Passback to Ashland!

I would like to share with you an exciting and heartwarming program called the PASSBACK Program. The Passback Program is a joint effort between the U.S. Soccer Foundation, Eurosport and MLS players to help meet the soccer uniform and equipment needs of all communities, regardless of income, gender or location. Through the volunteer efforts of many, thousands of pieces of new or gently used soccer equipment have been collected and distributed to schools, clubs and youth organizations across the nation.
Through the Passback Program, I have discovered a need in our backyard. I am coordinating a city-wide effort to help provide soccer items for these children. I would request your help in helping them.
Nicole Barrett, a teacher in Ashland, MT contacted the Passback Program for donations. Here is her story:

I grew up playing soccer in Colstrip and in high school I played on a U18 team in Miles City. When I moved to Ashland and began teaching here in 2006, I felt the urge to start some kind of organized athletics because there are none here.
Ashland is on the edge of the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation with about 90% of my players being enrolled Cheyennes. Not only is poverty wide spread here but so is obesity and diabetes. Soccer is a sport you can play whether you have money or not because if you have a ball you can play.
In the summer of 2007, I started with a two week camp with 67 kids. I didn't have a goal or even a field, but we play on a big open lot.  In the fall of 2008, I organized 2 teams ranging from 5-11 years old. We traveled to Colstrip once a week to play for 2 months. This past summer I had a camp with 83 children ages 5-12. This fall I had 4 teams: 2-kindergarten/first grade teams, 1-second/ third grade team and 1-fourth/fifth grade team.
I am so excited about your offering to help.  This is such a blessing for me and my soccer players!

Coach Barrett is in need of basic fundamental soccer gear for her players. She has requested soccer balls (size 3-5) and pumps, shin guards (youth and adult), cleats (sizes 11-7), goalie shirts and gloves, cones, pinnies, soccer nets/goals, socks, shorts and jerseys. This is a huge need.
Soccer is a life-long passion of mine. I touched my first soccer ball when I was just a toddler and have played ever since. I love this game and would love to give others an opportunity to play.
PLEASE check your closets AND your little brother’s and sister’s closets for any GENTLY used soccer equipment and bring them to the COLLECTION BIN at Amend Park. Thank you for your help!
Christine (Cici) Moen
cicisocceraid@yahoo.com