STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.— During childhood trips to countries like Colombia and Costa Rica, Staten Island teen Matteo Varela witnessed a scene that stayed with him long after the vacations ended: groups of kids playing soccer with little more than worn-out shoes, makeshift balls, and improvised equipment. The image planted the seed for a mission he now pursues with passion.

Today, the St. Joseph by-the-Sea junior is not only a dedicated player at the travel and varsity levels but also the founder of Fútbol Unido, a service project that collects and donates soccer gear — especially cleats — to children in underserved communities across Latin America. For Varela, the mission is about far more than material goods; it’s about giving kids the tools to play the game safely, building their confidence

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