Staff
Mike Mitchell
FOUNDER
“I have considered myself a grassroots philanthropist since serving as a Peace Corps volunteer in Niger, West Africa over 30 years ago. Unfortunately, my enthusiasm, service and inspiration alone were not enough to make my dream a reality. But over the last 10 years with the help of generous friends and supporters who believed, Project Play has now become a reality.”
Ibbo Daddy
COUNTRY MANAGER – NIGER
“Although I am not a soccer addict, I traveled all over Niger in order to help distribute over 2000 soccer balls in February 2008. The champion of this feat is quite a man that I had met only one month before through email. His name is Mike Mitchell and he belongs to a breed of people that could motivate anyone with his all-consuming passion and overflowing energy, possibly even the dead.”
Markus Lehman
STRATEGIC ADVISOR
“Markus, together with three friends, build the largest wooden tall-ship in Brazil. To learn about the boat and how it was build during 6 years in the Amazon check Tocorimé’s website.”
Rob Gogatz
MEDIA AND MARKETING
“Studied Film and media at UC Berkeley.
CAL soccer alumni 2009-2014.”
Denis Llaveria Quero
ADMINISTRATION
“As a soccer enthusiast and being born in a country that breathes this sport, I must say I am extremely proud and honored to be part of Project Play Soccer team. The beautiful game certainly has the power to bring hope and happiness to those who daily struggle for a better life.”
Kanka O’Neill
TREASURER
“Pictured (right) with founder’s son – Keegan Mitchell.”
Fernando Gonzalez
BOARD MEMBER
Family Advocate, Student, Soccer enthusiast, Humanitarian.
“In a world where the idea of ending poverty and injustice is seen as an endless battle, I’m prepared to fight every single day as if it was last.”
Andrew Amezquita
WEST VALLEY COLLEGE INTERN
Soccer enthusiast, Social media, Student.
“Perhaps the greatest feeling we experience in sports is freedom.”
