I just bought something for the RISSE soccer team. Because it’s a surprise, I can’t put it up on the blog. And because I can’t put it up on the blog, I will pay for it myself because it seems wrong to accept donations if people don’t know what it’s for.

And frankly, it’s a good chunk of money – not insanely wild, but still..I have been watching these kids bravely go up against the super-financed, high-powered coached, incredibly well dressed and supplied soccer teams of the suburbs.

Their opponents often have the most expensive shoes, uniforms, headgear and equipment, several coaches, scores of parents and supporters, plenty of players to rest and switch.

The refugee soccer team has none of those things, except the nice new uniforms purchased by the Army Of Good.

So I got something that every kid on the team can use, it will give them pride, dignity and utility. It will make them feel tall and strong. I actually think the other teams will want one, and probably rush out to get one.

There are 20 kids on the soccer team now, each kid will get one with their own name put right on it. I can’t say any more without giving it away. And as I said, I’ll pay for this one, it just feels like something I ought to do.

My surprise is coming on Valentine’s Day, Ali and I have been plotting it for weeks, and we hope to present the gifts to the kids at their next tournament, February 21st near Albany. The team finished second in their last tournament and are going for victory this time.

I am excited about, I did gulp a bit at the price tag, but as Ali said, “we’re both crazy, right?” Right.  It isn’t insanely expensive, just expensive by the standards of me and the soccer team. The other teams wouldn’t blink at it.

If anyone wants to donate to our support for the soccer team, there are many things they need beyond what I got. You can donate to Soccer Team, P.O. Box 205 Cambridge, N.Y., 12816, or via Paypal, [email protected]

Sometimes you just got to take the leap.