Staff
![](https://projectplaysoccer.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Mike-Mitchell-bio.jpg)
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.”
![](https://projectplaysoccer.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/ibbo-daddy.jpg)
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.”
![](https://projectplaysoccer.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Markus.jpg)
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.”
![](https://projectplaysoccer.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Robby-Gogatz.jpg)
Rob Gogatz
MEDIA AND MARKETING
“Studied Film and media at UC Berkeley.
CAL soccer alumni 2009-2014.”
![](https://projectplaysoccer.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/denis-e1646672676628.jpeg)
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.”
![](https://projectplaysoccer.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Kanka.jpg)
Kanka O’Neill
TREASURER
“Pictured (right) with founder’s son – Keegan Mitchell.”
![](https://projectplaysoccer.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Fernando-Gonzalez.jpg)
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.”
![](https://projectplaysoccer.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Andrew-Amezquita.jpg)
Andrew Amezquita
WEST VALLEY COLLEGE INTERN
Soccer enthusiast, Social media, Student.
“Perhaps the greatest feeling we experience in sports is freedom.”