Foundation Programs Around The World
Program Founder Stephen Schirra receives an award at NBA basketball game!
Stephen explains exactly what Around the Worlds, Around the World does for children across the globe.
“Around the Worlds, Around the World is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that connects children from extreme circumstances all over the world to the game of soccer, using it as a platform to instill positive change while fostering joy and hope. We work with children from orphanages, schools, churches, refugee homes, halfway houses, youth shelters, earthquake relief centers, etc. all over the world. In the past two years, I’ve had the opportunity to teach the game to about 3,650 youth from 75 organizations in 22 countries. Throughout this time, we’ve been able to go beyond organized instruction to also provide our young beneficiaries with the necessary tools to play the game – including, but not limited to, cleats, goal sets, jerseys, goalkeeper gloves, and more.
We have also been fortunate to hand-deliver over 1,200 soccer balls during this timeframe. We’re also proud to have started a scholarship for local high school students using sports to make a difference within the community, and currently have a permanent scholarship fund that will pay out a $1000 scholarship per year, on a perpetual basis.”
Challenger Sports has donated balls and shirts to Around the Worlds on behalf of families who have supported our British Soccer, TetraBrazil and SoccerPlus programs.
Challenger’s Co-Founder Peter Arch: “We are so happy to help Stephen bring smiles to the faces of so many children and are delighted that the sport of soccer can be used to provide such an uplifting experience to communities in need. Challenger is looking forward to providing, even more, support for Stephen and “Around the Worlds, Around the World” in the future.”
To find out more and to donate to this wonderful charity, please visit AroundtheWorlds.org
January 2018
Around the Worlds program at an orphanage (House of Joy) in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia
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The equipment will be in Kenya within the month and will be used extensively by the youngsters, we appreciate your support”
During our 12 day trip we worked with over 160 students ages 5-17 in the local academy system; the Dominica Men’s National Team, two U20 3rd Division teams, and conducted a coaches clinic for the Dominica FA and the Dominica Football Coaches Association. Our team ran several player clinics working on improving technical ability and small group tactics, and tried to help educate the academy coaches as conducted these player clinics. Our interaction with the coaches association focused mainly on how to design a training session and the elements involved in running an effective practice. During the trip we used the soccer balls donated to us by Challenger Sports, and at the end of the coaches tour we distributed equipment donated to the local soccer academies that we had an opportunity to work with.
Plans are to return this December, 2014 and help the DFA and the Coaches Association run a soccer festival that will bring all the academies together for a weekend tournament. We are still in contact with the DFA Technical Director and Men’s National Team head coach about the development of the national pool of talent, and we correspond regularly with the president of the Coaches Association.

Again I would like to say thanks for the soccer balls. The balls were almost to big of a hit. I ended up sending 200+, that was all the capacity they had to carry them. Bishops from the Conespah organization were looking up the delegation requesting soccer balls. The word got out and as the truck would leave the guest house, a huge crowd would gather and swarm the truck.
I received on text while they were in Haiti just telling me “Strong Play” to send soccer balls.
Thanks for your continued support of youth soccer.
Marvin Sommerfeld
Challenger’s Tournament Division hosts a series of events nationwide for thousands of boys and girls teams from over 20 states. Their flagship events in Overland Park KS have an economic impact of over $2,000,0000 to the surrounding hotels, restaurants, gas stations and entertainment areas.
Each year the Challenger Tournament division donates over $200,000 to local partner soccer clubs.
The Challenger coaching staff provide local elementary and middle school teachers with much-needed in school support and each year will deliver physical education classes encouraging children to exercise regularly and introducing them to the skills of soccer. The classes will also include Challenger’s important message of, Respect, Responsibility, Integrity, Leadership, Sportsmanship and what it takes to be a Champion of Character.
If your school would like to host a Challenger Soccer Class please contact your local Challenger Sports representative.
Cocktail Party – October 14, 2017 – Doors open at 6pm til late.
Kicking Kids Cancer is registered 501(c)(3) organization which raises money for pediatric cancer. Every year we host a fundraising event at XL Soccer World and since 2013 we have helped raise over $100,000 for this great cause. In 2017 we want to match our current total and raise $100,000 in one night. The first $10,000 of which will be split between our 2017 Team Captain’s: Isabella Masucci and Lantz Mangan for their current
treatments. The remaining funds will be donated towards a new research project called The XL Soccer World Research Grant . We will work closely with a local organization called The cannonball Kids’ cancer Foundation to select the right research trial.
Please email grace@xlsportsworld for more information