I have had a soccer ball at my feet since before I can remember. For me, soccer was never something I had to be asked to do— it was quite simply what I did. I played on my first team at the age of three and growing up in Washington, DC, often played in a highly multicultural, urban environment. My teams were a rich mix of backgrounds and cultures united by the love of the game.
I was also very fortunate to grow up traveling throughout many developing countries. My experiences from a young age were unsheltered and unconventional. They ingrained within me a unique perspective on the world. I saw into the eyes of children my age living life on the streets. I witnessed begging, desperation, hunger and tears. What I learned from those moments is not easily transcribed into words— the understanding transpires only from standing face to face.
Early on I also discovered that through soccer I spoke the same language as all children. Without speaking a word, we communicated fluently. I learned that it wasn’t only children on the other side of the tracks, but the other side of the world who were deeply united by the love of the game.
After twenty years, I have played at many levels and continue to speak its language in almost every country I am fortunate to travel. Today more than ever, I have a deeper understanding and appreciation for the role the game has played in the health of my mind, body and spirit. I am immeasurably grateful to the beautiful game.
On this premise, I am determined to give back. It is my obligation and privilege. Too many children share my passion, but live without even modest conditions to play. Through love.fútbol, I share the inspiration in my life with children, who like myself, simply need a place to play the game they love.
Washington, DC; Barcelona; Guatemala; Brazil; Africa; mountains, any type of soccer pitch anywhere
All children have the right to fulfill their passion for soccer. I believe in Self-Expression for Social Change - art, music, dance, and sport - all have simple, yet tremendous, power.
Drew Chafetz was born and raised in Washington, DC, and has had a soccer ball at his feet since before he can remember. By the age of twelve he had traveled to six continents with his family and spoken the language of soccer at many stops along the way. The game allowed him to actively participate in other cultures, bond with youth of the world and served as his most freeing means of self-expression. These experiences cultivated a fundamental understanding, appreciation and respect for the power of soccer. He went on to play at Dickinson College in Carlisle, PA and then at the University of Colorado at Boulder, where he graduated Phi Beta Kappa with a BA in Economics and Business in May, 2006. After graduation Drew co-founded love.fútbol with a good friend and teammate from Dickinson.
love.fútbol empowers underserved communities worldwide to build simple, safe soccer fields for youth. One day, all children will have the opportunity to fulfill their passion for soccer. The game provides hope, inspiration and is a platform for personal and community development.
love.fútbol has empowered five communities in Guatemala to realize their own soccer field projects for youth.
“I am immeasurably grateful to the beautiful game and determined to give back. It is a privilege to share the inspiration in my life with children who share my passion yet face great challenges to play soccer.”
