The upcoming documentary highlights Vernon’s charity football project

A Vernon resident has merged kindness and football into a global charity project.

Shelley Zupp is the founder of The Goal of Kindness, a charity that donates football equipment to countries around the world.

“I was so blessed to have the opportunity to play soccer with the kids, using the supplies I brought,” said Zupp, who has donated during her trips to Zimbabwe, Malawi, Uganda, Bali and Sri Lanka. “This experience has given me the desire to continue serving in this way.”

The charity started in 2008, when Zupp and her friend Deb Poggemoeller collected 300 soccer jerseys, cleats and balls and shipped them in a container of building materials and other items destined for Rwanda.

Since then, the collection has continued and spread as more than 7,900 jerseys, 732 footballs, shorts and cleats donated by the Vernon soccer community have been donated to more than 25 countries around the world.

In 2022, Zupp completed a six-month journey distributing soccer equipment to childcare centers, schools, orphanages and communities in seven countries in Mexico and Central America.

There will be a documentary about Zupp’s travels by Inspire Kindness, and distributed via social media channels, in conjunction with a release at the Vernon Towne Theater in the fall.

“This project is about so much more than just kids getting a new shirt,” Zupp said. “The feedback I have received over the years has been so encouraging and moving.”

As part of the documentary, dozens of footballers recently came out to spell “kindness” on a field for a drone shot.

More information can be found at thegoalofkindness.com.