17+

Years

of empowering youth.

Founded in October of 2002, Futbol Friends International has been helping children to play soccer for about 20 years so far. We hope to continue for over 100 more!

$50K+

raised

to help communities.

Thanks to hundreds of people involved, both on and off the pitch, we have been able to raise thousands of dollars for soccer fans across the globe to do the one thing they love most, play.

5K+

children

have been Impacted.

Although a relatively young organization, we have been working around the clock since 2002 to impact as many players as possible, while still keeping our integrity that 100% of the proceeds we raise, go straight to the kids.

current projects

worldwide

To support one of these projects and make it your own, contact us at contact@futbolfriendsint.org.

Don’t feel limited to these projects — you can also take initiative and fundraise for the Futbol Friends general fundI! We'll send what you raise to where it is needed most. Either way: you win, and so do the children in the organizations below.

Chloe YOUNG Star Foundation 2023

Rural Ghana

FFI grants to Reverend Worlanyo Afewu and the Kloe Young Star Association have equipped three hundred players from economically deprived schools in rural Ghana. With funds we provided, Rev. Afewu purchased the balls, pumps, and uniforms needed by thirteen boys teams and two girls teams for participation in interscholastic soccer in the Volta Region. Most teams comprise students in the ten to thirteen (U-13) age group while two teams feature players in the twelve to fifteen (U-15) range.

The goal of KYSF is to equip a total of fifty teams in the region’s rural schools. Thirty-five schools are yet to be equipped. Wrote Rev. Afewu: “I hope to express my extreme gratitude to FFI for their contribution of soccer balls and equipment. The happiest to receive the donations were two communities of peasant farmers located in a far-off forest. For the first time, their children were able to participate in inter-school soccer with official uniforms. The children are very happy. Football is an encouragement to stay in school for some students and we hope some football loving students who have dropped out will return. Since youth football is a major source of entertainment in poor areas, entire communities have benefited from your gifts.”

American Friends of Kenya 2023

Central Kenya

Connecticut-based American Friends of Kenya [AFK] has used three grants from FFI, including a 2023 grant of eighteen hundred dollars, to develop soccer programs in three of the poorest regions of Kenya. In coastal Likoni; Ekalakala in central Kenya; and Kongoni in the west, more than five hundred young players ages eight to twenty-five have benefited directly from the purchase of needed equipment. Approximately forty percent of players are girls or young women: a percentage that continues to increase over time. AFK notes that the communities as a whole have benefited. Football provides an outlet for alienated youth and a focal point for the community to come together. In these communities where youth soccer is one of the few sources of entertainment; hundreds of friends, family members and community leaders turn out to watch games. In addition about one hundred and fifty adults are involved as managers, coaches, or assistants.

FFI’s partnership with AFK ensures that our grants have maximum benefit for young players in communities with the greatest needs.

Bridgeport United F.C. 2023

Bridgeport, connecticut

FFI is proud to support Bridgeport United Football Club (BUFC), a free soccer program for girls. The three-year-old club is a program of DIG USA, and its founder, Coach Dan Pelletier. Grant funding from other sources pays most of the bills, including for coaching and logistical support. Our grants helped purchase soccer uniforms and equipment. Under the supervision of a professional coach, BUFC players practice multiple times per week, play games on weekends, and participate in summer camps and winter indoor training.

The players, all Bridgeport residents, live in a city with many challenges, including a rise in gun violence. Coach Dan estimates that for half of the girls in the program, BUFC is their only chance to play a sport. “Due to logistics, money, and cultural differences, we are their only option because we are local, we help with logistics and we’re free.” BUFC travel team plays most of its games against more affluent teams in Fairfield County, and though it loses most games, the girls have progressed over the past three years. According to Coach Dan, “The girls all love each other and love our coaches. Adding, “Not winning doesn’t stop them from having fun and experiencing the benefits of being a part of a team.”

donate to a specific project

Go to the Current Projects page, and pick one to make your own. Commit to raising the funds needed, and work with us to find creative ways to reach that goal. This will connect you to faraway players in a way you will never forget.

donate directly to ffi

FFI buys soccer equipment locally around the world, where it is much less expensive than here. That means any amount you raise will help kids in a big way. As little as $50 can buy 10 soccer balls in some countries.

fundraising ideas

Do you have a fundraising idea or know an impact project we could support? Fill out the project application form below and we’ll be in touch soon.