VIDEO: Tricon Sports Supporting Coaches Across Continents

Soccer is known as the universal game, but in the right hands—or feet—it can also be a universal aid.

here in Lexington has teamed up with Coaches Across Continents to collect gently used or new soccer equipment to send overseas in an effort to design and implement social development programs in Africa using the sport as a starting point.

Earlier this summer, Tricon began accepting things like soccer balls, cleats, shin pads, socks and just about anything else that would facilitate a soccer game. The equipment will then be shipped overseas where, according to Coaches Across Continents, experienced coaches will work with and assist developing regions using a designed soccer education curriculum.

Soccer is the draw, and coaches then use the game as a tool and platform for teaching youth about greater life lessons, and instill in the players and educators values such as teamwork, dedication, hard work, hope and teamwork.

“Teamwork is one of the big things, and over there they use sports to solve conflict, conflict resolution,” said Eric Driscoll of Tricon Sports. “Through soccer, which is the main sport that CAC uses, they’re able to educate youths about major issues going on in the world, HIV prevention, conflict resolution, and other issues that arise in the world. Through sports, they’re able to draw on the youth and educate them.”

According to Driscoll, what separates Tricon Sports from the bigger, chain sports stores is their ability to act local even as they think – and act – global.  In addition to outfitting and working with something like 40 different athletic associations in at least 11 area communities, Tricon uses sports to connect local athletes with the less fortunate abroad.

“You really see in sports more than any other facet of life, people coming together to play with one goal,” Driscoll said. “It’s the one kind of thing that draws everybody in. There’s one ball, on one field and everybody wants to play. For those 90 minutes or whatever, nothing else matters.”  

Those interested in supporting Coaches Across Continents through the donation of equipment can do so at Tricon Sports, located at 415 Waltham St., Lexington. Anyone intersted in making a financial donation should do so through the Coaches Across Continents website.