Soccer Players in Guyana Score with Help from Feehan Coach

soccer coach Mike Pariseau found an alternative way to put Feehan’s outdated soccer uniforms to good use–he found a way to pass them on to players in South America.

The coach contacted an organization which collects and distributes new and used soccer balls, shoes, socks and uniforms to underprivileged villages throughout the world.

"When we got the donation of all new uniforms last year, I was left with 40 to 50 of the old ones in really great shape and I felt aweful about throwing them out," Pariseau said. "So I did a little research online and found PeacePassers."

Peace Passers serves as a platform for people to donate new or used soccer equipment so that it can be put back into play, according to Peace Passers Co-Founder Candace Cooper Murray. 

"We function on the fact that it not only recycles the equipment but also supports the development of soccer in areas of the world where there is often little or no access to proper gear," she said. "The impact from our standpoint is that it connects soccer players in the United States to a global service mindset. What some may consider to be 'old gear' is essentially new gear to a player who's never had their own jersey before.

"The positive outcomes of being involved in organized sport are endless, especially for those living in otherwise hopeless environments," she added. "It empowers individuals and can uplift an entire community. People from all parts of the world have a passion for soccer, Peace Passers helps to connect others in giving back to the game in a tangible, yet powerful way."

After contacting Peace Passers, Pariseau packed up the soccer shirts and Bishop Feehan High School paid to have them shipped to Tyler Yancy of Connect3Bridge.com, a non-profit mission formed to connect churches in America with those in Guyana, South America.

Connect3Bridge organized a soccer ministry. The ministry brings coaches from the U.S. to Guyana soccer camps to help with drills and other soccer-related team building. It also helps to collect gently used balls, shoes, uniforms, socks, shin guards, nets and more.

"We are extremely proud of Coach Pariseau and his players for their vision and generosity," Principal Bill Runey said. "For 50 years, Feehan has strived to follow the lead of the Sisters of Mercy and lend a hand to those in need. The fact that our soccer program's generosity traverses several continents make it more special."

There were enough shirts to supply uniforms to four clubs. In an effort to thank Feehan for its generosity, Yancy sent the school photos of the two of the clubs dressed in their Feehan soccer clothes.