Lagos, Nigeria — The 1000 Boots Project, recognized as Nigeria’s biggest football-focused Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, is set to achieve a landmark milestone by distributing 1,000 football boots to underprivileged grassroots players. The distribution will take place on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, in collaboration with global sportswear brand Adidas and the Lagos State Sports Commission, marking a major step forward in the development of grassroots football in Nigeria.
Spearheaded by the City Sports Foundation and convened by Sola Opaleye, the 1000 Boots Project is the first CSR initiative of its kind in Nigeria designed to directly impact 1,000 youths nationwide through access to proper football equipment. The project’s scale and ambition—equipping 1,000 young players at once—is unprecedented in Nigerian football CSR, making it the largest initiative in terms of both the number of beneficiaries and its structured approach to grassroots development.
The milestone is made possible through the generous support of Adidas, who donated 100 football boots to the initiative, reinforcing their commitment to youth empowerment and grassroots sports. The partnership with the Lagos State Sports Commission ensures the initiative is well-coordinated, sustainable, and aligned with government efforts to use sports as a tool for social development, talent discovery, and community engagement.
Sola Opaleye, convener of the City Sports Foundation and the 1000 Boots Project, said:
“The 1000 Boots Project is Nigeria’s first football CSR of this magnitude, designed to create a tangible impact in the lives of 1,000 young players. Football has always been a source of hope and opportunity, and by providing the right equipment, we are giving these youths a chance to dream, train, and excel. With the support of Adidas and the Lagos State Sports Commission, we are excited to make this vision a reality on December 23.”
Unlike other CSR initiatives that may focus on awareness campaigns or limited giveaways, the 1000 Boots Project is scale-driven, outcome-focused, and designed to create lasting impact. By equipping 1,000 youths with football boots, the initiative will remove barriers to participation, support physical development, and encourage discipline, teamwork, and leadership among young players.
The collaboration between the City Sports Foundation, Adidas, and the Lagos State Sports Commission sets a precedent for CSR in Nigerian football. It demonstrates that strategically designed, large-scale initiatives can empower youth, strengthen communities, and foster talent from the grassroots level, making the 1000 Boots Project the largest and most impactful football CSR ever undertaken in the country.
Volunteers Needed!
The 1000 Boots Project is calling for passionate and energetic volunteers aged 17 and above to help make the event a success. Volunteers will support the distribution of 1,000 pairs of football boots to underserved children across Lagos.
Event Details:
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Date: Tuesday, December 23, 2025
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Time: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
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Venue: National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos
Volunteer Roles Include:
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Crowd coordination
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Boot distribution
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Registration support
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Media & storytelling
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Logistics and general assistance
Volunteers will report to the Volunteer Captain.
Benefits for Volunteers:
✔ Volunteer T-shirt
✔ Free lunch
✔ Certificate of Service
✔ Experience in a large community event
✔ Opportunity to make a real impact
To Register:
Email volunteer@citysports.africa with the following information:
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Full Name
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Age
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Phone Number
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Email
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T-shirt Size (S–XXL)
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Why you want to volunteer
The 1000 Boots Project looks forward to inspiring young players and empowering communities on December 23, and is already planning future expansions to reach more youths nationwide. The initiative sends a clear message: investing in grassroots football today is investing in Nigeria’s future champions.
For more information about the 1000 Boots Project and partnership opportunities, contact:
City Sports Foundation
Convener: Sola Opaleye