Indian Child Labor Exploited in Production of Soccer Balls

The exploitation is obviously bad... but what's worse is knowing that the ones shipped to America probably aren't sold as well or used for intended purpose. Their hard work going toward little to nothing, for less-than-that-pay. :\

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I just about threw up while watching that Real Sports episode. it's the soccer ball mfrs at fault - next stop, their websites to vent. I would love to get the name of that Indian gentleman that was a 'one-man show' solution - now there's a 'charity' I would gladly offer funds to - FREEING CHILDREN FROM INDENTURED LABOR - IN 2008!!

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the show was a sad commentary on the whole world and the way it treats children, but for our part, the usa, it seemed like the labor secretary was somewhat upset by what she saw, but was probably more upset that she knows there is really nothing she can do about because the sports equipment lobby in washington is as large and as powerful as any other lobby we hear about. and then there's walmart, but that story is "same song, different verse" as always. i think they could sell soccer balls made of human flesh and get away with it.
i'm not clear as to why bernie told bryant that he really didn't think the mitre soccerball company knew that this happening though. i mean, how could a global type company like mitre not have a quality control department the size of a small business and not have some kind of oversight department? seems suspicious to me.
what really bothers me though, is the fact that this kind of story will be forgotten by most people by the end of the week, especially in this country, because, in the end, although it's a terribly tragic problem, somebody has to make our "stuff", right?

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I watched a show a couple months ago in which a Iraq soldier was killed and he was a soccer player. After he was killed the veterans got together and did a charity run, they collected Soccer balls to ship to Afghanistan to the poor children, now the balls were mostly bought at Walmart and they even donated soccer balls. Its a shame because doing all of that made the demand even higher. My daughter plays soccer and now I just am sick to my stomach wishing that she didnt. How come the professionals dont put a stop to this? If anyone knows a charity for this , please let me know what we can do to stop it.

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I also just watched this show. I am at a loss. I have two children who play soccer. I have been supporting this for 10 years. It makes me ill. I have e-mailed Walmart and told them I was boycotting them till I hear they have done something about this. I have also sent and e-mail to David Beckham's website that challenges him to get involved. He has profited greatly from soccer and also has children. If anyone has other suggestions on how we can fight this horrible practice please post it. I am willing to help in any way.

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I was so distraught after this that I e-mailed this article to everyone I had in my address book. Many e-mailed with suggestions as to what we can do to bring awareness. I think we need keep the story alive. The only way to try and stop this is to hit them where it hurts them.... wallets. Do we need to camp out in front of Walmart with signs and flyers to drum up some attention. Maybe we should. This is horrific and I can't in good conscience just ignore it.

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Hey Kim,
I'm writing to Mr. Beckham as well.... Someone in his position is well suited to raising a voice about this topic.
It comes down to this--- Are we willing to pay $50 for a soccer ball instead of $7? I think we could be if that was what it takes.

I also think that this is a topic that we Americans don't really think about that much, we see labels that read "No Child Labor Used" and feel that it is okay.
This piece on Real Sports was very eye-opening, I can't believe we don't hear more about this stuff, what has happened to real journalism in this country? All we hear about is lipstick on pigs, what's Britney doing, and crap like that.
I agree with everything others here have written, the story is heartbreaking- these little children sold into slavery so we can have our "Low Price Guaranteed" makes me want to throw up.

Assigning blame is a complicated issue, but I feel that a large portion belongs at the feet of the ball manufacturers, they are subcontracting their manufacturing and are responsible for investigating those with whom they do business. The truth is, as consumers, we cannot know what goes on down the chain of events that brings a soccer ball to our store shelves.

I'm writing to Mr. Beckham with a challenge--- Why not encourage the manufacture of balls in the USA? Or Great Britain? Yes.. they will cost more, I think he could bring a voice to the issue and look like a big hero in the process. "I refuse to play soccer with a ball manufactured by a child slave."

-Just fired up and nauseous right now,
Elsa M.

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Very distrubing, having two little ones myself and being of Indian decent. I could never imagine my children working. I too like the Indian Man see my childrens face in those children. It's absolutley heart breaking.....

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The International Labor Rights Forum is working with closely with the organization that released this report (BBA). For more information on the children of Jalandhar and Meerut, India, check out our website at:

http://www.laborrights.org/stop-child-labor/foulball-campaign/1734

This provides the full report and press release concerning the working conditions of these children and the horrible human rights violations being committed. Get involved and help to end this modern day slavery!

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Michael, you'll be pleased to know that we've launched an alternative product line of certified Fair Trade soccer balls for the North American market. The Fair Trade third-party certification ensures the adults who stitched the sports balls are paid a fair living wage and ensured healthy working conditions.

You can learn more on our blog at www.fairtradesports.com. We'd love to have you stop by for a visit.

- Scott James
Fair Trade Sports
Blog: www.fairtradesports.com
Eco-Certified Fair Trade soccer balls and more!

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