Frequently Asked Questions
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One World Futbol Project
Q: What is One World Futbol Project?
A: The One World Futbol Project is an award-winning, mission-driven business and creator of the One World Futbol— a nearly indestructible soccer ball that never needs a pump and never goes flat, even when punctured. The One World Futbol Project works with organizations and companies around the world, who purchase, sponsor and/or distribute the One World Futbol where it can support lasting play.
Q: Who started One World Futbol Project and why?
A: One World Futbol Project was founded in 2010 by Tim Jahnigen and Lisa Tarver. One World Futbol inventor Tim Jahnigen was inspired to start the project after watching news footage of kids in Darfur playing a soccer game using a ball of trash tied up with twine. At that moment, Tim set out to design a ball that played like a “real futbol,” but would never wear out, never go flat, never need a pump. Tim’s idea remained in the concept stage until a chance conversation with world‐renowned entertainer Sting. Once Tim shared his vision of a nearly indestructible ball, Sting immediately provided the support needed to do the research and development. In recognition of Sting’s crucial, early involvement, the name of the ball and of the project are based on the song “One World (Not Three),” written by Sting. Sting continues to be an advocate for and supporter of One World Futbol Project. Additional information is available on the Media Center, Company Background page.
Q: What is the mission of One World Futbol Project?
A: One World Futbol Project brings the healing power of play to youth worldwide by making, selling and distributing nearly indestructible balls that are proven to survive the harshest environments. We collaborate with sponsors, organizations, governments and consumers to deliver balls to disadvantaged communities where play and sport can be used to foster social change.
Q: What is the goal of One World Futbol Project?
A: Our goal is to bring the joy of soccer and play to youth in disadvantaged communities.
Q: How does One World Futbol Project work?
A: One World Futbol Project sells the One World Futbol directly to institutions, companies and non-profit organizations, as well as to individual consumers through a “Buy One Give One” model. For every ball bought by individuals at retail, the company donates a second ball to organizations working with disadvantaged communities around the world. One World Futbol Project distributes balls through a growing network of organizations serving youth in harsh environments around the world, including refugee camps, conflict zones, disaster areas, inner cities, and other disadvantaged communities.
Q: What is Sting’s connection to One World Futbol Project?
A: We started One World Futbol Project in 2010 with support from our friend, Sting. In recognition of Sting’s crucial, early involvement, the name of the ball and of the project are based on the song “One World (Not Three),” written by Sting. Sting continues to be an advocate for and supporter of One World Futbol Project.
Q: How can I get involved with the One World Futbol Project?
A: There are a number of ways you can get involved! Purchase a ball, start a campaign or fundraiser, support one of our growing partner organizations, share your story, tell your friends, family, and colleagues about the One World Futbol Project on your social networks such as Facebook and Twitter, and more. We’d love to hear from you!
Why a Ball?
Q: Why a ball? Why is a ball important?
A: For decades, UNICEF, the U.N. Refugee Agency, as well as private non-profit organizations working in war zones, refugee camps, and impoverished communities throughout the world, have observed children finding their own ways to play games, especially soccer, with rag balls, cans, and rocks. One World Futbol Project assists the work of a growing network of organizations and brightens the lives of millions of children through the One World Futbol.
Q: Why are play and soccer important to kids?
A: Soccer is the most popular sport in the world. For many kids in refugee camps, war zones, disaster areas and inner cities, soccer provides not just a positive escape but teaches teamwork and conflict resolution. We know first-hand how important play is to children and believe every child should play, deserves to play and should have the opportunity to do so. We also know that when play is missing, other opportunities for healthy development disappear as a result. The One World Futbol Project is focused on making a positive impact by bringing the joy of soccer—and play—to kids around the world.
Our Business
Q: Who is on the management team of the One World Futbol Project?
A: One World Futbol Project management team currently consists of: Tim Jahnigen, Founder & Chief Innovation Officer; Lisa Tarver, Co-Founder & Chief Operating Officer; Sandra Cress, Director of Sales (Africa); and Mal Warwick, Partner; assisted by a worldwide network of advisors, supporters, funders, advocates, partners and a growing fan base. Detailed biographies for the management team are available on the Media Center, Company Background page.
