While visiting rural Mozambique with his father, 10-year-old Ethan King joined dozens of local children in a game of soccer. He quickly noticed they were playing with balls made from bundled trash. Before leaving, Ethan gave the children his own soccer ball. This simple act of generosity left a lasting impact on him. Inspired by the experience and the joy it created, he returned to the United States determined to do more.

The first Charity Ball website launches, giving players and fans a chance to donate and get involved, including the opportunity to become and internation ball courier. Charity Ball has worked with hundreds of couriers over the years to hand-deliver new, quality soccer balls to kids across the globe.

Charity Ball launched two meaningful initiatives this year. The organization partnered with film director Mark Baas, Hunter Hampton, and I Like Giving to produce I Like Soccer Balls, a video production short sharing stories of generosity and impact through soccer. The video was shown on the MLS stage at halftime of a Real Salt Lake game.

Charity Ball partnered with Chicago Fire FC on an outreach effort, expanding its visibility and engagement through the sport in the United States.

Charity Ball partnered with Vox United and Borussia Dortmund defender Neven Subotić to host the Play Well Cup, a once-in-a-lifetime soccer tournament for 500 children in northern Mozambique. Adidas provided full kits for every child, creating a professional match experience and unforgettable moments through the game.

Charity Ball also received widespread national and international media attention, with features across major outlets including People, TIME for Kids, SI Kids, and Fox Sports. These moments collectively helped amplify our mission to make the world more beautiful by connecting people through the simple, powerful act of giving a soccer ball.

Charity Ball Founder Ethan King appeared on the Katie Couric Show with journalist Katie Couric, helping share the organization’s mission and early impact with a national audience. The feature on NBC brought greater visibility to Charity Ball and helped expand awareness of its work.

Charity Ball launched the Game Changers initiative, creating a platform for people of all ages to take part in fundraising and impact efforts. The program opened the door for a broader community to actively support the mission and help make the world more beautiful through the power of giving.

Charity Ball expanded its global reach to 45 countries worldwide, continuing its mission to connect children through the joy and power of soccer. What began as a simple act of generosity had grown into a global movement, impacting communities across Africa, Asia, South America, and beyond through the hand-delivery of soccer balls and community-driven outreach initiatives.

During the 2018 FIFA World Cup, Team Charity Ball partnered with Continental Tire to travel to Moscow, Russia, where they hand-delivered 500 custom Conti-Charity Ball soccer balls to vulnerable children living in orphanages and transitional care homes. The initiative used the global stage of the World Cup to encourage and uplift children through the unifying power of the game.

Launched during the Women’s World Cup, Charity Ball introduced a new chapter in its mission with the unveiling of Level The Field, a campaign created in collaboration with Selman Design to reposition the organization’s focus toward equality and equity for girls in developing countries.

Charity Ball partners with One Life to launch the first ever girls soccer tournament in Rongo Kenya.

In the wake of insurgent attacks across northern Mozambique, thousands of families were displaced, and many children were left orphaned. As refugees fled into the coastal city of Pemba, Charity Ball launched the Pemba Orphan Refugee Response, mobilizing a team on the ground to serve vulnerable children impacted by the crisis.

Charity Ball expanded the reach of CBFC (Charity Ball Football Club) with the launch of a new program in Nhangau, central Mozambique, continuing its commitment to creating community-driven opportunities for children through the game of soccer. Mozambique National Team player Michael Muchene joined the initiative as CBFC Lead Coach and local organizer, helping lead the program through mentorship, leadership development, and consistent community engagement. 

In a historic milestone for the organization, CBFC Nhangau was granted 15 acres of tax-free land by the Mozambique government to develop the first-ever Game Changers Youth Development Academy. The land represented a major step forward in Charity Ball’s long-term vision to create sustainable spaces where children and families could access opportunity, mentorship, education, and community through the platform of soccer.