McDonald’s of Greater Ohio is teaming up with the Gift of Soccer Foundation to host a free youth soccer clinic in Toledo on June 27. The event will take place at the Schneider Soccer Complex, a venue that has become a hub for local sports activities.
A Community‑Driven Soccer Experience
Check‑in for participants begins at 8:30 a.m., giving families ample time to register and receive their personalized welcome kits. Parents can secure spots for their children through an online registration link, with capacity limited to ensure a high‑energy, attentive environment.
The clinic is open to children between the ages of five and twelve, regardless of skill level or prior experience. Activities are designed to be age‑appropriate, featuring drills that develop fundamental techniques, skill‑building stations, and interactive community‑engagement moments that encourage teamwork and confidence.
Each participant will walk away with a custom clinic jersey and a Gift of Soccer cinch sack filled with assorted items, a tangible reminder of the day’s fun and the foundation’s commitment to supporting young athletes.
"We aim to create a fun and special soccer experience for families," said Margorie Espe, co‑founder of the Gift of Soccer Foundation. Her words underscore the organization’s broader mission to make the sport accessible and enjoyable for children across diverse communities.
Nadia Elwardany, a Toledo‑area McDonald’s owner/operator, highlighted the company’s dedication to fostering connections with local neighborhoods. "McDonald’s is proud to support initiatives that bring people together through sport," she added, emphasizing the restaurant chain’s role beyond the restaurant floor.
The Gift of Soccer Foundation operates on a global scale, collecting gently used soccer gear, recycling it, and redistributing it to children and communities in need. To date, the foundation has delivered more than 106,850 pieces of equipment to 27 countries spanning six continents, reinforcing its focus on youth access, community engagement and sustainability.
Beyond this single clinic, the partnership reflects a growing trend of local businesses leveraging their resources to promote health, inclusion and social responsibility. By combining McDonald’s regional presence with the foundation’s extensive outreach network, the event exemplifies how corporate and nonprofit sectors can collaborate to enrich community life.