Stevenson varsity soccer player Sam Han ’25 teamed up with the Heart of the City Sports Foundation to collect gear from the Stevenson soccer community for underprivileged families in the Lake County Area. The equipment drive was held at the beginning of Sept. and welcomed donations from any Stevenson soccer player.
Through Han’s initiative, the collective Stevenson community gathered approximately 200 items of soccer gear for players in need. Han was inspired to start this drive from a previous effort to help his community.
“In Feb. 2024, I worked with the directors of my local soccer club, Chicago Rush North, to provide mentorship opportunities and connect service opportunities with young athletes in our area,” Han said. “ I thought it would be a good idea to incorporate the Stevenson soccer community to serve the underprivileged children of the Lake County area.”
Han’s motivation to run this event was also due to his strong interest in soccer, as he’s played for 12 years and wanted to make his last season memorable. Han founded the donation drive as an outreach event for his non-profit Players’ Chapter of Service and an opportunity to showcase his respect for the sport.
“The sport of soccer teaches you so many lessons about leadership, teamwork, and hard work, and it builds character,” Han said. “It is sad to see that some children [can’t] start their journeys because of improper equipment.”
Located in Waukegan, the Heart of the City Sports Foundation helped Han organize the drive by distributing the gear that Han collected. Dean Smith, the Sporting Director of the Heart of the City Sports Foundation, agrees with Han on the importance of providing equal opportunity to everyone in the sport.
“It’s more than just donating equipment,” Smith stated. “It’s about giving children the tools they need to pursue their passion for soccer, build confidence, and develop skills that will benefit them for life. Every contribution helps strengthen the sense of belonging for the kids we serve, ensuring they feel supported and motivated to succeed both on and off the field.
Other than assisting in equipment donations, The Heart of the City Sports Foundation also provides youth soccer programs and opportunities to make soccer accessible to as many people as they can. With intentions to host more equipment drives, Han expresses his gratitude for his community.
“People took time out of their day and out of their sport to learn, to come together to serve one cause,” Han said. “I really hope that everyone can realize the impact of just taking two minutes, three minutes, five minutes out of their day to gather their old items to help young soccer players start their journeys in underserved communities.”
