Universal Soccer Smile donation boxes at NSC All-American Cup

The National Sports Center (NSC) will host Universal Soccer Smile (USS) donation boxes at the All-American Cup Soccer Tournament, June 18-20! USS is an organization that collects gently used soccer equipment to donate to impoverished communities in need of the proper equipment to play soccer.

The organization was founded in 2020 by Ramira Ambrose, a junior soccer player at Wayzata High School, after she noticed all of the extra equipment she had lying around her home and was inspired to donate it to players in need. Ramira explains, “In Sri Lanka, the country where my family is from, many children love every aspect of soccer but lack the resources to play. I wanted to reach out to the soccer community to provide support for these children who deserve the opportunity to play comfortably and confidently.” 

“My favorite part of this program is the connection the game of soccer brings,” said Ramira. “No matter what pathway of life someone comes from, soccer is a universal language in which smiles can be shared. These collection drives involve the local soccer community to connect with others who share the same passion.”

Be sure to bring out your gently used soccer equipment to the All-American Cup Soccer Tournament this weekend to make a positive difference within the soccer community!