Frequently Asked Questions
One World Futbol Project
Q: What is the One World Futbol Project?
A: The One World Futbol Project sells and distributes a new, ultra-durable, all-terrain soccer ball online through a “Give One Get One” model and through direct sales to institutions and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). We also distribute balls free of charge to organizations working with people in need in harsh environments around the world.
Q: Who started OWFP and why?
A: The One World Futbol Project was founded in 2010 by Tim Jahnigen and Lisa Tarver. Tim had the original idea in 2006, but it didn’t take shape until 2008, when Tim’s friend Sting volunteered to pay for the research and development necessary to create a workable product. Sting was inspired to help after hearing about Tim’s desire to create a highly-durable soccer ball that would never need a pump, never go flat, and could withstand the rigors of refugee camps, war zones, and other harsh environments.
Q: Why soccer balls? Why are soccer balls important?
A: For decades, UNICEF, the U.N. Refugee Agency, as well as private nonprofit organizations working in war zones, refugee camps, and impoverished communities throughout the world, have observed children finding their own ways to play soccer with rag balls, cans, and rocks. The One World Futbol Project will assist the work of these organizations and brighten the lives of millions of children by distributing ultra-durable, all-terrain balls.
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, donate to the foundation, share your story, and tell your friends, family, and colleagues about the One World Futbol Project on your social networks such as Facebook and Twitter.
Q: What is the goal of the One World Futbol Project?
A: Our goal is to provide one million balls to organizations working with needy people in harsh environments around the world over the next three to five years.
Q: Is the One World Futbol Project a nonprofit? A for-profit? How are they related?
A: The One World Futbol Project consists of two entities: a for-profit company and a nonprofit foundation that serve the same mission. A portion of the business’ profits support the One World Futbol Project Foundation. The One World Futbol Project Foundation raises funds to distribute free One World Futbols to organizations working with needy children and young people in harsh environments around the world.
Q: How does the One World Futbol Project make money?
A: The Project’s for-profit business sells ultra-durable, all-terrain soccer balls to individuals and organizations. The company’s “Give One Get One” promotion allows individuals to buy the ball, and for each ball purchased the company will donate a ball to needy children and young people around the world. The business also sells favorably-priced balls to governments, U.N. agencies, and nonprofit organizations that distribute free soccer balls to communities who can’t afford them.
Q: What does the foundation do?
A: The One World Futbol Project Foundation accepts donations to help defray the costs of getting donated balls to distant locations where programs serve needy children and young people in harsh environments around the world. The foundation also helps to promote the vital work of our partner organizations that are running these programs on the ground.
Q: What is your relationship to Bobby Sager and the Sager Family Foundation?
A: The Sager Family Foundation purchased 10,000 One World Futbols, customized with the word “Hope” on the cap, as part of the first free ball distribution through the Sager Family Foundation’s “Hope is a Game Changer” initiative, launched in 2009 by Bobby Sager and Sting. The One World Futbol Project is honored that the Sager Family Foundation was the first to realize the life-changing potential of the One World Futbol, and we are thrilled that the Foundation donated so many balls throughout Southern Africa during the 2010 World Cup (June 11-July 11, 2010).
Q: Does the nonprofit foundation get its funding from the for-profit business of the One World Futbol Project?
A: A portion of the business’ profits from the for-profit company support the One World Futbol Project Foundation. The Foundation also raises funds from other sources to distribute free One World Futbols to organizations working with needy children and young people in harsh environments around the world.
Q: Who is on the management team of the One World Futbol Project? Is the management the same for both the nonprofit and for-profit?
A: The One World Futbol Team currently consists of a core group of five people: Tim Jahnigen, Lisa Tarver, Mal Warwick, Eric Frothingham, and Sandra Cress; assisted by a worldwide network of advisors, supporters, funders, and well-wishers. Lisa Tarver and Mal Warwick are also leading efforts for the nonprofit foundation. Detailed biographies for the management team are available on the Who We Are page.
Q: Where has the One World Futbol been distributed?
A: We have distributed One World Futbols in more than 40 countries through nearly 100 organizations around the world. In addition, the Sager Family Foundation that purchased the first 10,000 balls has distributed them primarily in Africa (Rwanda and South Africa) and Haiti.
