FC Cincinnati Foundation Proud to Announce Third Annual Cleat Drive and Telethon Aimed at Outfitting Area Youngsters with Soccer Cleats
MLS FC Cincinnati

FC Cincinnati Foundation Proud to Announce Third Annual Cleat Drive and Telethon Aimed at Outfitting Area Youngsters with Soccer Cleats

Published on May 5, 2025 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
FC Cincinnati News Release


The FC Cincinnati Foundation Cleat Drive is back for 2025. Following a record-breaking 2024 drive, FC Cincinnati Foundation has once again teamed up with First Financial Bank, Scripps Howard Fund, and WCPO 9 for this month-long initiative with the goal of providing Cincinnati area youth with new or gently used soccer cleats in time to kick off the fall soccer season.

Starting May 5 and running through May 31, fans are encouraged to donate new or gently used cleats of all sizes by bringing them to their nearest First Financial Bank location to distribute to area youngsters by FC Cincinnati Foundation. Fans can also give monetary donations through the Donate Now webpage at FC Cincinnati's community website, which can be found here.

"We are thrilled to team up with FC Cincinnati Foundation and our community for this year's Cleat Drive," said Mandy Neeley, Chief Consumer Banking and Strategy Officer for First Financial Bank. "Helping our community's young athletes thrive while experiencing the fun and teamwork of soccer is a goal we can all get behind." ‚

"FC Cincinnati Foundation's mission is to improve the lives of children through the game of soccer," said Kate Solomon, Chief Youth & Community Officer and Executive Director, FC Cincinnati Foundation. "This year's Cleat Drive continues to remove barriers by providing more kids with proper equipment, allowing more children across our region to safely play with confidence and excitement." ‚

To find your nearest First Financial Bank branch where you can donate to the cleat drive, click here.

FC Cincinnati Foundation is also partnering with WCPO 9 to cap off the month-long push for soccer footwear, culminating in a telethon that will air live on Thursday, May 22 from 4 pm to 7:30 p.m. By calling in to the telethon and pledging donations, fans and community can help raise money that would go towards providing children in the greater Cincinnati area with cleats and the necessary soccer equipment to play the world's game safely. Two FC Cincinnati players will also be at the telethon answering calls and taking pledges, allowing fans the opportunity to call in and speak directly to a member of The Orange and Blue.

The call-in number is 513-840-WCPO. There is also a text-to-give option by texting CLEATS to 50155 to donate.

The Cleat Drive provides another opportunity for FC Cincinnati, FC Cincinnati Foundation and its community partners to further its effort to outfit and support the over 5,000 children reached through the organization's local soccer programming.

About FC Cincinnati Foundation

FCCF was launched in December 2018 to support transformational change for Cincinnati-area children and impact positive differences in children in underserved communities.

FCCF offers programming to support character development and physical well-being through soccer, the importance of education, and an additional focus on community service. FC Cincinnati Foundation will reach over 88,000 children this year.

For more information, visit FCCincinnati.com/Community.

FC Cincinnati is committed to leaving a legacy, creating something bigger than ourselves, and being the embodiment of a rising Cincinnati. Through our own programs and initiatives and the support of key partners, we will improve the lives of children through soccer and will continue to do our part to create an inclusive community.

Check out the FC Cincinnati Statistics

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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