
Cleats2Play provides free athletic footwear to underprivileged youth in Pinellas County, helping them stay active, confident, and part of the team.
No child should sit on the sidelines because of financial barriers. Cleats2Play collects community donations and partners with coaches, educators, and trainers to ensure every child in need receives quality athletic footwear at no cost.
Each pair of cleats represents opportunity, inclusion, and the joy of play. $200 gets a kid in the game
Lee Ann Henderson On Cleats2Play
Lee Ann Henderson is a Teacher, Fitness Professional, member of the Krewe of the Rising Phoenix, America's Fit Ms 2029, America's Fit role Model 2021, and Ms America Queen 2024-2025.

Each pair helps a local child participate in school sports..

Working directly with educators and coaches in Pinellas County.

Every dollar goes toward getting kids back in the game.

I started my practice in 2001 and was doing sideline physician coverage across all sports for my Alma Mater. Over those two years, I noticed many students didn’t have proper shoe gear. They wore old, worn-out shoes with rips and tears, or borrowed ones that didn’t fit.
That experience stayed with me. For over 20 years of private podiatry practice, I kept searching for a way to provide proper athletic shoe gear for students who wanted to play sports but didn’t have the means.
In 2025, during a dinner with friends, a dear friend suggested I start a nonprofit. That was the moment I realized how to finally achieve this long-time goal. Cleats2Play was born out of the belief that every student deserves to play.

Local donors and businesses contribute funds or new shoes.

Educators identify kids who need support.

Each student receives a pair fitted for their sport and season.
Cleats2Play, Inc. is a 501 C (3) organization, dedicated to providing athletic footwear to economically
disadvantaged school-aged children at no cost, through referrals from coaches, athletic trainers, or educators.
We accept nominations from qualified professionals to ensure our resources reach those most in need.