Tampa Prep Student Seeks Help To Build Soccer Field In Tanzania

TAMPA, FL -- A Tampa teenager has only days to raise the funds necessary to build a soccer field in the impoverished village of Arusha, Tanzania.

Jordan Peloubet, a 17 year-old student at Tampa Prep, was born in Arusha and grew up playing soccer with a ball made from pieces of plastic, bound tightly together with tape and on fields made of dirt and litter.

Like many in his village, his options were limited and hope for a good education didn’t have a much better chance. But then he met Drew and Susan Peloubet and their family who were Americans traveling through Tanzania and Arusha in particular.

After a couple of trips back to his village, the Peloubets got to know Jordan better and a strong connection was formed, eventually leading to his adoption in 2014. Jordan has been back to Arusha where he visits family and plays with his friends.

In speaking with his dad, Drew, he talked about how he wished he could do something for the children there who haven't been as fortunate as he has. After talking through options and being convinced of his commitment, Jordan decided to build a soccer field for the children of Arusha.

Eventually, the father-son duo was introduced to love.futbol, a nonprofit organization that builds soccer fields in developing countries, providing a safe place for kids to play and a community gathering place for families.

In December 2018, Jordan launched his campaign, and he’s now nearing the finish line. After selling bracelets, going door-to-door, speaking to groups like the Rotary and Kiwanis clubs, selling raffle tickets and tracking down prizes, Jordan has secured a donor who has challenged the community to a $15K match. That means for every dollar given, the anonymous donor will match the contribution dollar for dollar. If funds should exceed the need, Jordan will use the money to buy soccer balls or uniforms, perhaps even a small locker room.

“Never could I have imagined how generous our Tampa community could be. I have learned so much, and we are so close to the goal. It may sound strange but this field would mean everything to kids there and I could feel happy knowing I helped,” said Jordan.

So far, Jordan has raised $85,000 of the needed $115,000. With matching funds, the children of Arusha could be playing on a new soccer field by November.

To donate, click here.