Central Falls celebrates new Project GOAL futsal courts
Funding for courts provided by Tufts Health Plan
CENTRAL FALLS, RI – Today, the City of Central Falls officially cut the ribbon on its two new outdoor futsal courts (or “mini pitches”), spearheaded by Project GOAL and the City of Central Falls, and sponsored and generously funded by Tufts Health Plan.
“This is a huge win for our city, giving our youth and families another fantastic athletic outlet. Project GOAL has helped transform the lives of many Central Falls youth through their free programming, providing important educational support while building important life skills on and off the field. Having a dedicated spot in our city for their programming is a huge addition to our community,” said Central Falls Mayor Maria Rivera. “I want to thank Project GOAL for helping us bring this vision to life for Central Falls, and to Tufts Health Plan for providing major financial support to make it possible.”
Players from Major League Soccer joined Saturday’s ribbon cutting, like New England Revolution player Scott Caldwell and former Revolution player Jeff Larentowicz, which was celebrated by the City, Project GOAL, Tufts Health Plan, and other community leaders.
“We at Project GOAL are so proud to leave a physical legacy in our home of Central Falls with our mini pitch soccer courts. The building of these soccer courts continues our work of providing 100 percent free of charge academic tutoring, mentoring, and soccer to our students and the community,” said Darius Shirzadi Project GOAL Co-Founder. “We cannot thank the City of Central Falls, Tufts Health Plan and our other sponsors, Board of Directors, community partners, staff, and alumni for helping to contribute to this endeavor.”
The two new courts are located on Ledge Street. Until now, Project GOAL – which empowers many Central Falls middle schoolers through academic enrichment and soccer training – utilized gym space at Calcutt Middle School along with spaces at Moses Brown, Wheeler, and Brown University. The new futsal courts will be accessible to all Central Falls residents.
“This state-of-the-art facility will support the health and wellness of families in the community for years to come, and we are honored to sponsor and fund these new Project GOAL futsal courts for Central Falls,” said Jean Yang, President, Public Plans for Tufts Health Plan, a Point32Health Company.
“I am so excited to see this project come together and be able to give back to the community that means so much to me,” said Jeff Larentowicz, Former New England Revolution (MLS) player. “After a year filled with challenges, these mini-pitches will bring many days of joy and excitement for the next generation of aspiring Project GOAL and Central Falls student athletes.”
“Project goal has a profound positive impact on the lives of its students. With this mini pitch initiative, they’ll be able to impact all soccer lovers in the local community,” said Project GOAL alumn John Olivo, who grew up in Central Falls.
“I am very excited to be a part of this momentous event. Project GOAL has been dedicated to improving the lives of students living in Rhode Island’s most populated inner-cities. These mini pitches will help the program continue their mission in the beautiful city of Central Falls,” added Julio Barroso, another Project GOAL alumn who grew up in Central Falls.
In addition to funds provided by Tufts Health Plan for the new courts, the new futsal courts were made possible through the generous support of Musco Lighting, who provided lighting and structural support, in addition to other major supporters including the U.S. Soccer Foundation, Brown Men’s Soccer, MLS Players Association, Baycoast Bank, Vivier Family Foundation, Champlin Foundation, Fortuitous Partners, Edelman Financial Engines, BankNewport, Navigant Credit Union, Meridian Custom Homes, and Michael Parkhurst.
Project GOAL and the City have been jointly fundraising through engraved, personalized brick donations, which will be permanently installed around the futsal courts.