There is a happiness in Giving Back

A proud mom’s story of two brothers blending football, creativity, and community to inspire change—locally and globally.

Hey there! I’m excited to introduce you to my two sons, Alula and Zuilu Kock—affectionately known as the Zula Kids. They’re brothers with big dreams, a deep love for sports, and an even bigger passion for giving back.

With an Ethiopian mother, a Caribbean father, and a Dutch upbringing, Alula and Zuilu were born into a richly multicultural family. This unique background has shaped not only how they see the world, but also how they move through it—with open hearts, big energy, and a sense of connection that goes beyond borders.

Football their first love

Football is at the core of who they are. For Alula and Zuilu, it’s more than just a game—it’s where they come alive.

They both play for Voorschoten’97 Football Club: Zuilu in Vo14_2 and Alula in Vo12_1. They train hard, compete with passion, and carry the values of teamwork, discipline, and resilience into every area of their lives.

But for them, football isn’t only about winning matches. It’s also about building friendships, inspiring others, and using their passion to make a difference.

Exploring Creativity Beyond the field

Although football takes up a big part of their lives, their interests don’t stop there. Both boys are involved in modeling, acting, spoken word, and even co-writing children’s books. Through these creative outlets, they’ve found new ways to express themselves and connect with others.

They also participate in educational and cultural programs organized by the Ethiopian community here in the Netherlands. These experiences help them stay grounded in their roots and understand the importance of heritage, history, and identity.

Giving Back: The Heart of their Journey

One of the most beautiful things about watching Alula and Zuilu grow is seeing how naturally they lean into kindness and giving back.

In 2019 and again in 2021, they took the initiative to collect school supplies from their classmates and donate them to children in Ethiopia. With the support of the Ethiopian Embassy in the Netherlands, these materials reached students who needed them most. It was a small act that made a big impact—and left a lasting impression on both boys.

More recently, they combined their love for football with their charitable efforts. With the help of teammates, coaches, and friends from Voorschoten’97, they collected football uniforms and balls and donated them to young players in Ethiopia through the Shala Family Association.

Seeing how those gifts brought joy to the children there filled them with pride and a renewed desire to do even more.

Their Motivation: Charity knows no Age

If there’s one thing Alula and Zuilu have learned, it’s that charity has no age limit. You don’t need to be rich, famous, or grown-up to make a difference—you just need to care.

They believe that helping others starts with small actions: sharing what you have, giving your time, or simply showing kindness. The joy that comes from lifting others up is something they carry with them—on the football field, in front of the camera, or when dreaming up their next project.

As a parent, I couldn’t be prouder of their spirit. Their journey is just beginning, but one thing’s for sure: they’re committed to growing, inspiring, and giving back—wherever life takes them.

Be a part of our Giving Back, and Donate Football Uniforms, Balls, and other Sports Gear, and we’ll deliver them to young people most in need: