About Us
About Us
Who We Are
At Team Up 2 Gear Up, we believe that every child, regardless of their financial circumstances, deserves the opportunity to participate in youth sports. Our organization is dedicated to collecting outgrown sports gear—like cleats, uniforms, shin guards, and balls—and distributing it to children in foster care and underserved communities around the world.
We recognize the immense benefits that sports bring to a child’s life, from promoting better health to fostering teamwork, confidence, and a sense of belonging. Through generous donations and partnerships, we strive to break down the financial barriers that prevent children from participating in sports, ensuring they can experience the joy and growth that comes from being part of a team.
Whether it’s providing gear for kids locally or helping travelers take equipment to children in villages internationally, Team Up 2 Gear Up is committed to making sports accessible to all, empowering young athletes to reach their full potential on and off the field.
Founder
Hi! I’m Laura, a mother of two. A few years ago while looking at the soccer gear my kids had outgrown, I was wishing I knew of a way to get their cleats and shin guards to someone who could really use and appreciate them. Fast forward 5 years, I have decided to make that wish happen. I started Team Up 2 Gear Up because I want to get all of the outgrown or unwanted sports gear and training tools to kids whose circumstances keep them from having the proper gear to further develop their skills or whose parents do not have the means to provide proper sporting equipment for their children and therefore keep them out of youth sports programs. I have big goals to make great impacts in the lives of our youth and children all around the world!
I credit my many years of youth basketball and soccer for my work ethic, commitment, teamwork, dedication and for the lessons of winning gracefully and losing gracefully. All kids should have the opportunity to learn those same lessons through sports and together, we will team up to gear them up!
Co-founder
Crystal brings over seven years of experience as a foster parent, working with at-risk teens, to her role on the board of our organization. Through her work she has witnessed the impact that economic disparities can have on children’s ability to participate in youth sports-a simple yet powerful experience that teaches life lessons like teamwork, resilience, and perseverance.
With a background in vocational rehabilitation and a deep understanding how access to resources can shape opportunities, Crystal is passionate about ensuring that all children, regardless of their circumstances, can benefit from the transformative power of sports.
Her commitment to leveling the playing field drives her involvement in our mission to provide gently used sports equipment to kids in need.
Crystal’s expertise and personal experiences add valuable insight to our board as we work together to break down barriers and empower the next generation of athletes.
Our Staff
Our Team
Founder
Laura
Co Founder
Crystal