Q: We noticed that One World Futbol Project is a B Corporation. What is a B Corporation?
A: B Corporations are a new type of company which use the power of business to solve social and environmental problems. To become certified as a B Corporation, One World Futbol Project had to pass a difficult and very detailed test to prove that it benefits people and helps the environment.
Q: How is a B-Corp structured? Why is this?
A: B Corporations are structured in many different ways, but they all operate on the basis of what is called the Triple Bottom Line. This means we balance the interests of People, Planet, and Profit. Specifically, One World Futbol Project is designed to make a profit, but not at the expense of the people who work for it, the communities where we operate, or the natural environment.
Q: Why operate as a B-Corp?
A: One World Futbol Project, like other Certified B Corporations, is a mission-driven business. We set up the Project for the purpose of distributing millions of One World Futbols to children who live in very challenging surroundings, such as war zones, refugee camps, isolated villages, disaster areas and inner-city neighborhoods. As a B Corporation, we’re able to keep the business going by making a profit but still fulfill this mission. And, it doesn’t hurt that more and more consumers are buying from companies like ours that pursue the Triple Bottom Line. By supporting B Corps like One World Futbol Project, you’re supporting a better way to do business.
Q: How does the “Buy One Give One” work?
A: For every ball bought at retail by an individual, One World Futbol Project gives a second ball to organizations working with disadvantaged communities around the world. The company also offers the One World Futbol directly to institutions and organizations, and works with schools, football teams, clubs and other organizations to help them raise funds while generating donated balls at the same time.
Q: Can anyone buy a ball?
A: Any individual around the world can buy a ball online through the “Buy One Give One” model, provided we can ship to their location and the sale does not violate U.S. law. For each ball purchased, One World Futbol Project will donate a ball to an organization working with children and young people in disadvantaged communities around the world.
Q: Can anyone give a ball without buying one for themselves?
A: Yes. When you purchase a ball, you have the option, through our “Give Balls” program to designate that both balls be donated. You may also add additional balls if you choose.
Q: How does One World Futbol Project distribute balls?
A: We have developed a growing network of organizations who work with disadvantaged communities around the world.
Q: How many One World Futbols have been distributed since the Company’s launch in July 2010?
A: Since the Company’s launch in July 2010, more than 400,000 One World Futbols have been distributed to nearly 160 countries worldwide.
Q: Where has the ball been distributed?
A: As of June 2013, the One World Futbol has been distributed to nearly 160 countries through hundreds of organizations impacting hundreds of thousands of children and youth worldwide.
Q: Where do the balls go? How do you choose the communities that receive the balls from One World Futbol Project?
A: With very few exceptions, the One World Futbols are distributed by our growing network of organizations working with youth in disadvantaged communities throughout the world.
Q: Do you offer discounts for bulk purchases?
A: Yes. We offer quantity discounts. Please see Buy in Quantity page for details.
Q: What is the minimum amount that qualifies as a bulk order?
A: Quantity discount pricing starts with as few as 10 balls for nonprofit organizations. Please see Buy in Quantity page for details.
Q: Will the ball be available in stores? If so, where and when?
A: Currently, the One World Futbol is only available for sale online at our website, oneworldfutbol.com, through the “Buy One Give One” program. One World Futbol Project also sells the One World Futbol directly to institutions, companies and non-profit organizations that distribute balls to disadvantaged communities around the world, such as refugee camps, conflict zones, disaster areas, and inner cities. Please sign up on our Facebook fan page for updates, follow us on Twitter, and check our website periodically to learn the latest on One World Futbol Project.
Q: How much does the ball cost?
A: The price of the One World Futbol under our “Buy One Give One” program is $39.50 (U.S.). If an individual wishes only to donate a ball and not receive one directly, the cost is $25, which will enable us to donate one ball to an individual in need.
Q: How much does it cost to ship the ball?
A: Shipping cost varies by location. Please check the e-commerce section of the website for shipping cost and logistics information.
Q: How much does it cost to ship the ball outside the U.S., and how is this being done (UPS, Fed Ex, other)?
