The FC Cincinnati Foundation Cleat Drive is back for 2026. Following a successful 2025 drive, the FC Cincinnati Foundation has once again teamed up with First Financial Bank, Scripps Howard Fund, and WCPO 9 for this initiative with the goal and mission of providing Cincinnati area youth with new or gently used soccer cleats.
Starting May 4 and running through May 30, fans are encouraged to donate cleats of all sizes by bringing them to their nearest First Financial Bank location, where they will be collected and then distributed to area youngsters by the FC Cincinnati Foundation. Fans can also give monetary donations through the Donate Now webpage at FC Cincinnati's community website, which can be found here.
"First Financial is excited to be working with FC Cincinnati and WCPO on this year's Cleat Drive," said Mandy Neeley, chief consumer banking and strategy officer for First Financial Bank. "It's so gratifying when we come together to help more young people in our community thrive as they enjoy the teamwork, physical fitness, and genuine fun that comes from the game of soccer."
“FC Cincinnati Foundation is dedicated to creating opportunities for children to grow and thrive through soccer,” said Kate Solomon, Chief Youth & Community Officer and Executive Director, FC Cincinnati Foundation. “The Cleat Drive is one way we put that into action to ensure more kids across our community have access to the equipment they need to participate safely, feel included, and experience the joy of the game.”
To find your nearest First Financial Bank branch where you can donate to the cleat drive, click here.
The FC Cincinnati Foundation is also partnering with WCPO 9 to kick off the month-long push for soccer footwear, broadcasting a live telethon on Thursday, May 7 from 4 pm to 7:30 p.m.. By calling in to the telethon and pledging donations, fans and community can help raise money that would go towards providing children in the greater Cincinnati area with cleats and the necessary soccer equipment to play the world’s game safely. FC Cincinnati players and Foundation representatives will also be at the telethon, answering calls and taking pledges, allowing fans the opportunity to call in and speak directly to a member of the Orange and Blue.
The call-in number for the drive \\513-840-WCPO (9276)\\. There is also a text-to-give option by texting CLEATS to 50155 to donate.
The Cleat Drive provides another opportunity for FC Cincinnati, FC Cincinnati Foundation and its community partners to further its effort to outfit and support the over 12,000 children reached through the organization's local soccer programming.
About FC Cincinnati Foundation
FC Cincinnati is committed to leaving a legacy, creating something bigger than ourselves, and being the embodiment of a rising Cincinnati. Through our own programs and initiatives, and the support of key partners, we aim to improve the lives of children through the game of soccer and will continue to do our part to create an inclusive community.
FC Cincinnati Foundation’s mission is accomplished primarily through five key programs: Club Ambassadorship through In-School and Out-of-School Programming, Mini Pitch Soccer Builds, West End Pride and Learning is Cool. These programs help promote and encourage strong academic performance and serve as catalysts to reinforce character values and improved health for children in the Greater Cincinnati region. The Foundation also serves as FC Cincinnati’s philanthropic arm, making donations and investments to Cincinnati-area organizations that have similar goals and ambitions for the area’s youth.