About

Realizing the potential of collecting gently used soccer uniforms such as jersey’s, soccer shorts, socks, shoes, shin guards, and coaches equipment has be evolved into a phenomenon that is catching on in soccer cubs and schools across Canada, providing children the chance to give their soccer uniforms to children their own again, so that they can play soccer as well. 

Starting with the Georgetown Ontario Soccer Club’s closing day of the summer season, Chance to Play’s first collection resulted in over $20,000 in retail value of uniforms, shoes and soccer balls.  The response was overwhelming as parents were thrilled to donate their children’s uniforms so that children and youth that are less unfortunate have the same opportunities.

To date, collections continue to take place with soccer clubs and elementary/high schools across Ontario. resulting in expanding our warehousing space.  Although there are no confirmed statistics on the number of soccer uniforms have been rescued from the local landfills, according to C2P’s information, approximately over 10,000 pieces have been diverted.  Imagine the number of soccer uniforms that can be collected to give children the privilege of playing soccer in their own community!

Since 2011, Chance to Play has implemented the Play it Forward Soccer Program by partnering with local Canadian residents, schools, churches and organizations to organize and coordinate  the distribution of the soccer donations to communities in Tanzania, The Philippians, Dominican Republic, and Nicaragua.  “Watching their (children) faces light up with joy and excitement in breathe taking and an overwhelming sense of emotion.   As soon as the children put on the jersey’s, they gathered in their teams and started a game of soccer.  It was worth the work and look forward to bringing joy to children through the generous donations of Canadians” 

My Mission: To improve the lives of children in local and international communities in through donations of gently used and new soccer uniforms and equipment that will inspire education, leadership through soccer programs.

Chance to Play is a Non for Profit organization and relies on donation to ship soccer gear around the world and Aboriginal and Intuit communities across Canada

Anita Bergsma

Founder and Executive Director