We recently connected with Magdalen Pike and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Magdalen, thanks for joining us today. What do you think Corporate America gets wrong in your industry? Any stories or anecdotes that illustrate why this matters?

What Corporate America Gets Wrong: The Broken Linear Economy

Every year, the sports industry produces an incredible volume of sports gear, enough to provide every child with a ball to kick, cleats to wear, and a jersey to sport. Yet, so many children lack access to this essential equipment to play.

Despite an annual market exceeding $335 billion and growing at a compound annual rate of 9.9%, millions of children lack access due to a system that prioritizes profit over equitable distribution and sustainable practices. While companies may implement recycling initiatives or take-back programs, these are often inaccessible, poorly scaled, or insufficient to address the root issues of waste and inequity.

The United Nations has reported that the global sports sector is responsible for emissions equivalent to those of a medium-sized country, and a top 3 contributor to this is the carbon footprint generated by the supply chains for sports-related gear. And looking at Nike and Adidas’s most recent ESG reports, you can see why. They won’t reach true climate neutrality until 2050, even as an industry leader in sustainability. Sports brands worldwide have similar expectations but lack a partner like my nonprofit, Passback to make it happen.

Yet, amidst this delay in corporate action, the most affected are often the most vulnerable – kids in underserved communities. However, this realization presents an opportunity for empowerment and innovation to bridge this gap and create a sustainable future that positively impacts both the environment and the community. ​

A Shared Responsibility: Moving Beyond Production

The problem doesn’t lie solely with corporations. Consumers, organizations, and policymakers also play a role in perpetuating this broken system. For example:
-Corporations prioritize profit: Millions of soccer cleats are produced annually, but many children still play barefoot while cleats are discarded after a single season.
-Consumers over-consume: Fast-paced fashion cycles and the cultural demand for new products every year drive unnecessary waste.
-Policymakers lack robust regulation: There’s limited oversight to enforce circular practices or incentivize equitable redistribution of goods.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Hi my name is Magdalen Pike!

I am the founder of Passback, a nonprofit creating a circular economy for sports gear and textiles, so every kid can play.

I grew up playing and coaching for three of the largest soccer clubs in St. Louis, and I witnessed that they all had the same problem – an overflowing storage closet. As a former d1 athlete, my closet looked much the same.

Most sports gear and textiles are plastic, and the vast majority don’t reach their full lifecycle potential.
With experience in the social startup world and a passion for environmentalism, I couldn’t stop thinking about this problem, and how many millions of children simply do not have equal access to play. But I also couldn’t help but see the potential.

This past year, we’ve distributed approximately $40,000 worth of sports gear to nonprofits supporting families in resource-limited areas—gear that was otherwise destined for landfills or overseas disposal. And we’re just getting started!

Have you ever had to pivot?

In early 2023, I faced one of the most challenging moments of my professional life: I was let go from a social enterprise where I had dedicated years of my career. As the first full-time employee, I had helped scale the organization to positively impact over 100,000 kids and generate millions in revenue. It felt like more than a job—I truly believed in the mission and thought it was my life’s work.

But in that moment of grief and loss, I realized something important: I had been operating on trust alone, without clear boundaries or ownership of my contributions. It was a wake-up call. I had given everything to help someone else build their vision, and it was time for me to find my own.
That moment became the start of my hero’s journey. Instead of retreating, I embraced the uncertainty and chose courage. I began shaping Passback, an initiative deeply rooted in my own background and passions for sustainability and social impact. It wasn’t just about creating a circular economy for sports gear; it was about building something that reflected my values, my vision, and my belief in creating opportunities for all kids to play.

This pivot taught me two invaluable lessons: first, always protect your value—get everything in writing and recognize your worth. Second, trust in your journey, even when the path forward feels uncertain. The challenges, heartbreaks, and setbacks shape something greater than you can imagine.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Soccer superstar Cristiano Ronaldo once shared a moving story with a reporter after the World Cup:
“My mother raised me and dedicated her life to me. She would go to sleep hungry just to let me eat. We had no money at all. She worked all day and night as a cleaning lady to buy my first pair of shoes, to be able to be a player.”

This story speaks not only to opportunity but to the incredible resilience required to seize it.
A year ago, I met Cyan, a talented young athlete whose potential was held back by a lack of resources. Through Passback, we provided Cyan with a pair of cleats. That gift changed his trajectory. With those cleats, Cyan was noticed at camp, earned a scholarship to play club soccer, and went on to become his team’s leading scorer.

But Cyan’s story isn’t just about his success—it’s about the resilience that comes from creating systems of opportunity and support. The cleats that helped Cyan were part of a larger cycle that turns what’s overlooked into something powerful. This is the heart of the circular economy: keeping resources in play, reducing waste, and creating value where it’s needed most.
Cyan’s journey also had a ripple effect. By creating a circular economy for sports gear, Passback strengthens the fabric of our society, ensuring that resources flow where they’re most impactful and fostering resilience in kids like Cyan.

At Passback, we see every cleat, every ball, and every jersey as more than just equipment—they are tools of resilience. They help young athletes overcome barriers, create opportunities, and build the strength to keep going. Together, we’re proving that the right gear can do more than help kids play—it can change lives, spark hope, and build a more sustainable future for us all.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.passback-official.org/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/passbackofficial/#
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PassbackOfficial/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/passbackofficial/
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/magdalen_pike/