For the Love of the Game:  Local Teen Collects Used Soccer Gear for Needy Kids Around the World

18-year old Dominique Trappio is packing up hope in a box.  Each pair of shoes… every uniform or soccer ball she collects will be donated to children in need all over the world. 
It’s all a part of the “Passback” program (http://www.passback.org), one of many outreach initiatives founded by the U.S. Soccer Foundation.

“It’s basically to give children in need a chance to get the soccer equipment that they need to meet their team state regulation,“ says Dominique, pointing out that it’s her love for soccer that lead her to this mission.

Now a graduating senior at St. Vincent’s Academy, Dominique started playing at the age of 7.  She has gotten better in time.  So good that in 2005, she was invited to Holland
as a sports ambassador.  It was the opportunity of a lifetime- one she says she’ll never forget.  “I also learned a lot about history as far as the Anne Frank house and Amsterdam and things like that. It was a great experience.“

Dominique wants the items she collects to create a few memories of their own for those who share her passion, but may not have the resources to play.  “I’m hoping that children from 3 years old up to 18 (my age) will be able to develop.  Just because they don’t have money or all the nicest gear that a lot of people here can afford, they’ll still be able to become some of the best soccer players there are… because somebody cared enough to give some old equipment to them.“

While her focus is on soccer, Dominique says she’ll accept any used sporting equipment.
Collection bins can be found at Specialty Sports on Mall Boulevard or several local YMCA branches (Habersham, Southside, Islands, Tybee).  She’s also collecting gear at the Shamrock Cup Tournament this Saturday and Sunday at the Chatham County Soccer Complex.

New and used soccer gear will be accepted.  Used gear must be in good condition.  Below is a list of what you can donate.

Used Items:
Cleats
Uniforms
Keeper Gloves
Keeper Jerseys
Warm-ups
Balls
Air pumps
Team bags
Pinnies
Cones

New
Socks
Cleats
Uniforms
Keeper Gloves
Keeper Jerseys
Warm-ups
Shorts
Shinguards
Balls
Air pumps
Team bags
Pinnies Cones

Contact Dominique via e-mail: