Original Article from Beyond Sport 04.22.22 - At Beyond Sport, we firmly believe that when used with intention, sport provides strong solutions to the complex social issues that divide us - across communities, countries and conflicts. In this context, it is a powerful tool to advance human rights in the direst of circumstances.

GOALS (Global Outreach and Love of Soccer) was founded in 2010 following the disastrous earthquake. With the mission to use soccer to engage Haitian youth in community service and education to improve their quality of life and develop their leadership skills, GOALS focuses its programs in rural areas where the needs are the most severe and resources are extremely limited. We spoke to Executive Director Kathy McAllister about the organization’s humanitarian response in Haiti and how they are providing a lifeline through soccer and eduation.

Following the 2021 earthquake, which primarily affected the Southern region of the island, GOALS immediately responded with direct family support and supplies including water, food, medical and shelter. They were able to raise funds for six Haitian-led organizations working in local communities, directly support over 100 vulnerable families and help with home repair efforts. 

“We have provided the resources and employed local labor to rebuild a total of 15 homes so far. One resident told us that ‘the government does not see us. It is the first time that help has come to our community after a natural disaster. Thank you for seeing us.’” 

Thankfully, GOALS’ coaches and programs have not been interrupted by the insecurity, gang violence and general strikes that have disrupted other urban areas. They have been able to continue their core programs for girls and boys aged 8 to 18 across three rural communities focused  on gender equality, inclusion, anti-bullying and self-care. They also have programs that educate on environmental stewardship to address climate change for vulnerable communities most affected by natural disasters. Kathy told us that the ongoing crisis in Haiti has created difficult conditions for everyone, however, GOALS provides hundreds of children and youth with a safe space to play and an opportunity to learn every day. 

“When I speak with staff and program participants there is the feeling that without our programs kids would not have a positive outlet in their lives. The collective stress from living in crisis upon crisis is fatiguing and weighs on everyone in Haiti no matter where you are located. For youth to have a space to be kids, spend time with their friends, play a game and reduce that stress is more important now than ever before.” 

Along with running 12 youth football teams, GOALS is continuing its Leveling the Playing Field Literacy Program, which won a Beyond Sport Global Award in 2016. Last year, they added a new on-field tutoring program in response to parents sharing that their children would miss soccer practice due to too much homework and no one at home to help. The project includes GOALS alumni in each community becoming tutors, and since its implementation, there has been an increase in attendance across GOALS' programs. 

“Sport has the power to bring people together and initiate dialogue. The love of soccer is what brings kids to our programs, and they end up becoming active in community and self-development, volunteerism and leadership training. We see their progress and their drive which is truly inspiring," Kathy said.

"As we continue our work under such challenging circumstances, we take pride in knowing that we are part of a larger network of sport for development organizations from around the globe. Each is striving to make a difference through sport and work towards the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals.”  

She also shared that the rising inflation and extreme gas shortages have created increased costs for all basic goods and resulted in the organization's increasing need to cover the budget in order to reach more youth in need. GOALS’ immediate need is for soccer balls. They are down to only a handful to spread across the 400 children in their programs. 

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