A Vernon local has connected kindness and soccer into a global charity project. 

Shelley Zupp is the founder of The Goal of Kindness, which is a charity that donates soccer goods to countries across the world. 

"I was so blessed to have an opportunity to play soccer with the kids, using the gear I brought with me," said Zupp, who has donated during her travels 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, along with her friend Deb Poggemoeller collected 300 soccer jerseys, cleats and balls and shipped them in a container with building supplies and other items destined for Rwanda.

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

In 2022, Zupp completed a six-month journey that distributed soccer gear to children's shelters, schools, orphanages and communities to seven countries throughout Mexico and Central America. 

An upcoming documentary on Zupp's travels will be by Inspire Kindness, and distributed across social media channels, along with a release at the Vernon Towne Theatre in the fall. 

"This project is about so much more than kids receiving a new jersey," said Zupp. "The feedback I've received over the years has been so encouraging and touching."

As part of the documentary, dozens of soccer players came out recently to spell 'kindness' on a field for a drone shot.

More information can be found at