During the pandemic, Roberto Reyes, 27, of Mission Viejo started FUTBL.org, a non-profit organization that collects and distributes used soccer cleats and uniforms to underprivileged and low-income communities in the U.S. and Mexico, because "soccer unites the whole world." He is one of a growing number of professionals who are becoming entrepreneurs during the pandemic. Courtesy of Roberto Reyes/FUTBL.org
Roberto Reyes wants to unite the world through used soccer cleats.
As winter arrived during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, he and his father were cleaning out the garage of their Mission Viejo home in Southern California when they found piles of old soccer shoes.
Jill McLaughlin is an award-winning journalist covering politics, environment, and statewide issues. She has been a reporter and editor for newspapers in Oregon, Nevada, and New Mexico. Jill was born in Yosemite National Park and enjoys the majestic outdoors, traveling, golfing, and hiking.
