Our Mission

We collect gently used soccer equipment from the greater New York area to donate to
children in need in Colombia.

At the end of the Rec League season, hundreds of uniforms, cleats, shin guards, and balls go out to the small city of Ibagué, where proper equipment can hugely impact a child’s ability to experience the joy of the sport.

Our Impact

To date, IbaGol has collected and donated…

$10,000+ Worth of equipment

to

130+ children in need

…and counting!

During our last visit to Ibagué, just before Easter, we donated uniforms to boys and girls aged 4-15. We also ran a full day of activities and training for the kids of Ibagué, including warm-ups, skill drills, exhibition games, and a Sancocho cookout.

The Inspiration behind IbaGol

We were inspired to create IbaGol through speaking with our aunt from Ibagué, a small city in Colombia. She mentioned that many kids in Ibagué don’t have the proper gear and equipment to play soccer. The conversation made us think about ways we could give back to our community and our sport, so we decided to help give other kids the joy we’ve experienced playing soccer. We started IbaGol in 2020 to donate soccer uniforms and equipment to the community in Ibagué.  

Together with our family, we have reached out to players from recreational leagues around NYC, our academy, our high school, and our neighborhood to collect gently used gear. The last time we arrived in Ibagué, over 40 kids were waiting for us at the soccer field. We distributed the uniforms and equipment, trained and played together, and at the end of it, we all shared a big sancocho lunch.

Meet the Founders

Two siblings hailing from a household deeply passionate about soccer

Nicolas de Luque

Co-Founder

I am Nicolas de Luque, the youngest in my family, a native New Yorker, and currently a junior at Poly Prep in Brooklyn, NY.

From the age of five, I embarked on my soccer journey by joining the local community league, the Downtown Soccer League. Over the past 12 years, my passion for the game has flourished. Today, I proudly serve as the midfielder for both my high school's Varsity Soccer team and my club team, Downtown United Soccer Club, where I hold the role of captain. Dedication and commitment drive me as I pour my heart and soul into every practice and game. Training rigorously three to four days a week, I engage in games and regional tournaments throughout the entire year.

What initially drew me to soccer were the sheer fun and fundamental elements of the sport – the joy of shooting, tackling, and all that falls in between. However, as time has passed, what resonates with me most is the profound emotional connection and sense of community fostered within our team. Whether in victory or defeat, the solidarity we share ensures that we face every challenge united. This bond formed with my teammates is a truly special and irreplaceable aspect of my soccer experience, one that transcends the ordinary and creates a unique sense of camaraderie.

Sebastian de Luque

Co-Founder

I’m Sebastian de Luque—the oldest of two brothers, in a family of enthusiastic soccer fans.  I was born and raised in New York City, and my parents are from Colombia.

I’ve played soccer since I could walk. The sport has been one of the most important parts of my life and an outlet I couldn’t live without. As soon as I was old enough, I enrolled in the Downtown Soccer League, a local recreational league in New York. I trained and played competitively with Downtown United Soccer Club in NYC for over 11 years. I won regional tournaments with my team, and we competed at the national and international levels. I’ve coached summer camps at the Club for advanced younger players.

Currently, I am a full-time engineering student at CMU. I still play soccer at the Club level. Soccer has always been a way for me to connect with my peers, and I’m thrilled to be able to give back to my community through the sport that I’ve always loved.