The University of Notre Dame football program is once again teaming up with Under Armour in 2024 for the 'Cleats For A Cause' initiative, aimed at supporting five local organizations.
On September 21, 2024, during the Miami-Ohio gameday, each Notre Dame football student-athlete will wear special-edition Under Armour Slip Speed shoes as they make the iconic walk from the Basilica of the Sacred Heart to Notre Dame Stadium. Both the shoes and custom-designed, game-worn cleats, inspired by select players, will be auctioned online before and after the game.
The auction will feature cleats worn by players like Jordan Botelho, Beaux Collins, Howard Cross III, Mitchell Evans, Jack Kiser, Riley Leonard, Jeremiyah Love, Rylie Mills, Benjamin Morrison, Jadarian Price, and Jaylen Sneed.
"Our team is deeply committed to this initiative," said graduate linebacker Jack Kiser, chair of the initiative’s player committee. "Building strong relationships with these charities over the years has been incredibly rewarding, and it means a lot to us to use our platform to raise awareness and financial support for the impactful work they do."
This year, the 'Cleats For A Cause' proceeds will benefit the South Bend Center for the Homeless, Boys & Girls Clubs of Northern Indiana, The CASIE Center, Cultivate Food Rescue, and LOGAN Center. Proceeds from the auction will be equally distributed, with each charity represented on a portion of the shoes.
Notre Dame football players have spent significant time volunteering with these organizations during the offseason, fostering strong connections with the community. The unique, hand-painted shoes and cleats were designed by Jerry Barca, a freshman at Notre Dame.
The online auction can be accessed at: https://givegrove.com/cleats4acause24.
Partners Speak on 'Cleats For A Cause'
“Cleats for a Cause perfectly aligns with Under Armour’s mission of creating opportunities in sports for all,” said Catherine Marquette, Director of Collegiate Partnerships Marketing at Under Armour. “We are proud to partner with Notre Dame and these amazing organizations to inspire leadership and community engagement.”
Leaders from the five organizations expressed their gratitude for being part of the initiative:
Matt Harrington, President & CEO of LOGAN Community Resources, Inc., highlighted the chance to promote the inclusion of people of all abilities.
Jacqueline Kronk, CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Northern Indiana, emphasized the significance of community support in celebrating the organization's 50th anniversary. Carolyn Hahn Kremer, Executive Director of The CASIE Center, expressed excitement about partnering with Notre Dame Football to tackle child abuse. Steve Camilleri, Executive Director of the Center for the Homeless, praised the student-athletes for making a meaningful difference in the community. Jim Conklin, Executive Director of Cultivate, noted the powerful impact the Notre Dame football players have as volunteers in their mission to end food waste and hunger.