Development Partner
Michael G. Bloom Foundation
The mission of the Michael G. Bloom Foundation is to provide underprivileged children the opportunity to experience the joy of soccer. Begun in memory of Michael Graham Bloom, who passed April 12 2023, they believe in a world where every child can experience the joy of soccer and has access to a safe playing field. Michael was an avid soccer player and loved donating soccer equipment to children in Haiti every Christmas. To honor his legacy, his wife Madeleine, continues giving children the joy of soccer through building fields and establishing safe play spaces for children without access to play.
How We
Work Together
Michael G. Bloom Foundation and Northbound came together serendipitously one summer evening in 2023. Mark Hall, our founder, was at a baseball game at Fenway Park where he met George, a friend of Madeleine Bloom. Mark was talking about his dream to build soccer fields in Africa and George knew right away he had to connect Mark and Madeleine! They shared the same dream- both wanted to create safe places for children to play and experience the joy of soccer.
After meeting, it was quickly decided that our two organizations would partner together to make this dream a reality however possible . It was less than a year later that we began to see that reality. An opportunity opened in front of us for a soccer field in a small village in Africa.
During a trip to Tanzania, both foundations served together at a children’s home- Neema Village. It was the perfect place to build a soccer field! This established organization had a physical space available as well as a plethora of programs supporting the local community. We knew a soccer field would bring children and families to this great organization. There they would learn about the amazing programs – for single moms to earn a sustainable income, for children leadership development opportunities and everyone the chance to join their church and find a loving spiritual family. Our foundations raised the funds necessary to begin this hallmark project in 2024. We are so excited to see the joy Furaha field brings to the children and the impact it creates for the community.
Impact of
Our Collaboration
Childhood Development: Children are at the heart of both foundations. Building safe spaces for them to grow and learn is an opportunity to impact their lives. Soccer brings joy to children who have burdens of responsibility on their shoulders. We work together to make sure children have access to safe play spaces as well as opportunities to be part of a team. Team sports teach valuable skills such as commitment, communication, teamwork and leadership. Children involved in team sports are better equipped to do well in school and get better jobs. Giving them a soccer field is more than just a place to play, it’s a place to grow.
Women’s Empowerment: Empowering women is a key component to enhancing the lives of children. As women are empowered, they can provide for their families and give their children more opportunities to break the cycle of poverty. Both foundations are committed to ensuring every field they oversee has designated play times for women and girls specifically.
Right to Play: A safe place to play is not a luxury, it is a human right. Many children in developing countries do not have access to secure and safe play spaces. This absence of safe spaces is closely linked to the troubling statistics on child sexual violence, with nearly 1 in 3 females and approximately 1 in 7 males in Tanzania experiencing such violence before the age of 18. Building a soccer field is about providing a sanctuary where children can enjoy their childhood safely, away from the threats that plague unsupervised areas.
Relationship driven impact: We work closely with our partners to build the best facilities and programs. With Michael G. Bloom’s commitment to the power of soccer, we have more strategy and leadership to build sustainable programs to impact future generations. There is a level of expertise for coaching and programming that together we can empower the next generation.
Through this partnership, we hope to inspire children through the game of soccer. Building fields is just the start. It’s the leadership and development opportunity that comes with each game. Our commitment to empowering people and their communities is the reason we do what we do and our partnership thrives.
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