Peace, Play, & Soccer for All

With the season of thanks upon us there’s no better time to bring thanks to a recent donation made by Lexxi Martini from Albany, New York. Lexxi is currently in her first year of college at the University of Connecticut, School of Business. Before heading to college this past fall, as part of a service project Lexxi organized a collection of used soccer gear from her community and team mates. Lexxi (4th from left in picture) was a 4 year Varsity player for the Guilderland Girls High School Varsity Soccer team. All together Lexxi collected over 75 high school and junior varsity team jerseys, warm ups and shorts including over a dozen cleats and turf shoes. All of this equipment is now headed to Afghanistan.

James Gorman is a soldier in the U.S. Army and is presently deployed in Afghanistan. James has spent his free time volunteering at a local school in Kandahar serving 75 boys age 6 to16. In an area of the world where the atmosphere is often volatile & threatening, the game of soccer provides a positive outlet for the boys at this school. While volunteering James observed the need for soccer equipment and took initiative to seek out resources where gear might be available, which is when he contacted Peace Passers.

Much appreciation goes to Mr. Gary Martini (Lexxi’s dad) for reaching out to Peace Passers to help in identifying where to send the collected gear. After Peace Passers connected Lexxi’s collection to the request from James, Gary helped facilitate & fund the shipment to Afghanistan.

James told us “I know the boys will be so excited. They have grown up in such a harsh environment, and it is important that they have a chance to just be kids.” A Peace Passers thank you to Lexxi, the Lady Dutch players, Gary Martini and to James for his efforts beyond the call of duty! Peace, play & soccer for all.