Traveling with a Purpose
Bootbags x Football for the World Montego Bay & Kingston, Jamaica Missions Trip
I had the opportunity to start 2022 off giving back with a soccer-based missions trip to Jamaica. It was my first time visiting this incredibly beautiful island, and I had the great fortune of being able to see it from a local’s perspective and connect with/give back to the community alongside friends.
Being a conscious traveler is something I value tremendously. After all, we travel to experience new cultures and learn about the world from new perspectives. To me, part of being a conscious traveler means engaging with the local community. This past January, I had an opportunity to do just that like never before.
Soccer has played a pivotal role in my life. I’ve played since I was 4 years old, and it has shaped me into the person I am today. In fact, soccer is why I started traveling. It opened the door to new worlds for me, and ultimately planted the seed that would grow to become what is Travel with Nat today.
This January, I traveled to Jamaica for a missions trip put together by Bootbags and Football for the World (FFTW). Bootbags is a conscious brand based in Miami, Florida and FFTW is a non-profit organization based in Omaha, Nebraska. Both brands share one mission: they both want to make soccer attainable for everyone and leave a lasting impact on the world.
In January, Bootbags started the year by providing a FREE clinic for the community of Montego Bay (with 101 children showing up!). With the help of volunteers, they facilitated sessions and fun games ran by ex-pro/collegiate coaches, and provided free bootbags to each child. With the help of FFTW, they were also able to provide free cleats to the children that attended!
MISSIONS
In Kingston just a few days later, I had the opportunity to see the hard work of FFTW in the community first hand. Through their partnership with clubs in the community such as Reinas Academy (pictured here), they have been able to give back consistently through free clinics, equipment, and opportunities for players to play overseas.
Reinas Academy is the first all girl’s club in Jamaica. Because of their initiative and the support of FFTW, other clubs like it have started to form around the island, providing opportunities and outlets for girls all around Jamaica that did not exist before.
The support of FFTW is even sending one of Reinas Academy players to play college soccer in the U.S. I was lucky enough to be able to take the field with these young talented and dedicated players!
ADVENTURE DAY
During our time in Kingston, not only did we get to visit various clubs and neighborhoods and connect with locals bringing change to the community, but we also had the opportunity to take a day trip to Portland to visit the Blue Lagoon! We rode gondolas, saw sea turtles, got to hike on this small island to see some epic views, and were able to swim in the beautiful water!
COMMUNITY
The people of Jamaica were so incredibly welcoming. The players and coaches were so passionate, and the volunteers and leaders were so intentional. This was an experience I’ll never forget! Can’t wait for next year’s trip. Here are some resources if you would like to donate or join next year!
Donate Financially
Donate Equipment
To join next January’s missions trip, please email team@bootbags.us
About the Organizers:
Bootbags: The bags that give back
Every 5 bags sold delivers a pair of cleats to a child in need.
Bootbags are sustainably made bags designed for soccer players to carry their cleats wherever the game takes them. Designed by players, for players, Bootbags is a conscious brand that gives back to the community and promotes inclusivity. Perfect for training and games, bootbags are made for field athletes in motion both on and off the pitch (and believe me - they’re active off the pitch!)
Every 5 bags sold delivers a pair of cleats to a child in need. Bootbags is fighting to keep soccer more inclusive, not exclusive. They believe every child should have access to organized and competitive play, and advocate for equality in the sport for both boys and girls, men and women. They partner with charities and organizations to distribute equipment and host free clinics (like this mission’s trip)!
Football for the World: The World’s Game, Helping the World’s People
Using the power of football to change the world.
FFTW’s is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to improve children's quality of life through the game of football. They believe football should be accessible to all - regardless of socioeconomic status, gender, race, ability, or geographic location. Quality affordable programming, leadership development, gender equality, and inclusivity are at the heart of their work - locally and abroad.
Programming is designed to set individuals and communities up for sustainable success. This means harnessing the power of collaboration with schools, sports clubs, nonprofits, community groups, individuals and corporations to achieve their mission: improving children’s quality of life through the game of football.
