Cleats4Athletes

(954)-774-2141

@Cleats4Athletes

MISSION

The mission of Cleats4Athletes (C4A) is to help underprivileged youth in the community by providing gently used cleats, clothing, and equipment to facilitate the development of their athletic abilities. We believe the engagement in sports encourages character, grit, leadership, and other skills needed to help them succeed on the field (court, etc.), in the classroom, and beyond.

ABOUT

Cleats4Athletes was started in 2020 by two high school athletes who both became aware of how the pandemic was adversely affecting the ability for underprivileged kids to play sports. Knowing how important sports can be for kids, they initiated a modest collection of cleats, athletic gear/equipment, and clothing from friends, family, school, and others to give to the Police Athletic League (PAL) of Hollywood, FL, who then distributed them to the kids. After introducing the idea to the community service contact at their school, they realized they could be more effective if they created a Not for Profit Corporation. In 2022 our CEO, Matthew Amunategui, filed articles of incorporation to make Cleats4Athletes an official Florida 501(c)(3) Not for Profit corporation. Now, one of our goals is to also encourage monetary donations which will be used for the purchase of new cleats for underprivileged kids in our community.

DONATIONS and RECIPIANTS

Since 2020, we have collected approximately 580 items (approx. value $2279), which includes cleats, sneakers, athletic clothing, athletic equipment, and clothes/shoes. We have received $2000 from donors which we used to purchase 30 pairs of cleats and sneakers that were donated to Lee County Sheriff's Youth Activities League (SYAL), who in turn distributed them to kids in regions of the county devastated by Hurricane Ian. We have just received a commitment from Skechers for a donation of 25 pairs of sneakers that we will donate to PAL of Hollywood.

Donations have been collected from the school community, friends, family, neighbors, and businesses. In addition, we have appointed Talia Rosenthal as our Community Ambassador to help raise awareness and obtain donations.

We intend to continue to distribute to the PAL of Hollywood and will continue to serve other communities that are in dire need of our donations. In the future, we hope to continue to expand to other cities/counties in Florida and other states. We would like to reach a goal of donating cleats/sneakers to 1000 kids per year.