Teng: Inspired by Helping Communities Through Soccer

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*The following is a response from America’s Charities’ #InspiredGiving Storython.  Football 4 Change is not a member of America’s Charities and we do not endorse this organization. Click here for a list of America’s Charities members. 

Story Shared by: 

Teng Deng, from Chicago, IL

What inspires you to give?

What inspires me to give is that I can change the lives of kids in war torn Sudan through football/soccer by giving them simple equipment such as soccer balls and soccer goals.

Football 4 Change is a grassroots effort that provides an outlet, a sense of safety and a better future for underprivileged children through donating football/soccer equipment to each child throughout the world: “one ball at a time, one community at a time, one country at a time.” 

The game of football/soccer is the most popular sport in the world. Football/soccer is more than just a game – it is a symbol of unity and hope. The game brings countries from all over the world to play: there are no statuses, no economic rankings and no labels. Once the game begins everyone is equal on the field.

People are faced with many challenges throughout their lives, especially in places such as South Sudan where the Civil War has plagued the county for more than 40 years. For some it could be as tough as finding a job in order to feed their families. For others it means to survive and find hope in the world.

Football 4 Change believes in goals. Football 4 Change believes that every individual has the ability to set goals and achieve them. As ambassadors of football/soccer we intend to make a difference in people’s lives by instilling a sense of unity and hope for these young individuals as they begin to set goals and achieve them. By providing the underprivileged communities with the necessary football/soccer equipment we are providing an outlet and a positive influence on their quest for a better life.