Imagine if – when you were young – your chore list including playing soccer for four hours a day instead of washing dishes and taking care of your little brother. For most kids – especially in Third World countries – this would be a dream come true and thanks to four creative Harvard engineers, this dream may become a reality.
I am totally digging the Soccket, a fun, portable energy-harvesting power source that arrives (and can be used) in the form of a soccer ball. All you have to do is PLAY. By kicking, heading, or making impact with the soccer ball, you can create energy that can later be used to illuminate your home or charge your electronics, such as a cell phone. The Soccket captures the energy made from the impact of the soccer ball and transforms it into an efficient, off-the-grid power source.
For the 95% of the population in Africa that lives off-grid, this is a promising development. Furthermore, the Soccket can reduce or eliminate the need for kerosene, an current option for illuminating the home that causes significant health problems and is costly. The makers behind the Soccket have already piloted their project in Durban, Africa to much success and have been highlighted by organizations such as Ashoka. I want to add my encouragement to the kitty.
The Soccket will weigh slightly more than a normal soccer ball (21 ounces instead of the standard 16), but it is not enough to damage your cranium or bruise your foot by a long shot so you can keep on kicking and you’ll probably be stronger for it. Aside from the health and electricity benefits, the Soccket or soccer ball – the only necessity to play the sport – is also a powerful community building tool. As I’ve discussed in previous posts, sports are proven to have a positive impact on youth and to foster stronger cooperation and compassion. I’m looking forward to following this Harvard team of engineers and their project until we see the the day when nobody sucks at soccer, but everybody socks. 
Score!
3 
119 
53