Q: Where are the balls being sold?
A: The balls are being sold online to individuals through the “Give One Get One” model as well as through direct sales to institutions, and eventually will also be sold in person through retailers and at promotional events.
Q: Can anyone buy a ball?
A: Any individual around the world may buy a ball online through the “Give One Get One” model, provided we can ship to their location and the sale does not violate U.S. law. For each ball purchased the company will donate a ball to an organization working with needy children and young people around the world.
Q: Can anyone donate a ball without buying one?
A: Yes. When you purchase a ball, you have the option to designate that both balls be donated. You may also add additional donated balls if you choose.
Q: Where do the balls go? How do you choose the communities that receive the balls from the One World Futbol Project?
A: With very few exceptions, donated balls are distributed by our nonprofit partners at work in poor communities anywhere in the world. We do not choose specific communities or projects to receive balls.
Q: Will the balls also go to kids in the United States and Canada who can’t afford soccer balls?
A: Yes.
Q: How do children in need get the balls?
A: There are currently three ways that children in need around the world will get One World Futbols:
- The company’s “Give One Get One” promotion allows individuals to buy the ball, and for each ball purchased the company will donate a ball to children and young people in need around the world.
- The business also sells favorably-priced balls to governments, U.N. agencies, and nonprofit organizations that distribute free soccer balls to communities who can’t afford them.
- The One World Futbol Project Foundation raises funds to help defray the costs of sending free One World Futbols to programs serving children and young people in need living in harsh environments around the world.
Q: Do consumers who buy a ball get to choose where to send the donated ball?
A: Not currently. We’re hoping that sometime soon we can offer buyers a choice of region and eventually a choice of country. However, that will only happen once volume is sufficient to support the systems necessary to accomplish that.
Q: Do you offer discounts for bulk purchases?
A: Yes. We offer substantial discounts on bulk purchases. Nonprofits may take advantage of these discounts on purchases of as few as 12 futbols, corporations at 100 balls or more. Please see Need a lot of One World Futbols? for details.
Q: What is the minimum amount that qualifies as a bulk order?
A: Discount pricing starts with as few as 12 balls for nonprofit organizations. Please see Need a lot of One World Futbols? page for details.
Q: Will the ball be available in stores? If so, where and when?
A: Currently, the ball is only available for sale online at our website, oneworldfutbol.com, through the “Give One Get One” promotion. We also sell favorably-priced balls to governments, U.N. agencies, and nonprofit organizations that distribute free soccer balls to communities who can’t afford them. We plan to soon make them available in stores. Please sign up on our Facebook fan page for updates and/or check this website periodically.
Q: How much does the ball cost?
A: The price of the One World Futbol under our “Give One Get One” offer 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: Is the purchase of a ball (s) considered a donation?
A: No, purchase of a ball is not considered a donation unless you simply donate money to the Foundation to be used to pay for shipping of free balls and other activities of the foundation.
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: Where are the balls manufactured?
A: The balls are manufactured by Foam Creations, which is based in Quebec City, Canada.
Q: What is the “Give One Get One” promotion?
A: The company’s “Give One Get One”promotion allows individuals to buy the One World Futbol, and for each ball purchased the company will donate a ball to an organization working with children and young people in need.
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: What is the One World Futbol made of?
A: The One World Futbol is made from a unique (proprietary) closed-cell foam.
Q: You say that it’s the “world’s most durable 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. Every standard soccer ball is vulnerable to puncturing. And every standard soccer ball will be scraped and gouged by contact with rough surfaces. 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: 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.
Q: How does this ball compare to a standard soccer ball in terms of durability and play?
A: The One World Futbol is an all-terrain ball. It can be played on any surface, not just grass or regulation soccer fields: indoors, on concrete, on blacktop, on a beach, on dirt, or even on a rocky field—without puncturing or deflating. Unlike other soccer balls, the surface of the One World Futbol will not wear off, even when playing on concrete, dirt, rocks, or other abrasive surfaces.
Q: Does the ball come in any other colors besides blue?
A: Currently the ball only comes in blue, but we have plans for additional colors in the future. The shade of blue we have chosen for the debut 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. We plan to offer smaller balls in the future, in sizes that are often used for youth soccer.