From noon on Saturday, August 23, to noon on Sunday, August 24, Wellesley High School soccer players and community members gathered for the 15th annual 24 Hours of Barefoot Soccer. Over the course of the day and night, players of all ages and skill levels rotated through scrimmages on Reidy Field, raising money for the nonprofit Soccer Without Borders.
The weather added to the event’s energy, with clear skies and temperatures in the mid-80s on Saturday afternoon, cooling into the 60s overnight before warming again into the low 80s Sunday morning.
Participation required a $25 donation. Food and snacks, including chips and soda, kept attendees refreshed. Around 5 p.m. Saturday, roughly 20 to 40 people gathered under the event tent, chatting and eating, while others played on the field.
The fundraiser stands out for its unique format: soccer played barefoot for a full 24 hours. The choice to go without shoes honors African players who often practice barefoot, while also symbolizing solidarity with children who may not have access to equipment. Unlike a tournament, the atmosphere is casual, designed for fun, camaraderie, and shared purpose.
Caroline Keyes, a senior and member of the WHS Girls Soccer team, was one of the main organizers of the event. To her, the “most rewarding parts” were “that it brings [their] team together for a fun bonding experience while also supporting such an important cause.”
Specifically this year, the team’s former assistant coach had worked with Soccer Without Borders. Keyes added this “connection really inspired [them] to put in a lot of effort and make a difference”.
The tradition began in 2010, when Wellesley High sophomore Owen Diana, inspired by the Côte d’Ivoire team in the 2010 World Cup, collaborated with his father to organize the inaugural event. More than 150 people participated that first year, with proceeds going to Grassroots Soccer, a nonprofit founded by Survivor winner Ethan Zohn.
Today, the funds support Soccer Without Borders, an American nonprofit founded in 2006 that uses soccer as a tool for community development and youth empowerment. The organization now serves more than 8,000 participants in 73 countries. Its Massachusetts branch, founded in 2012, runs year-round programs in Chelsea, East Boston, and Somerville, reaching over 500 young people annually (You can register to volunteer with the group online).
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