TJ senior ships 3,000 soccer items to eight countries

Bera Gumruk has shipped 3,000 pieces of soccer equipment to youth in eight countries through his nonprofit, Soccer-4-All. The Annandale senior started the program after learning his father could not afford gear when growing up in Turkey.

The kits include cleats, jerseys, shin guards, socks, and balls. Gumruk said he realized the lack of equipment was a major barrier for children who have access to open fields but not the necessary tools to play.

Soccer-4-All has sent supplies to Mexico, Haiti, Argentina, Nigeria, Morocco, Uganda, Tanzania, and Malaysia. The collection of items is sufficient to support 1,000 young players.

Gumruk recruited his brother Omer, a freshman at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, to help with the distribution. The brothers send gear to trusted local partners in each country, including relatives and family friends, who ensure the equipment reaches the children with the greatest need.

Both brothers play for MLS Next, an elite national league associated with Major League Soccer. Gumruk has played the sport since he was five years old and describes his passion for it as a core part of his identity.

Gumruk states that soccer builds self-confidence and teamwork skills while creating a sense of belonging for the youths who receive the donations.