About Us
Project GOAL Co-Founders: (left to right) Peter Whealton, Javier Centano and Darius Shirzadi
Our Program
Founded in 2004, Project GOAL (Greater Opportunity for Athletes to Learn) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to transforming lives through education and soccer. Our coeducational after-school program serves Rhode Island middle school youth, providing academic enrichment that helps students meet—and exceed—grade-level standards. Through a unique blend of tutoring and soccer training, we foster teamwork, leadership, and social responsibility both in the classroom and on the field. Project GOAL empowers young people to dream big, achieve academically, and grow as confident, community-minded individuals.
Our Mission
Project GOAL’s mission is to create an inclusive community where every student has access to academic support and the joy of team sports—at no cost. We work to remove barriers like financial hardship, cultural differences, language challenges, and transportation issues, ensuring that all youth can learn, grow, and thrive together.
Program Structure
90 Minutes in the Classroom = 90 Minutes on the Field
Project GOAL meets twice a week for 3-hour sessions. Each begins with 90 minutes of academic enrichment, combining individualized goal setting with group instruction. Our focus on accountability and responsibility encourages students to work toward academic success, make thoughtful decisions, and contribute positively to their schools and communities.
As a reward for their effort, students enjoy 90 minutes of soccer training and gameplay, building teamwork and sportsmanship immediately after the classroom session.
Commitment to Education and Opportunity
Project GOAL is dedicated to helping students succeed academically and prepare for their future. Alongside strong support in public schools, we guide students through private school opportunities with SSAT preparation, application and financial aid assistance, and interview coaching. To date, 64 students have earned acceptance into local private institutions with full financial aid packages.
Our commitment doesn’t stop there—Project GOAL proudly maintains a 96% high school graduation rate, with 90% of alumni continuing on to college.
Success is built on collaboration. Each year, students and families enter a partnership agreement with Project GOAL, ensuring accountability and engagement. Our teachers maintain close communication with schools to monitor grades and behavior, while keeping student-teacher ratios low for personalized academic support.
Every student receives academic enrichment, transportation, soccer training, supplies, uniforms, and snacks—completely free of charge and without bias or proof of need. This ensures that every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive both in the classroom and on the field.