Every September we start the new roster for the GOALS teams. This means that new kids join the program and replace kids that have moved out of the areas or have graduated the program. This year we had 15 participants that have graduated the program.

To mark the occasion and celebrate all of their accomplishments we held a pizza party in their honor and our staff plus coaches were there to give them some words of encouragement as they go forward.

Some of the kids had been with us since the inception of our programs and it is incredible to be a part of their growth. We wish them all continued success, good health and look forward to their contributions to their communities.

It was a day full of emotion as everyone shared about their time in GOALS and here are some of their thoughts:

Jenny – Joined GOALS in 2014 (8yrs in programs) - “When I first joined GOALS, it was my first time ever playing sports and soccer. I was very shy. The biggest lesson I learned in GOALS is how to respect others. You all helped me grow up to believe in myself and reach for the stars.”

Edna – Joined GOALS in 2010 (12 yrs in programs) - “When I first joined GOALS, I was very small and afraid of people. It was a very shy moment for me. What I think is the most important thing I learned from GOALS is leadership. Now, I am a leader and I'm confident that I can lead any group no matter if it's kids or adults.”

Caputo – Joined GOALS in 2012 (10 yrs in programs) - “When I first joined GOALS, I can remember being very timid. It was hard for me to adapt to my team. I had no technique at all in soccer. It was a challenging experience for me. The most important thing I learned from GOALS is everyone deserves respect and that helping others less fortunate is necessary for the country to develop. Graduating from GOALS will be a sad feeling. But the change will be a good change because GOALS taught me so much about how to achieve success.”

Laissa – Joined GOALS in 2014 (8yrs in programs) - “When I first joined GOALS, I remember being very shy and skinny I didn't know anything about GOALS. I would have regretted it so much if I did not have the courage to join GOALS. I learned so much over the years in GOALS. The most important stuff I believe GOALS taught me was the importance of agriculture and how it is so rich and has the potential to make a great impact on Haiti. The biggest lesson I've learned in GOALS is how to have a high level of discipline and respect for others.”

Venise - Joined GOALS in 2014 (8yrs in programs) - “Joining GOALS for the first time was a very shy moment in my life. I didn't know anything about soccer. I just wanted an opportunity to go out and play and have fun with other kids. The most important stuff that GOALS taught me is how to respect others and develop skills to help people that are in need in my community. The biggest lesson I learned in GOALS is how I'm equal to boys. Therefore, I must always be confident in myself. I would like to tell the people and supporters of GOALS big thanks and I will never forget the change you caused in my life.”

Toles – Joined GOALS in 2017 (5 yrs in programs) - “When I first joined GOALS I thought it was a soccer school and everything was just only about soccer. It's after joining I realize it was more than just playing soccer. We learned about many other things like agriculture and recycling. I felt like this was something special and soccer was the tool that brought us in to discover what GOALS really stands for. Thank you for believing in us and wanting to make a difference in our lives.”

Souna – Joined GOALS in 2014 (8 yrs in programs)- “I was very timid, I did not know anything about soccer when I first joined GOALS. I just felt like my family kept me inside my house too much, and I just wanted the opportunity to go outside and play like a regular kid with other kids. GOALS gave me that opportunity.”

Wilky – Joined GOALS in 2015 (7 yrs in programs) - “When I first joined GOALS, I remember feeling uncomfortable because everyone was bigger than me so I was very scared to play. But the coaches helped me to feel comfortable and to learn. The biggest lesson I've learned in GOALS is how to live in harmony with one another.”

Peter – Joined GOALS in 2017 (5 yrs in the program) - “When I first joined GOALS I was a little confused I did not know if it was a soccer school or something else. After a little while, I understood GOALS was bigger than just soccer and I was excited because I felt it was something big and special. The most important thing that GOALS taught me was leadership. I was fortunate to learn what real leadership is. The biggest lesson I've learned in GOALS is how to protect the environment, plant trees, and farm land. After all these years in GOALS, I want to tell GOALS thank you because you all did a lot to help me in life and I will never forget it.”