When I published Goal Play!, I promised that a portion of the proceeds would be donated to support the GOALS program of Massachusetts Youth Soccer. This program supports the development of inner city soccer programs and now involves about 6,000 children in the state. Here is a summary:
Our GOALS Program is also designed to provide our young players with role models to serve as positive and motivating influences in their lives. Massachusetts Youth Soccer hires and trains college students, many of whom are studying to become teachers or counselors, to coach our players. Our GOALS Program has been widely successful in teaching and motivating our young players life skills and presenting positive role models in their lives.
Today was the annual awards banquet of the association, and I donated copies of the book to be sold to those attending to benefit the program. I also donated copies to be given to the award recipients, along with their plaques.
Here is a picture of two of the awardees, the “young referees of the year,” Erin Cappellucci from Plymouth, MA, and Jordan Cavaco, from Brockton, MA. They flank Brian Treanor, the state youth referee administrator. These two kids are spectacular referees, confident and assertive, but also modest and polite. They have handled very high-level games with professionalism and certainly deserve this honor.
Thanks to MYS CEO Mike Singleton and Board Chair Ted Ritchie for the chance to be present at this lovely event and for the opportunity to support the important programs of the association. Now, please buy more copies of the book so I can keep up the donations!
Goal Play! 