ABOUT US
MORE THAN A CHARITY
Play It Forward Jozi is more than a charity — we’re a student-led, family-supported movement driven by the belief that every child deserves access to sport.
Through boots, balls, sneakers, and more, we empower young people across South Africa to play, belong, and flourish. Our logo says it all “Uniting all Through Sports”, we believe sports not only unites but also crosses the language barrier.
WHO IS PLAY IT FORWARD JOZI?
"Just a team from Jozi, looking to make a difference in the lives of sport loving kids who aren't in a position to kit themselves out."
Play It Forward Jozi was founded by students in Johannesburg. The initiative began in 2018 when Ross Goodwin and a few of his school friends recognized the lack of sports gear in underprivileged communities and decided to act.
We collect second-hand sporting equipment — from takkies (sneakers) and sports shoes to racquets, bats, hockey sticks, golf clubs, gloves, and balls — and donate these to schools, clubs, and young athletes in need.
Play It Forward Jozi is managed by Ross’s mother, Alison Garrett and Step Father Paul Nixon, play key roles in managing logistics and coordinating where donations are sent.
RECENT INITIATIVES & IMPACT
- Collaboration with Kindness Like Confetti (August 2024): They joined forces to donate sneakers to aspiring park runners — particularly in the Katlehong area — so they could participate in local runs.
- Soccer Boot Donations (December 2024): They contributed soccer boots and sneakers to Charity Begins With Me, bringing joy and play opportunities to township children during the festive season.
- Support for Blind Cricket (2024): The Central Gauteng Blind Cricket team received a heartfelt equipment donation, which was both inspiring and encouraging for everyone involved.
- Beyond Gauteng (March 2024): For the first time, they extended their reach to an Eastern Cape school by delivering soccer goals and kits — thanks to a sponsor covering delivery costs.
- Wild Coast Outreach (August 2023): With donated sports balls and the help of teens, they delivered gear to a community on the Wild Coast, where kids — from multiple communities — enjoyed playing together despite language differences.
- Ongoing Collection: As early as February 2023, they were already distributing a wide variety of equipment — including ice skates, water bottles, racquets, hockey gear, and running shoes — to teams like Central Joburg Blind Cricket and Alexandra Hub Cricket Club.
- Soccer Boots Collection: in April 2022, we were privileged to have had the opportunity to give the Thandulwazi Maths and Science Academy soccer boys a brand new pair of soccer boots each, just in time for the Saints Fest.
