BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Where it All Began
Realizing the potential of collecting gently used soccer uniforms such as jersey’s, soccer shorts, socks, shoes, shin guards, and coaches equipment has be evolved into a phenomenon that is catching on in soccer cubs and schools across Canada, providing children the chance to give their soccer uniforms to children their own again, so that they can play soccer as well. Starting with the Georgetown Ontario Soccer Club’s closing day of the summer season, Chance to Play’s first collection resulted in over $20,000 in retail value of uniforms, shoes and soccer balls. The response was overwhelming as parents were thrilled to donate their children’s uniforms so that children and youth that are less unfortunate have the same opportunities. To date, collections continue to take place with soccer clubs and elementary/high schools across Ontario.
resulting in expanding our warehousing space. Although there are no confirmed statistics on the number of soccer uniforms have been rescued from the local landfills, according to C2P’s information, approximately over 10,000 pieces have been diverted. Imagine the number of soccer uniforms that can be collected to give children the privilege of playing soccer in their own community!
Since 2011, Chance to Play has implemented the Play it Forward Soccer Program by partnering with local Canadian residents, schools, churches and organizations to organize and
coordinate the distribution of the soccer donations to communities in Tanzania, The Philippians, Dominican Republic, and Nicaragua. “Watching their (children) faces light up with joy and excitement in breathe taking and an overwhelming sense of emotion. As soon as the children put on the jersey’s, they gathered in their teams and started a game of soccer. It was worth the work and look forward to bringing joy to children through the generous donations of Canadians”
My mission is to improve the lives of children in local and international communities in through donations of gently used and new soccer uniforms and equipment that will inspire education, leadership through soccer programs.
Chance to Play is a Non for Profit organization and relies on donation to ship soccer gear around the world and Aboriginal and Intuit communities across Canada
Anita Bergsma - Founder and Executive Director
"What is the essence of life? To Serve Other and Do Good."
Aristotle
Anita BERGSMA
Executive Director & CEO
Sarah FERNANDEZ
Director of Finance
Yolanda CHESTER
Secretary
NOMINATIONS FOR BOARD MEMBERSHIP-VOLUNTEER POSITION
Chance to Play is a non-profit organization providing opportunities to children and youth across Canada and communities in developing countries to engage in
soccer. Impacting communities through the soccer recycling program that offers environmental sustainability by collecting and redistributing
gently used soccer uniforms and equipment by collaborating with soccer clubs.
Potential Board of Directors will have a chance show their interest in international and Canadian Programs, partnering with soccer clubs, passion for children and youth, providing opportunities for a more fulfilled future through leadership and mentorship. Through “Play it Forward Soccer Program” stewardship of the environment and community focuses on an organization where programs offered are accessible, responsive and at no cost. Chance to Play’s mission is to promote an atmosphere which will encourage our community as a whole to participate in and develop a positive, healthy and caring communities across Canada and overseas.
Board members reflect the ethnic, cultural, and demographic, characteristics of our organization and are chosen from the community, local organizations/associations and businesses.
The Board is Expanding and has an opening and encourages applicants in the following professions and passions:
- Donor Relations Director
- Volunteer Director
- Soccer Program Director
- Fundraising and Special Events Director
We are looking for passionate members to make communities a better place. We want to hear from you! The appointment to the Board is for a three year period with a time commitment of approximately 4 evening hours per month plus sub-committee attendance. The Board normally meets the 2nd Monday of each month. Location will be in Georgetown. Each member must sign an Oath of Confidentiality, a Chance to Play Code of Conduct, Conflict of Interest statement, be at least 18 years of age, support the mission and mandate of the agency and undergo a criminal background check.
Please submit in confidence along a resume to volunteer@chancetoplay.ca
For further information please contact Anita Bergsma, Executive Director
VOLUNTEER
CO-ORDINATOR.
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Our headquarters are based in Chicago's Financial District.