A: Shipping cost varies by location. Please check the e-commerce section of the website for shipping cost and logistics information.
Q: What is the warranty on the ball?
A: We guarantee satisfaction. If you are not satisfied, you may return your ball within 30 days of purchase for either a replacement or your money back. However, if at any time your One World Futbol becomes unplayable in the course of normal wear and tear in recreational use, you may return it to us for a replacement ball and a refund of your shipping costs in returning the ball.
Q: Can I return a ball and will you still donate a ball even though I returned it? Would you take a donated ball away if I return the ball?
A: You may return your ball within 30 days for an immediate replacement or get your money back. A ball will still be donated even if yours is later returned. We would never take a ball away from a child in need! For details on our returns and exchanges policy, click here.
The One World Futbol
Q: What makes this ball nearlyindestructible? What’s it made of?
A: The One World Futbol is made from unique (proprietary) cross-linked closed cell foam that enables the ball to withstand harsh environments without wearing out.
Q: Tell me about the materials you chose?
A: The material was chosen because it is inert (non-toxic, doesn’t leach) and for its practical flexibility and durability. By replacing lots of soccer balls that constantly become punctured or deflated, the One World Futbol helps greatly reduce waste. The One World Futbol is designed to last for years, even decades, saving significant amounts of money in replacement costs.
Q: What is the process involved in making the ball?
A: The One World Futbol uses proprietary designs, engineering, materials, and processes. Though made through a form of injection molding, the machines are highly-specialized and require stabilized infrastructure and technical support.
Q: Where is the ball manufactured?
A: The ball is manufactured in Taiwan.
Q: Why do you call it a “futbol”?
A: Soccer is the world’s most popular sport by far, but it’s called “soccer” only in the United States. In English-speaking countries, soccer is called “football.” In many other countries, it’s called “futbol.”
Q: You say that it’s a “nearly indestructible” soccer ball. What proof do you have to back up this claim?
A: Unlike any other soccer ball on the market, it requires no pump or needle and will never go flat, even if punctured. The One World Futbol is not affected by continued use in harsh environments. You can even kick a One World Futbol into a barbed-wire or razor-wire fence, and it won’t deflate or go flat! We know. We’ve tried.
Q: How does this ball compare to a standard soccer ball in terms of durability and play?
A: The One World Futbol is a nearly indestructible, all-terrain ball. The ball is ideal for recreational play and practice. It is not designed for or intended to replace game balls for competition‐level league or team play.
Whether for beach soccer, street soccer, play in your own backyard or for use on the roughest terrain anywhere around the world, the One World Futbol will last for years. The One World Futbol can be played on any surface, anywhere—not just grass or turf soccer fields. Unlike other sports balls, the surface of the One World Futbol won’t wear off no matter how abrasive the playing area. The ball requires no pump or needle and will never go flat even if punctured.
The One World Futbol was designed with a lower bounce for use on harder surfaces such as streets, roads, schoolyards, dirt lots, etc. It’s the ideal ball for recreational play on any rough surface, but of course you can also use it on grass and turf as well.
The One World Futbol is nearly indestructible, making it ideal for kicking around on all surfaces, including:
- Indoor floors and artificial turf
- Grass
- Concrete
- Blacktop
- Sand
- Dirt
- Gravel and Rocks
The traditional soccer ball can be easily punctured or ruptured. It requires frequent inflation with a pump and needle, which are easily broken or lost. And every standard soccer ball will be scraped and gouged by contact with rough surfaces. As a result, the phenomenon and waste of deflated soccer balls is a common sight in the backyards of families with soccer players at home. The short life‐span of traditional balls, and the expense of replacing them, means young people in disadvantaged communities are often left to play soccer with rocks, cans, or “rag balls” made from trash, plastic bags, and string.
Q: We know that the One World Futbol was unveiled during the 2010 World Cup was blue. Why?
A: The shade of blue we selected for the debut of the One World Futbol is associated with peace-making efforts in general and the United Nations in particular.
Q: Does the ball come in different sizes?
A: Currently, the One World Futbol comes in an adult size 5 and a youth size 4.