Impact

Government of Alberta

SOCIETIES ACT

Certificate of Incorporation

CLEATS FOR KIDS FOUNDATION
WAS INCORPORATED IN ALBERTA ON 2024/05/10.

Our Story

It is through their love for sports that Ameen and Akwasi became friends. Growing up in the same neighbourhood, they met playing soccer at a local field in the community. After some time, they discovered that they were both set to play at the same youth club, from which their friendship grew.

They became close friends outside of soccer during middle school, throughout high school, and now well into their post-secondary studies. Sharing a love for sports, and an urge to commit themselves to the service of others, they engaged in many discussions about the prospect of doing some sort of charity work in the community.

Having played soccer throughout their childhood and adolescence, they both understand and appreciate the way sports have enriched their lives. Whether it be through improving their physical and mental health to teaching them important skills like teamwork, discipline, and perseverance. Additionally, sports have helped them connect with others and access new opportunities.

As Ameen started working towards his youth coaching licence and Akwasi began to play at the professional level, they both recognized that not everyone has access to the same opportunities and often face barriers associated with participation in sports. They collectively founded the Cleats 4 Kids Foundation in the hopes of enabling every child to experience the same benefits from sports that they did.

Through equipment/monetary aid, child sponsorship, and community events, the Cleats 4 Kids Foundation aims to build a system in which every child can play. Through this, children, regardless of socioeconomic status, will be given a platform to cultivate, excel and flourish through the realm of sports.

U SPORTS Article on the Cleats 4 Kids Foundation

Keeping Dreams Alive: Cleats4Kids Foundation Helps Make Soccer More Affordable

Signing up for youth sports can often be expensive.

According to a 2023 report by Solutions Research Group, Canadian families spent over $2,500 per teenager, annually, on organized and casual sports. Activities with additional equipment costs raised that number to over $4,000.

That is why when midfielder for the Thompson Rivers University (TRU) WolfPack men’s soccer team Akwasi “Junior” Agyekum had the chance to make a difference and help out in his community, he seized the opportunity. What started as just a simple idea between him and his friend Ameen Alizada quickly turned into reality when they created the Cleats4Kids Foundation, which aims to help provide those that cannot afford it with soccer equipment and other resources so that everyone can enjoy the sport.

Cleats 4 Kids in the Media

Radio NL 610 Kamloops Sports Scene

Tune in to Radio NL 610 Kamloops Sports Scene to catch the founders of Cleats 4 Kids discussing our mission and impact on the community. Learn firsthand about our dedication to ensuring every child has access to the joys of sports, and how our initiatives are making a tangible difference in the lives of youth across the region. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear inspiring stories and insights into our ongoing efforts to promote inclusivity and well-being through sports.