Soccer ball donation kicks off youth spring soccer season

(DES MOINES, Iowa) – Friends of Des Moines Parks kicked off the spring soccer season with a special donation to children involved in the Des Moines Parks and Recreation youth soccer program. On Saturday, April 9, 340 kids registered for youth soccer, grades 1st through 7th, received a free soccer ball as part of the Every Child Gets a Ball initiative.

 “In 2020 our organization became aware of the need to provide individual pieces of recreational equipment to youth participating in Parks and Recreation programs,” said Sarah Lohmeier, executive director of Friends of Des Moines Parks. “Since then, we have worked with local sponsors and community volunteers to help enrich the lives of children who participate in these programs by providing a ball specific to their sport at no cost to their family.”

 Soccer balls were given to the designated youth participants at Brubaker Elementary School, where youth soccer games take place.

 This special donation was made possible by several generous sponsors, including Pro Iowa, Kick it Forward and the Des Moines Menace.

 “When we heard about the opportunity to help provide soccer balls to youth registered in the DM Parks and Rec soccer program, it was a no-brainer for us,” said Kick It Forward President Matt Sahag. “We are constantly striving to make soccer more accessible and giving each player a ball helps us achieve that goal. Over 300 Des Moines youths now have a soccer ball at their home and can play the beautiful game anytime they want.”

“Pro Iowa commends the work that the Friends of Des Moines Parks is doing in our community and we are so excited that this partnership has provided soccer balls to over 350 children,” said Kyle Davy, Pro Iowa Director of Revenue. “We’re thrilled to partner with the Des Moines Menace and Kick It Forward in helping to inspire the next generation of soccer fans. We look forward to seeing them cheering for the Pro Iowa team in 2024.”