BOISE, Idaho (CBS2) — Local foster care nonprofit the Freedom Youth Foundation is making an impact through a new partnership. Idaho native and Boise State alumni, Scott Matlock, is using his success as an NFL player to help raise awareness of Idaho’s foster care crisis, and the work FYF is doing.

Cleats for a Cause is an awareness initiative put on by the NFL. The campaign lets participating players choose any nonprofit organization and have cleats designed to support their cause. Mary Irby, the Director of Operations for the Freedom Youth Foundation, explained the design choice. She said, “This was designed for the game, and it’s got call 211, on it, which is the number to call if somebody is interested in being a foster parent. Then we have our Freedom Youth Foundation wording and colors on the cleat.”

Scott Matlock now plays for the Los Angeles Chargers, and was looking for a way to impact others, and this was the perfect opportunity. Matlock said, “I’m in a position where I can use my platform, as far as you know, the NFL and in my success to potentially help you know others, and that alone is enough for me.”

Matlock was once in Idaho’s foster care system, having that experience and a deep love for the Treasure Valley, he said choosing FYF as his non-profit was a no-brainer. Irby said, “It’s very inspiring his story and for him to be associated with us is fabulous. It’s really important for former foster youth that have succeeded to share their story to let the foster youth know that they can reach their dreams, they can shoot for the stars, and not be limited by their situation.” Matlock said, “I know for a fact that it definitely seems hopeless at times but never give up. You’re dealt a certain hand in life, and you got to play it.”

The cleats made their debut on Sunday, December 1st in Georgia, when the Chargers won against the Atlanta Falcons. Now, they’re in the hands of the Freedom Youth Foundation, who are looking forward to auctioning them off, raising money to continue impacting foster youth.