Fútbol y Comunidad

One pair of cleats at a time

Not Every Kid Has What They Need to Play

Tacos for Ticos is a kids’ charity with a simple mission: to get cleats on the feet of young soccer players in Costa Rica. In every town, soccer brings kids together—but not every child has the gear they need to play.

We collect gently used cleats and soccer equipment in the U.S. and hand-deliver them to youth teams in Costa Rica who need support. Whether you're in the U.S. with gear to give, or part of a Costa Rican team looking for help—you’re in the right place.

Follow us on Instagram @tacosforticos to see where the gear goes, meet the kids you’re helping, and be part of the story.

Where a Pair of Cleats Becomes a Lifeline

We believe that hope has a lasting impact. A pair of cleats may not last forever, but the confidence, joy, and opportunity they bring can. Each time we deliver gear, we also visit underserved rural areas, offering connection and care alongside the cleats.

We’re a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit (Federal Tax ID #: 88-1829887) and a legal charity in Costa Rica.

Have questions or want to partner with us? Contact us to learn how you can help bring gear, hope, and opportunity to more communities.

Here’s How We Do It

From collection to delivery, every step is hands-on and community-driven.

  1. Collect Gear
    We gather gently used soccer cleats and equipment through individuals, schools, clubs, and community drives in the U.S.

  2. Pack + Transport
    Cleats are packed into duffel bags and travel on commercial flights alongside a volunteer host.

  3. Sort + Match
    Once in Costa Rica, gear is sorted and distributed to kids in rural areas, based on coach-submitted wish lists.

  4. Give It Away
    We partner with local coaches to host gear giveaways—putting cleats directly into the hands of kids who need them most.

Turn Unused Soccer Gear into Opportunity

Every year in the U.S., over 300 million pairs of shoes—including cleats, socks, uniforms, and more—are tossed into landfills, most of which take decades to break down. Whether you're cleaning out a closet or organizing a team drive, your gently used gear can make a real difference.

A pair of cleats from Seattle helped a 12-year-old striker in Guanacaste finally join his local team. A box of uniforms from a U.S. high school gave an entire squad in Uvita matching kits for the first time

Want to donate? Learn how to donate and give your gear a second life.

El deporte une. The game connects us. Every pair of cleats opens the door to possibility.

We’re here to help. Whether you’re wondering how to donate, interested in hosting a drive, or just want to learn more about what we do—reach out. We’d love to hear from you.

Send us a message on WhatsApp: +1 206 816 4261

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