Falcon Soccer Shows Good Will Across Globe

South Euclid, OH – July 27, 2005 - Every few years the Notre Dame College men's soccer program buys new uniforms, and every few years the coaches must decide what to do with the old uniforms. Some of the old gear is used for practice, while some become gifts for the graduating seniors. This year, the team decided to do something different however, and donated the attire to a team in need.

"When we decided we wanted to donate the kits, we searched for a facilitator," said Notre Dame head coach Mac McBride. "We then discovered there was a program already in place called the PassBack Program, run by soccer vendor Eurosport, that connects donors with those in need."

The Passback program collects used but still playable gear and sends it to teams and organizations who are otherwise unable to afford even the most basic soccer equipment. Passback gear has found its way to all corners of the globe from Zimbabwe to New York, from middle schools to community leagues.

Notre Dame contacted the program and got their donation ready - a home set of 24 tops, shorts and socks and an away set of 24 tops, shorts and socks. The donation then made its way across the globe to a men's team in Nazareth, Israel.

"It's very gratifying to see these young men benefit from our donation and it's really cool to see the Notre Dame College kit worn halfway across the globe," said senior goalkeeper Chris Logan.

"We are fortunate enough to live in a safe and supportive environment here at NDC," said McBride. "This donation was our way of helping people who share our passion for the sport, but do not share our good fortune."

Select this link to see the thank you letter sent from Israel.

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