It all started with a TikTok video. A heartfelt clip showing a dad, Gasant Abarder, sharing preloved soccer boots with children in need.
The video sparked a movement, one that is now changing lives, communities and perceptions about sports in South Africa.
Reboot began as a simple act of kindness for one or two children and has grown into a full-fledged initiative that collects and redistributes pre-loved sports equipment to underprivileged communities.
On Friday, I joined Abarder and Langa for the first ‘official‘ drop-off in Cape Town’s Green Village. The summer sun was blazing, but the excitement among the children, boys and girls of all ages, was palpable.
Joy surrounded the soccer field, even amidst the socioeconomic challenges that plagued the community.
Kids chased after the ball with unwavering determination, their laughter echoing through the streets. As I watched this, I realised this was more than a game; it was a lifeline.
The birth of Reboot
Abarder’s journey into this world of social impact is deeply personal. His 12-year-old daughter, Misha, has been playing soccer since she was three.
Over the years, he noticed how often kids outgrew their gear, leaving perfectly good equipment gathering dust. At the same time, he witnessed how many children in poorer communities lacked the necessities to participate in sports.
“I was coaching girls at a local club and saw incredible talent,” Abarder shared as we drove to the drop-off. “But the kids didn’t have proper boots. Some were playing on gravel fields with torn sneakers. It broke my heart. That’s when I thought, why not recycle what we already have?”
Reboot launched a month ago, but its impact is already significant.
From soccer boots to cricket bats, hockey sticks, and cycling gear, the initiative has reached dozens of kids from Cape Flats to Langa. The concept is simple yet profound: pass on preloved sports equipment because every piece tells a story worth continuing.
For many kids in South Africa, sports are more than just a pastime; they’re a lifeline.
In communities such as Garden Village and Langa, where social challenges are part of daily life, playing football isn’t just about scoring goals; it’s about escaping hardship, finding purpose and, sometimes, creating a pathway out of poverty.
The impact of Reboot goes beyond just sports. Studies show that children involved in organised sports are less likely to engage in risky behaviour, more likely to complete school, and often develop critical life skills like teamwork, discipline, and resilience.
Community leaders, including Nicole Jacobs, Legends Soccer School coach, have taken this concept to heart and have dedicated themselves to helping their community.
During a conversation with “Independent Media Lifestyle”, Jacobs said: “A child in sports is a child out of court.”
The reality, however, is that sports gear is expensive. A decent pair of soccer boots can cost anywhere from R500 to R2000, an amount many families cannot afford.
Talented young players are held back, not because they lack skill or determination, but because they lack the right equipment.
“This isn’t about charity,” said Abarder. It’s about opportunity. A pair of boots lying forgotten in someone’s garage could be the key to a child’s future.”
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A triangle of generosity
Abarder joked that Reboot’s impact is best defined as a love triangle, not the romantic sort, but one based on generosity, community and change.
The first point: schools and clubs
The initiative started with a simple idea: encourage students in well-resourced schools to donate their old sports gear. A collection bin was placed at a school in the Western Cape, and within weeks, it was overflowing.
Kids who once thought little of their extra pairs of boots were now actively participating in something bigger than themselves.
The second point: football communities
Garden Village Football Club became a key partner. Jacobs, one of the most dedicated women’s football mentors in the country, saw firsthand how much of a difference a single donation could make.
“Some of these kids have never owned a proper pair of boots before,” she says. “When they receive them, you see the pride in their faces. It’s not just about playing better; it’s about belonging”
The third point: Langa Hockey Club
The initiative expanded beyond football. In Langa, a community rich in sporting heritage, Reboot connected with local hockey coaches to supply much-needed sticks and shoes.
Western Province Hockey Club chairman Nyaniso Mhayi, speaking to Abarder, said: “ Any donations are welcome because we can refurbish hockey equipment and regift to our girls. This is to ensure that financial barriers don’t stop talented kids from pursuing their passions.”
The girls were magnificent to witness as they played in the background.
“For many of these kids, receiving proper gear is more than just practical; it’s symbolic. It tells them they are seen, valued, and capable of achieving their dreams,” Abarder added.
“A pair of boots that are gathering dust in your garage could be the start of someone’s journey to becoming the next Percy Tau or Janine van Wyk.”
Why initiatives like Reboot and community collaboration matter
South Africa has a rich sporting culture, but access to equipment remains a significant barrier for many children.
According to a 2022 report by Statistics South Africa, over 60% of children in low-income areas lack access to basic sports resources, including shoes. This exclusion perpetuates inequality, as sports often offer scholarships, networking opportunities, and an escape from negative influences.
“Sports are not just about competition,” Abarder emphasised. It teaches discipline, teamwork, and resilience. It keeps kids off the streets and away from harmful things like drugs and gangsterism, which are rampant in areas we are donating to this afternoon.
The ripple effect
What makes Reboot even more inspiring is how it’s fostering a culture of giving. Abarder shared how schoolchildren in wealthier neighbourhoods have started donating their gear.
“These kids are learning empathy and social responsibility,” he said. “They’re realising that their old hockey stick or cricket bat could change someone’s life.”
This interconnectivity is powerful in a country often divided by race, class, and geography. Reboot is breaking these barriers by creating a shared sense of purpose.
The initiative also partners with local coaches and community leaders to identify needs, ensuring the donations reach the right hands.
He considered the broader implications as we finished the drop-off. “This transcends me, or even sports,” he declared.
“It’s about showing kids that they matter, that someone believes in them.”
Reboot needs your help to keep this movement alive. If you have pre-loved sports equipment lying around, consider donating it.
Visit their TikTok page (@RebootSA) to see firsthand the impact of your generosity. Every item you donate is a story waiting to be written.
