At the recent winter meeting of the U.S. Conference of Mayors in Washington, D.C., FIFA President Gianni Infantino caught attendees off guard with an unexpected announcement: a donation of 200 soccer balls earmarked for city leaders across the country.
A Surprise Gift from FIFA
Edmond Mayor Mark Nash seized the opportunity, immediately arranging for the balls to be distributed to every public and private elementary school in the city, a handful of nonprofit daycare centers, and the local YMCA’s soccer program, ensuring that the gifts reached the classrooms and playgrounds where they would be used most.
The Edmond YMCA, which serves more than 10,000 children each year — including roughly 2,000 who play soccer — welcomed the equipment as a lifeline for families who cannot afford to purchase their own gear, promising that the balls would be integrated into after‑school leagues and community clinics.
Community Response
Students gathered in school gyms and outdoor fields, cheering as the bright red balls rolled onto their premises, a visible sign of the city’s commitment to active play. Parents and program directors alike expressed gratitude, noting that the donation removed a financial barrier that had kept many youngsters on the sidelines.
Mayor Nash took the moment to outline his longer‑term vision, calling for additional youth sports fields and qualified coaches to sustain the momentum and give every child the chance to participate in organized athletics.