Centreville Bank Charitable Foundation Helps Bring New Mini-Pitch to Woonsocket’s Dunn Park
Woonsocket, RI (September 3, 2026) — Centreville Bank and the Centreville Bank Charitable Foundation joined Project GOAL, the City of Woonsocket, Rhode Island FC, and the U.S. Soccer Foundation to celebrate the unveiling of a new community mini-pitch at Dunn Park, creating a safe, high-quality space where Woonsocket youth and families can play, connect, and thrive.
The new mini pitch reflects Centreville Bank’s commitment to investing in the communities it serves and supporting opportunities that bring people together. Through the Centreville Bank Charitable Foundation, the Bank helped make the project possible, expanding access to recreational space and creating new opportunities for youth development, physical activity, and community connection.
The unveiling brought together community leaders, project partners, and Project GOAL youth participants for remarks, a ceremonial ribbon cutting and first kick, and activities on the new mini pitch. The new space will serve as a neighborhood resource where young people and families can gather through soccer, recreation, and community programming.
“One of the best investments we can make is in places that bring young people together,” said Hal Horvat, President, CEO and Chairman of the Board of Centreville Bank. “Through the Centreville Bank Charitable Foundation, we’re proud to help bring this mini pitch to life. We hope it becomes a place where kids and families connect, and lasting memories are made. That’s the kind of community impact we’re committed to creating in the Blackstone Valley.”
Project GOAL uses soccer as a vehicle to motivate academic achievement and support personal development among Rhode Island youth. The organization provides free programming that combines soccer with mentorship, academic support, and leadership opportunities, helping young people develop the skills and confidence they need to succeed.
“At Project GOAL, our heart is in helping youth reach their highest potential and biggest dreams through the power of soccer,” said Darius Shirzadi, Executive Director of Project GOAL. Thanks to our incredible partners at Centreville Bank, the U.S. Soccer Foundation, Rhode Island FC and the City of Woonsocket, the new Project GOAL mini pitch courts at Dunn Park will provide a safe haven where soccer drives positive impacts in education, movement, and physical health for all Woonsocket residents,"
The U.S. Soccer Foundation also emphasized the importance of providing young people with safe and welcoming places to play.
“At the U.S. Soccer Foundation, we know that a safe place to play can make a difference in a child's life,” said Ed Foster-Simeon, President & CEO of the U.S. Soccer Foundation. “This mini-pitch gives kids in Woonsocket a safe, welcoming space to be active, build confidence, make friends, and enjoy being kids. We're proud to partner with Centreville Bank, Project GOAL, Rhode Island FC, and the City of Woonsocket on a place that will benefit young people and families for years to come.”
Rhode Island FC also recognized the collaborative effort behind the project and the opportunities it will create for local youth.
“Rhode Island FC is proud to be part of a project that creates more opportunities for young people to play, learn and connect through soccer," said Sean Carey, VP of Football Affairs & Assistant General Manager. “Project GOAL has been doing meaningful work in Rhode Island for more than two decades, and this new space in Woonsocket is another example of what can happen when organizations come together around young people and their communities. We’re excited to see these courts filled with kids playing the game and enjoying everything that comes with it.”
General Treasurer James A. Diossa highlighted the broader community impact of the investment.
“Investing in spaces where young people can come together, stay active, and build meaningful connections is essential for the future of our communities,” said General Treasurer James A. Diossa. “These new mini pitches will give young people in Woonsocket a safe and welcoming place to learn, grow, and play soccer. I’m proud to join Project GOAL, Mayor Beauchamp, and our community partners in celebrating this investment and the opportunities it will create for Woonsocket families.”
For Centreville Bank, the Dunn Park mini pitch is an example of how community partnerships can turn investment into lasting impact. By helping bring high-quality recreational space directly into the neighborhood, the Centreville Bank Charitable Foundation is helping remove barriers to participation and create a resource that Woonsocket youth and families can enjoy for years to come.
The mini pitch will provide young people with opportunities to stay active, build relationships, develop confidence, and strengthen skills both on and off the field. More broadly, it represents a shared commitment to creating communities where young people have the spaces, support, and opportunities they need to reach their full potential.
The Dunn Park mini pitch was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the Centreville Bank Charitable Foundation, Project GOAL, the City of Woonsocket, Rhode Island FC, and the U.S. Soccer Foundation, bringing together community investment, youth development, and the power of sport to create meaningful opportunities for Woonsocket families.
