Penn FC Rush forward Lucky Mkosana has been named the Chief Ambassador for REACH, or Rush Equipment Assisting Children, Rush Soccer’s initiative to bring soccer equipment to less fortunate players around the world.
Mkosana is not only taking on the USL, he is taking charge to bring the game he loves to anyone and everyone he can.
“It's an honor to have such a great program, and as Chief Ambassador, my role is to encourage giving back not just to the local community but internationally as well,” Mkosana said. “My goal is to engage with clubs and personally visit Rush teams when I can in an effort to create a personal relationship that will continue changing lives in underprivileged communities globally.”
Since the program’s birth in 2002, REACH has allowed players, families, and the community to donate not only gear but their time in organizing, packaging, and shipping this gear to different nations. REACH has packaged and distributed over 100,000 pieces of gear to date, and the program is gaining ground.
“The goal is to increase the number of donations and get more teams participating in this humanitarian program,” Mkosana said. “The more participants we get, the more lives REACH will change, REACH is YOU, and collectively we can do it.”
Mkosana’s passion is evident, even in the way he speaks of the program. REACH is not only you, it is also Mkosana.
“Helping children is something that I have been doing since 2015. Giving back to my community back in Zimbabwe and also in the U.S where it is also my second home. Growing up, we didn't have a lot of soccer balls and equipment and I know exactly what the children are going through especially those who love the sport but don't have access to resources that can help them get to the next level.
In an effort to help them, I started Bridging Youth through Soccer Academy, an organization that provides children with high quality coaching all-year round, gives them donated balls, jerseys, cleats, and also helps them get scholarships in the U.S. The REACH program, therefore, is a perfect fit for me. As a player, it comes as a bonus knowing there are Rush teams that not only support the Rush teams, but Penn FC Rush as well. It's something I love to do and I'm happy to be part of this program.”
Lucky Mkosana and REACH are impacting others, translating the core value of passion out of the game and into life.
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Soon after this interview took place, Mkosana’s Bridging Youth through Soccer Academy became part of the Rush. Now known as Bridging Youth through Soccer Academy - Zimbabwe Rush, this club is one of the newest international clubs that make up the Rush. Samoa Rush and Tanzania Rush have recently been welcomed into the Rush family as well. More news about these clubs will be coming soon!
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