Recently, Jake Katsikas was helping his dad organize their garage, and, by the time they had finished, Jake had lined up eight pairs of cleats that were still in top condition, but that he’d outgrown. “This got me thinking,” said the Rye High School sophomore. “If I had extra cleats lying around, I was sure others did as well.”

Recently, Jake Katsikas was helping his dad organize their garage, and, by the time they had finished, Jake had lined up eight pairs of cleats that were still in top condition, but that he’d outgrown. “This got me thinking,” said the Rye High School sophomore. “If I had extra cleats lying around, I was sure others did as well.”

Knowing how expensive soccer cleats, and most other sports cleats, are, Jake decided to create a program, Repeat the Cleats, through which students in southern Westchester and Fairfield counties could donate their outgrown or unused cleats to those who can’t afford to buy their own. The partnership works with community centers, recreation programs, and youth sports leagues to bring cleats to youth populations in lower income neighborhoods.

 Repeat the Cleats is kicking things off just in time for the spring sports season with Cleat Week February 21-March 6. This drive will focus on helping After-School All-Stars, a national organization that has programs in the tri-state area.

If you would like to contribute gently used athletic shoes to Cleat Week, visit www.repeatthecleats.org for drop-off locations. Anyone participating in this drive will automatically be entered to win a new pair of cleats, up to $100 value, so be sure to label your donations.