News Detail

Brothers Keep Soccer Nonprofit Going Since 2016

1/25/2023

While still an eighth-grader, Connor White '19, started a nonprofit called Freekicks to provide soccer balls and equipment to refugees and other underserved communities. Soccer was an important part of Connor's life and he wanted any young person who loved the game to have the right equipment. Eight years later, Freekicks is still alive and well, now under the capable direction of Connor's younger brother, Matthew '23.

Connor, now a senior at the University of Virginia where he is co-president of the UVA men's soccer club, remains on the website as founder, but Matthew has taken charge as Freekicks' president. It's a job he does very well, despite his considerable academic and athletic responsibilities — Matthew has a 4.4 weighted GPA and is a captain of Brophy's varsity soccer team where he has contributed 13 goals as of the publication of this article.

Anyone who has new or gently used soccer equipment can notify Matthew via the Freekicks website. He has worked with the Welcome to America Project and Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos, among others, in the distribution of equipment. The Freekicks' mission statement:

Freekicks is dedicated to making a difference in children’s lives and communities locally and globally by giving them donated gently used or new soccer equipment, giving kids a free kick, the chance to play soccer. We find inner strength and joy when we come together as ONE WORLD to bring communities together and enhance the lives of children through soccer, which is universally healthy for the mind, body, and soul.

For more information on Connor, Matthew and Freekicks:

AZPreps316 article on Connor – March 2018

AZCentral article on Matthew – January 2023

AZCentral Athlete of the Week – January 2023

Freekicks website

Photo L-R: Matthew and Connor