Street Soccer USA received a double dose of cheer this holiday season from one of the world’s top goalkeepers when World Cup Champion Hope Solo stepped up with not one, but two donations of greatly needed soccer equipment.
Hope initially connected with the Street Soccer USA Sacramento program through its participation in this year’s Homeless World Cup after three of our participants — led by Lisa Wrightsman and Tiffany Fraser — were selected and played for the U.S. National Team at the tournament in Glasgow, Scotland. We soon learned that the issue of homelessness is close to Hope’s heart, as her own father experienced homelessness for a period of his life.
This November Wrightsman received a very welcome email from representatives for Hope Solo, who said she was aware of Street Soccer USA’s work and mission and wanted to provide support with a donation of her goalie equipment. Within a week, the boxes arrived in Sacramento and our players were soon sporting goalie gloves and other equipment all with the name Solo on them.
As the calendar turned to December Street Soccer USA received another welcome call when Solo’s representatives reached out to say she wanted to donate an additional $5,000 worth of brand new Nike soccer equipment for our programs across the country. Thanks to her generosity Street Soccer USA kids and adults will soon have fresh new supplies, including soccer balls, pinnies, cones, ladders and socks.
Thank you Hope Solo for showing the true spirit of giving and joining us in playing for bigger goals!