A local non-profit is collecting soccer gear for kids in Kenya.

Growing Opportunities International – or Go! – executive director and founder Amanda Furst will be heading to the town of Ifiolo to help build a community centre, which will include soccer fields, volleyball and basketball courts and a place where kids can work on their homework and take part in a number of other workshops and activities.

“It will give them a place to be safe and a place of belonging,” Furst says. “I am a teacher by trade and grew up playing sports, so I know it’s a big part of development.”

Furst says they are looking for gently used soccer cleats, shin pads, soccer socks and sports bras.

“We are happy to take any sizes but are mostly looking for gear that can be used by youth,” Furst says. “It doesn’t have to be brand new but as long as there are no big rips or tears it will be fine.”

Go! has worked on a number of projects in the past, including a library in Rwanda and a community centre in Tanzania.

Furst says having access to recreation is something a lot of people take for granted and we often forget that not everyone has that luxury.

“To provide a place for them to go have fun, be kids, be involved with sports and gain skills like teamwork and learning respect for others is so valuable,” Furst says. “Not only for their physical development is it important, but the mental and social aspect is crucial to creating a healthy all-around youth.”

“To have a field they can go to every day and equipment available to them and people who can supervise and coach them is a great opportunity that isn’t always available.”

To set up a donation, you can visit Go!’s Facebook page or website. You can also contact Furst at amandafurst@yahoo.ca.

They are accepting donations until the end of April.