Maryland teenager uses her love for soccer to help others

MARYLAND ( DC News Now ) — Sydney Mednik loves to play soccer, so she knows what it’s like to feel what it’s like to be a part of a team.

A couple of years ago, Mednik helped co-found Pass With Purpose, a nonprofit that helps collect gently used soccer uniforms from soccer clubs and donates them to underserved communities in the United States and abroad.

“During our last drive, we sent over 1,000 jerseys and shorts to Zambia,” Mednik said. “We also sent hundreds of socks, and so far, our focus has been internationally, but in the future, we may do more in the United States.”

She said kids wearing matching uniforms give many a sense of belonging to the team and a connection with the other players.

Mednik is also part of a team created by Dick’s Sports, called Game Changers.

She will be part of a major effort in the region that will encourage kids to play sports throughout the DMV.

“Participating in sports has done so much more me,” Mednik said. “I will have a major impact on others as they get older.”

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