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Our Story

It All Starts With a Pair of Shoes!

Cleats for Kids founder or team member supporting Oklahoma youth sports access

Meet The Founders

C4K started in 2011 from a pile of basketball shoes, soccer cleats, and football gear in the corner of an Oklahoma City garage. Mark McDaniel, a dad and coach whose kids were extremely active, saw what his children had outgrown and realized that the shoes that no longer fit Cole, Josh, or Meghan could benefit someone else. The McDaniel family believed in the transformational power of sports and wanted to share that experience with kids no matter their financial background or zip code.

C4K Founding

Since its founding, C4K has grown from a single act of generosity into a community-wide effort to remove barriers and create access to sports for all kids. By working alongside nonprofit partners and schools across Oklahoma, C4K continues to expand sustainable sports and free-play opportunities for youth. To further support families, kids, and coaches, C4K created its “Locker Rooms,” where sports equipment and gear are available free of charge.

In addition to direct community impact, C4K helps lead the OKC Youth Sports Coalition, a collaborative network of organizations committed to encouraging lifelong participation in sports, recreation, and physical activity. The coalition also serves as a voting member of the national Coalition of Sports Equity, helping advocate for greater access and opportunity for youth through sports on a national level.“

Cleats for Kids child athlete with donated sports gear in Oklahoma

C4K Through
The Years

Cleats for Kids timeline showing growth and impact across Oklahoma

Year Over Year

Bigger reach. More athletes. Endless opportunities to play.

Cleats for Kids year over year data showing Oklahoma kids served

Year

Number 
of Items

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