A $3,500 fundraising campaign aims to provide soccer kits to 100 children in the care of The Spring of Tampa Bay.
This holiday season, the Tampa Bay Sun Foundation is bringing the community together around something powerful: the opportunity for every child to play.
Through its Gear Goals Holiday Drive, the Foundation is working to provide what they’re calling ‘Ready to Play’ youth soccer kits to 100 children currently in the care of The Spring of Tampa Bay, an organization supporting survivors of domestic violence and their families.
More Than Equipment
Soccer gear may seem like a simple gift, but access to sports can open the door to so much more. 1 in 7 parents say they have not signed their children up for sports because of the cost of equipment and related expenses. Gear Goals, powered by Tampa Electric, gives children the opportunity to enjoy the sense of belonging that comes from playing the game.
For families navigating difficult circumstances, access to new equipment may not always be a priority or an expense they can take on. The Gear Goals Holiday Drive is an opportunity for the community to help remove that barrier and make the game more accessible.
Creating Space for Healing Through Play
For children navigating the effects of domestic violence, access to recreation can offer more than a fun activity. Safe, supportive environments give children opportunities to establish positive routines and connect with trusted adults. Research on trauma-informed physical activity programs highlights how structured recreation can help foster resilience, strengthen relationships, and create a sense of belonging for young people who have experienced trauma.
Through its partnership with The Spring of Tampa Bay, the Tampa Bay Sun Foundation hopes to help make those opportunities more accessible by providing soccer kits to 100 children in the organization’s care. This initiative will be followed by a free-to-play soccer clinic that combines the expertise of the Sun Foundation and the children from The Spring of Tampa Bay in early 2027.
“Every child deserves the joy of being a kid, and the gift of play can create connection, hope, and a sense of belonging. We are grateful to collaborate with the Tampa Bay Sun Foundation to provide that gift to the children and families we serve.”
Mindy Murphy, CEO of The Spring of Tampa Bay
Details at a Glance
- Campaign: Gear Goals Holiday Drive, Powered by Tampa Electric
- Organized by: Tampa Bay Sun Foundation
- Community partner: The Spring of Tampa Bay
- Fundraising goal: $3,500
- Intended impact: 100 children
- Campaign purpose: Help provide soccer kits to children in the care of The Spring of Tampa Bay who’ve been affected by domestic violence
- Donate: Gear Goals Holiday Drive Fundraising Page
How You Can Help
Reaching 100 children takes a community effort. There are several ways to participate in the Gear Goals Holiday Drive:
- Make a donation. Help the Foundation reach its $3,500 goal and support the purchase of soccer kits.
- Share the campaign. Send the fundraising link to friends, family, colleagues, and community groups.
- Bring an item from the Official Holiday Drive Wish List to the 11.21 Home Match, so that all items are uniform for the children being impacted.
- Invite your workplace or organization to participate. Encourage colleagues and local businesses to join the effort and help expand the campaign’s reach.
Every donation and share helps bring the Foundation closer to its goal.
Give the Gift of Play
At the Tampa Bay Sun Foundation, soccer is more than a game. It is a way to create opportunities, build connections, and make a positive difference in the lives of youth throughout Tampa Bay.
We hope you’ll join us in giving the gift of play this holiday season.