About The Centreville Bank Charitable Foundation
The Centreville Bank Charitable Foundation was established as a nonprofit charitable organization in 2008 by the Board of Trustees to further the philanthropic mission of Centreville Bank. The Foundation strives to support local community-based organizations tackling the most significant challenges and helping to meet the needs of underserved populations throughout Connecticut and Rhode Island. Grants are considered on a quarterly basis focusing on the following priority areas: education success, economic security, and capacity building. For more information, please visit www.centrevillebank.com/Community.
About Project GOAL
Founded in 2004, Project GOAL is a Rhode Island-based nonprofit dedicated to inspiring academic achievement and social responsibility through the power of soccer. Since its inception, the organization has served more than 2,000 middle school students across the state, achieving a 96% high school graduation rate and supporting 90% of participants in continuing on to college. By removing barriers such as financial constraints, transportation, and access to equipment, Project GOAL ensures that every student has the opportunity to succeed—both on and off the field.
The U.S. Soccer Foundation also emphasized the importance of providing young people with safe and welcoming places to play.
“At the U.S. Soccer Foundation, we know that a safe place to play can make a difference in a child's life,” said Ed Foster-Simeon, President & CEO of the U.S. Soccer Foundation. “This mini-pitch gives kids in Woonsocket a safe, welcoming space to be active, build confidence, make friends, and enjoy being kids. We're proud to partner with Centreville Bank, Project GOAL, Rhode Island FC, and the City of Woonsocket on a place that will benefit young people and families for years to come.”
Rhode Island FC also recognized the collaborative effort behind the project and the opportunities it will create for local youth.
“Rhode Island FC is proud to be part of a project that creates more opportunities for young people to play, learn and connect through soccer," said Sean Carey, VP of Football Affairs & Assistant General Manager. “Project GOAL has been doing meaningful work in Rhode Island for more than two decades, and this new space in Woonsocket is another example of what can happen when organizations come together around young people and their communities. We’re excited to see these courts filled with kids playing the game and enjoying everything that comes with it.”
General Treasurer James A. Diossa highlighted the broader community impact of the investment.
“Investing in spaces where young people can come together, stay active, and build meaningful connections is essential for the future of our communities,” said General Treasurer James A. Diossa. “These new mini pitches will give young people in Woonsocket a safe and welcoming place to learn, grow, and play soccer. I’m proud to join Project GOAL, Mayor Beauchamp, and our community partners in celebrating this investment and the opportunities it will create for Woonsocket families.”
For Centreville Bank, the Dunn Park mini pitch is an example of how community partnerships can turn investment into lasting impact. By helping bring high-quality recreational space directly into the neighborhood, the Centreville Bank Charitable Foundation is helping remove barriers to participation and create a resource that Woonsocket youth and families can enjoy for years to come.
The mini pitch will provide young people with opportunities to stay active, build relationships, develop confidence, and strengthen skills both on and off the field. More broadly, it represents a shared commitment to creating communities where young people have the spaces, support, and opportunities they need to reach their full potential.
The Dunn Park mini pitch was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the Centreville Bank Charitable Foundation, Project GOAL, the City of Woonsocket, Rhode Island FC, and the U.S. Soccer Foundation, bringing together community investment, youth development, and the power of sport to create meaningful opportunities for Woonsocket families.
About The Centreville Bank Charitable Foundation
The Centreville Bank Charitable Foundation was established as a nonprofit charitable organization in 2008 by the Board of Trustees to further the philanthropic mission of Centreville Bank. The Foundation strives to support local community-based organizations tackling the most significant challenges and helping to meet the needs of underserved populations throughout Connecticut and Rhode Island. Grants are considered on a quarterly basis focusing on the following priority areas: education success, economic security, and capacity building. For more information, please visit www.centrevillebank.com/Community.
About Project GOAL
Founded in 2004, Project GOAL is a Rhode Island-based nonprofit dedicated to inspiring academic achievement and social responsibility through the power of soccer. Since its inception, the organization has served more than 2,000 middle school students across the state, achieving a 96% high school graduation rate and supporting 90% of participants in continuing on to college. By removing barriers such as financial constraints, transportation, and access to equipment, Project GOAL ensures that every student has the opportunity to succeed—both on and off the field.