In a heartwarming show of community spirit and grassroots empowerment, Begi Stars Football Club, in collaboration with the Sylvia Bello Foundation, conducted a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) outreach to Baruwa Nursery and Primary School in the Ijeshatedo area of Lagos State, gifting every pupil with a brand-new pair of socks.
What may seem like a modest item to many became a symbol of care, dignity, and inclusion for children in an underserved community where even basic essentials are often considered luxuries.
The visit, held earlier this week, was filled with excitement as the football club’s representatives arrived alongside volunteers from the Sylvia Bello Foundation.
Speaking during the presentation, Mr. David Adeniran, a representative of Begi Stars FC reaffirmed the club’s commitment to grassroots engagement beyond football.
“As a club rooted in the community, we believe that our responsibility goes beyond the pitch. True development starts with the young ones, and today we are here to show that they are seen, valued, and supported,” he said.
The choice to distribute pairs of socks may seem simple, but for many of the pupils—some of whom attend school in worn-out footwear—it was a meaningful gift. Teachers at the school expressed gratitude, noting that such interventions boost students’ morale and encourage better hygiene and self-esteem.
Mrs. Sylvia Bello, founder of the Sylvia Bello Foundation, emphasized the importance of small but consistent acts of kindness.
“While our long-term vision includes scholarships and lifetime empowerment, we understand that dignity begins with the little things. A clean pair of socks means comfort, protection, and pride,” she stated.
Grassroots engagement has long been recognized as a critical factor in building peaceful and progressive societies. By choosing to focus on a nursery and primary school in a less-privileged area, Begi Stars FC and Sylvia Bello Foundation demonstrated a model that goes beyond charity—it is community inclusion in action.
Rather than limiting their efforts solely to football talent discovery, Begi Stars FC is actively positioning itself as a catalyst for social welfare. Football is a universal language that unites people, but when clubs take deliberate steps to lift their communities, the impact goes far deeper.
The CSR visit also featured interactive sessions where players and volunteers engaged with the pupils, sharing words of encouragement on education, discipline, and the importance of dreaming big.
The Head Teacher of the school, Mr. Babawale, expressed deep appreciation, describing the outreach as thoughtful and impactful.
“Many of our children come from low-income homes. Something as basic as a pair of socks helps them feel confident among their peers. We are grateful to Begi Stars FC and Sylvia Bello Foundation for remembering us.”
The success of this initiative highlights the powerful role sports organizations and NGOs can play in nation-building when they collaborate.
Begi Stars FC and Sylvia Bello Foundation have set an example that CSR does not always require large budgets—what matters is intentionality, empathy, and consistency.
Begi Stars FC and Sylvia Bello Foundation has promised to continue similar interventions in other schools and communities across the region. With more partnerships like this, underserved communities can look forward to a brighter future—one step, or in this case, one act of kindness at a time.
