Football brings light to developing countries

Innovative students at Harvard University have found a new and innovative way to put to good use the energy expended when playing football. Football is one of the most popular sports in the world, especially in developing countries. These areas have two things in common; a lack of electricity and a need for soccer balls.

Lack of electricity often hampers the studying of potential of students in developing countries. Once the sun goes down, few households can afford the electricity or fuel required to leave lights on for students to study. Now an amazing new concept may provide them with soccer balls that are actually a source of electricity.

The innovative foursome has found a way to save the energy produced when a soccer ball is kicked. Their new ‘Soccket ball’ is an amazing concept. According to their website: “Using an induction coil fitted into the center of its construction, the Soccket contains a magnet, which rapidly oscillates when the ball is in motion. This oscillation powers a motor, and the electricity is stored in an on-board battery.

An AC Adaptor is fitted behind one the panels of the Soccket, allowing a multitude of appliances to be powered in such a manner, though the designers – Jessica Lin, Julia Silverman, Jessica Matthews, Hemali Thakkaras and Aviva Presser – envision it’s best use is to charge mobile phones and power lights.”

The Soccket comes with a reading lamp that can be plugged in and is powered by the energy collected during a day on the pitch. This is a really innovative way to create renewable energy that powers an LED lamp for up to three hours.

Families in developing areas spend 10 to 30% of their income on kerosene to light their homes. Having a Soccket ball will save them money that is desperately needed elsewhere.

See a video of the Socket ball here.