A ball for a smile

The "A Ball for a Smile" campaign is a charitable initiative aimed at providing soccer balls to underprivileged children. Our goal is to spread joy and promote physical activity through the simple gift of a soccer ball.

To make this possible, we rely on the generosity of everyone involved in the Vancouver F.C. ecosystem—employees, partners, and the community. We invite you to participate by sponsoring a child identified through our program.

Agrupamento de Escolas D. João II - Sintra, under Principal Professor Paulo Campos, has established a protocol with Vancouver FC to promote community engagement. This partnership focuses on collecting sports and leisure materials to donate to African communities and other needy populations. 

Key elements of the initiative include:

• "A ball, a smile": Donating sports equipment.
• "A smile for you, a smile for someone else": Providing dolls.
• "It's good for you, it can be good for someone else": Collecting used clothes.

Dr. André Silvestre, from the Physical Education recruitment group, is leading the project at the school level. Vancouver FC and the school assume all legal responsibilities during the activities.

The campaign operates in Portugal, coordinated by Vancouver FC and Agrupamento de Escolas D. João II - Sintra, in collaboration with national and international institutions.

Vancouver FC currently runs three soccer academies in Guiné-Bissau and plans to expand to other developing countries in Africa, Asia, and South America. The "A Ball for a Smile" initiative emerged from the success of a previous social project by Vancouver FC, inspiring broader participation from partners and society.

• Promote human appreciation through solidarity.
• Engage the business community in respecting others.
• Enhance the well-being of children receiving donations.
• Bring joy to underprivileged children.

Success relies on:

• Social partners and local school groups.
• Hundreds of sponsors (individuals or companies) supporting each child's dream gift.
• National organization involvement.

Participating organizations can display their logos on the Vancouver FC website as recognition.

This initiative boosts personal and professional self-esteem by making a positive impact. Witnessing children receive a ball, fostering their development, and personal fulfillment underscores our shared commitment to this life-changing project.

For support, contact asilvestre@vancouver-fc.com. Swiss organizations can reach out to Joel Araújo Neves at joel.neves03@hotmail.com.