Bound for Benin, West AfricaMarch 22nd - April 6th
Project Play embarks on its second mission, Phase II, on March 22nd to Africa. We will be traveling throughout the Republic of Benin delivering 2000 soccer balls which arrived in Cotonou, the capital city, last month. With support from the Peace Corps we will visit five regions and be targeting areas where our equipment can make the greatest impact - enhancing existing programs and energizing communities and be a catalyst for promoting youth development through sports and education. More about Benin
Project Play Friends - You have made this mission possible through your support, encouragement and donations. Thank you! Please join our cause on Facebook. Technology permitting we will be sending real time updates on our travels and progress. Making a difference
one ball, one child, one village, one country at a time...Project Play Africa is a 100% volunteer organization that delivers soccer balls to rural and impoverished communities in Africa. We are dedicated to improving the lives of children through the sport of soccer.
Every $10 we raise sends another soccer ball to Africa. Every 10 balls ensures multiple schools or boys and girls in an entire village can play soccer daily. Thousands of children find happiness through soccer on a daily basis. 
Why Africa?  Sub-Saharan Africa is the poorest region in the world. The population is 800 million. Approximately 60% of the population is under the age of 25 and 70% of the youth live in poverty in rural areas. The energy and aspirations of African children are invaluable assets in eradicating poverty, creating sustainable economy and lasting peace. They need food, healthcare and jobs.
And, they need life skills and joy in their lives.
Skills like discipline, leadership, tolerance, cooperation and respect can be learned through sports. Why Soccer?
 Soccer is the world's most popular sport - it is a universal language! It is loved and played by all ages and basically requires only a ball.
By simply providing balls we create opportunities for play, recreation and competion which positively impact children by promoting healthy lifestyles, building self-esteem and fostering socialization for youth and communities with few other opportunities in their lives.
"The soccer ball is one of the most powerful tools in the fight against poverty and violence." Pele - World Economic Forum '08
Because a soccer ball can change the world!
Our PhilosophyKeep it simple and make it personal - touch lives and you will be touched. We believe that a soccer ball is a basic tool to bring children hope, confidence, and happiness on a daily basis. Our goal is to visit impoverished countries in Africa traveling to rural communties that do not typically have many resources.
Our approach is hands-on providing balls, nets and pumps to schools and organizations personally interacting with thousands of children. Our goal is to be catalyst for change using soccer balls as a tool to inspire, motivate and mobilize children, adults and entire communities. 
Can a Ball Change the World? Hear Pele and other sports & industry leaders discuss the role of sports
in national development and improving lives at the World Economic Forum in 2006.
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