How It Works

⚽ How Schools Get Goals

1

📩 Nominate & Approve

Schools or community sites are nominated, approved, and added to our project list with their own fundraising page.

2

🤝 Raise Support

We partner with families, neighbors, nonprofits, and sponsors to raise support. Every donation matters.

3

📝 Agreement & Purchase

Once the simple MOU is signed, we purchase and deliver goals at our nonprofit partner rate.

4

🎉 Celebrate & Play

🌟 What Happens Next

5

🌍 Beome an Event Partner

Event Partners are recognized at events, on our website, and through media coverage.

Become an Event Partner
6

⏯️ Play & Pause Days

Teachers use Goal Cards—laminated, easy-to-use activity guides provided by our nonprofit—for short soccer play (10–15 min) paired with a 2–3 minute mindfulness pause. These build teamwork and emotional regulation, and help classes transition back indoors smoothly.

7

👨‍👩‍👧 Family Wellness Events

Hosted after school with partners: small-sided games, wellness stations, and local resource tables. Event Partners fund and are recognized at these gatherings.

8

📊 Track & Share Impact

We collect participation data and feedback, then share results with schools, families, and sponsors.

9

➡️ Sustain & Expand

We refine activities with staff input, set a maintenance plan, and replicate success at more schools and community sites.

🎯 Sample Goal Card (Mockup)

Play & Pause Ages 5–10 (K–5) Small Groups: 6–20

Circle Passing Challenge

🧰
Equipment
  • 1 ball per outside player (size 3–4 for younger grades, 4–5 for older)
  • 10–20 cones to mark circle(s)
  • Pinnies/vests for inside players (optional)
  • Whistle or sound cue
🎒
Setup (2 min)
Students form a large circle (or several small circles by age). Place 3–4 students inside. Each outside player has a ball.
🏃
Play (8–10 min)
On the whistle, inside players check to an outside player, receive a ground pass, return it on the ground, then move quickly to a new outside player. Rotate inside players every 1–2 minutes.
🧠
Pause (2–3 min)
Emotional regulation: inside players share one word on how they feel, then practice “Smell the pizza, cool the pizza” breathing for three rounds. Quiet walk back to line for a smooth transition indoors.
Teacher Tip: Challenge advanced students to one-touch the return pass. Praise teams for quick, quiet transitions.
Provided by For the Players Foundation • Laminated for outdoor use
Coach Notes Total Time: 12–15 min

Why It Works

🎯
Skills
Passing accuracy, movement off the ball, communication, emotional awareness.
🤝
Inclusion
Use lighter or larger balls for younger grades; allow walk-and-pass. Pair quieter students with supportive peers.
📝
Reflection
Ask: “What helped you stay focused inside the circle? How did the breathing change how you felt?”
Pro Move: Classes that return ready to learn earn 5 bonus outdoor minutes the next day.
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