, co-director of the program, adding that the items will be provided directly to needy players.

Due to the success of the program, the foundation is now expanding operations and is seeking corporate and individual sponsors, as well as volunteers to organize and gather items for the foundation in their respective communities. The soccer items that are in constant need are: balls, boots (soccer shoes), shin pads, warm-up suits, uniforms, training shorts and t-shirts, air pumps, athletic bags, training jerseys and goalkeeper items (gloves and padded shorts and jersey).

Donations may be sent to: Soccer Recycling Foundation, 8280 East Remuda Drive, Scottsdale, AZ 85255. For more information visit the website at http://www.soccerrecycling.com; send e-mail to [email protected]; or contact Orest Jejna at telephone, (602) 254-3872, or fax, (602) 254-1918.

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