Vision
To create a healthier and safer world through the sport of soccer.  

Mission
To enrich and improve the lives of children in African nations through participation in the sport of soccer by inspiring leadership, teamwork, self-esteem, encouraging health, physical fitness and promoting youth development and community involvement.     

 

Method
By delivering soccer balls to children, schools, athletic and health care organizations, and rural villages.   

Goals  
1.    To deliver 15,000 soccer balls providing over 300,000 African children the opportunity to play soccer on a regular basis by the end of 2010  
2.    To build an organization with financial backing and manpower to continue to expand efforts to other African nations on an annual basis.  
3.    To develop a program and logistics to effectively replenish soccer balls on an annual basis to nations already visited.   
4.    To align and partner with other organizations to improve lives of children in African nations.    

Brief History
Project Play was inspired by Mike Mitchell, Founder and President, while he was a Peace Corp volunteer in Niger, West Africa from 1983 to 1985.  There he saw first hand the poverty and despair in the communities he visited.  A collegiate soccer player, Mike found a common ground with the people of Niger – the love of soccer. 

Coaching youth soccer and playing as the only non-national on the local men’s soccer team, he experienced how a soccer ball was a tool against violence and poverty and brought hope and happiness, especially to children.   Over twenty years later in 2006 with the help of his long time friend, Dave Stahl, Project Play was incorporated as a non-profit organization.  

Project Play Phase I was implemented in February 2008 when a small group traveled to Niger, West Africa delivering over 2000 soccer balls to children, schools and communities.  In 2008 Project Play received 501(c)3 status through association with Chico Cal Soccer Club.   

Project Play Phase II happens in Spring 2010 when in Benin, West Africa.  2500 will be distributed throughout the country with the support and assistance of the Peace Corps volunteers.  With more knowledge and experience Project Play hopes to make a greater impact and begin to establish a foundation for on-going support in some communities. We will establish a replenishment program in Benin this year. 

Project Play's goal for Phase III is to continue to focus on West Africa and returning communities in Niger and Benin that have embraced programs and are fully utilizing Project Play equipment.   Our long term goal is evolving to include consideration for developing training and coaching tools, providing more resources and supplies and the potential to return to do concentrated training camps for children and coaches.    

Learn more about the history of Project Play.


Financial Support
Project Play relies entirely on volunteer management and administration.  Virtually 100% of donations go directly to the purchase and delivery of balls to Africa.  Project Play is grateful for the generous contributions made by individuals, businesses and organizations who believed in the vision for Project Play and made Phase I, Niger 2008, a reality.   Project Play is hoping to raise, $40,000 for Phase II and $100,000 to make Phase III a reality.  Project Play is actively soliciting funding through individuals, corporations, grants and organizational partnerships.