Centreville Bank Charitable Foundation Expands Access to Youth Opportunity Through Pawtucket Mini-Pitch Investment
New community space reflects multi-year commitment to youth development, recreation, and neighborhood connection
Pawtucket, RI (June 10, 2026) — The Centreville Bank Charitable Foundation is proud to support the unveiling of a new community mini-pitch in Pawtucket, developed in partnership with Project GOAL and the U.S. Soccer Foundation. Located near Jenks Middle School, the field transforms a previously underused tennis court into a vibrant, accessible space for local youth and families.
The mini-pitch is part of a multi-year investment by the Foundation focused on expanding access to safe, high-quality recreational spaces and creating meaningful opportunities for young people to stay active, build confidence, and connect with one another.
The unveiling brought together community leaders, project partners, supporters, and Project GOAL students for a ceremonial first kick and youth activation on the field. The project arrives as Rhode Island’s Summer of Soccer gets underway, highlighting the growing role the sport plays in bringing communities together.
“This mini-pitch reflects what’s possible when investment is rooted in community,” said Hal Horvat, President, CEO, and Chairman of the Board of Centreville Bank. “Transforming an underused space into something vibrant and accessible creates real opportunity for young people. Through the Centreville Bank Charitable Foundation, we’re proud to support Project GOAL and be part of something that will have a lasting impact in Pawtucket.”
Designed as more than just a place to play, the mini-pitch will serve as a hub for mentorship, youth programming, and neighborhood connection. Project GOAL will incorporate the field into its broader programming, which focuses on academic achievement and social development through soccer.
“We’re grateful to the Centreville Bank Charitable Foundation for their continued partnership and commitment to our students,” said Darius Shirzadi, Executive Director of Project GOAL. “This space gives young people a place to be active, build relationships, and grow in ways that go far beyond the game.”
The project was completed in collaboration with the U.S. Soccer Foundation, a national leader in expanding access to play through community-based mini-pitches, along with support from the City of Pawtucket and other local partners.
“Creating safe places to play is about far more than building a pitch,” said Ed Foster- Simeon, President & CEO of the U.S. Soccer Foundation. “It’s about opening doors for young people to feel supported, connected, and seen. We’re grateful to Project GOAL and the Centreville Bank Charitable Foundation for their leadership and commitment to the Pawtucket community.”
City leaders also recognized the project as an important investment in Pawtucket’s neighborhoods and young people.
“This new mini-pitch is more than a soccer field—it’s an investment in the future of Pawtucket’s youth and our community,” said Mayor Donald R. Grebien. “I want to thank Project GOAL, the Centreville Bank Charitable Foundation, the U.S. Soccer Foundation, Rhode Island FC, Meridian, our school community, and all of the partners who made this possible. Soccer continues to bring people together in Pawtucket, and this new space comes at the right time as we kick off a summer full of activity and celebration. It will give young people a safe place to play, build friendships, and develop skills that will stay with them well beyond the field.”
“Investing in neighborhood infrastructure like Jenks Court isn't just about giving kids a place to play; it's about giving them a safe, accessible space to build confidence, learn teamwork, and thrive,” said General Treasurer James Diossa. “With the World Cup kicking off, there is an undeniable soccer momentum sweeping through Rhode Island. By partnering with Project GOAL, Centreville Bank, the U.S. Soccer Foundation, and the City of Pawtucket, the RI Summer of Soccer is ensuring that this global excitement translates into a lasting, tangible legacy right here in our communities.”
“This is the kind of investment that strengthens neighborhoods and creates lasting impact,” Horvat added. “We’re proud to be part of something that will serve this community for years to come.”
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 unveiling brought together community leaders, project partners, supporters, and Project GOAL students for a ceremonial first kick and youth activation on the field. The project arrives as Rhode Island’s Summer of Soccer gets underway, highlighting the growing role the sport plays in bringing communities together.
“This mini-pitch reflects what’s possible when investment is rooted in community,” said Hal Horvat, President, CEO, and Chairman of the Board of Centreville Bank. “Transforming an underused space into something vibrant and accessible creates real opportunity for young people. Through the Centreville Bank Charitable Foundation, we’re proud to support Project GOAL and be part of something that will have a lasting impact in Pawtucket.”
Designed as more than just a place to play, the mini-pitch will serve as a hub for mentorship, youth programming, and neighborhood connection. Project GOAL will incorporate the field into its broader programming, which focuses on academic achievement and social development through soccer.
“We’re grateful to the Centreville Bank Charitable Foundation for their continued partnership and commitment to our students,” said Darius Shirzadi, Executive Director of Project GOAL. “This space gives young people a place to be active, build relationships, and grow in ways that go far beyond the game.”
The project was completed in collaboration with the U.S. Soccer Foundation, a national leader in expanding access to play through community-based mini-pitches, along with support from the City of Pawtucket and other local partners.
“Creating safe places to play is about far more than building a pitch,” said Ed Foster- Simeon, President & CEO of the U.S. Soccer Foundation. “It’s about opening doors for young people to feel supported, connected, and seen. We’re grateful to Project GOAL and the Centreville Bank Charitable Foundation for their leadership and commitment to the Pawtucket community.”
City leaders also recognized the project as an important investment in Pawtucket’s neighborhoods and young people.
“This new mini-pitch is more than a soccer field—it’s an investment in the future of Pawtucket’s youth and our community,” said Mayor Donald R. Grebien. “I want to thank Project GOAL, the Centreville Bank Charitable Foundation, the U.S. Soccer Foundation, Rhode Island FC, Meridian, our school community, and all of the partners who made this possible. Soccer continues to bring people together in Pawtucket, and this new space comes at the right time as we kick off a summer full of activity and celebration. It will give young people a safe place to play, build friendships, and develop skills that will stay with them well beyond the field.”
“Investing in neighborhood infrastructure like Jenks Court isn't just about giving kids a place to play; it's about giving them a safe, accessible space to build confidence, learn teamwork, and thrive,” said General Treasurer James Diossa. “With the World Cup kicking off, there is an undeniable soccer momentum sweeping through Rhode Island. By partnering with Project GOAL, Centreville Bank, the U.S. Soccer Foundation, and the City of Pawtucket, the RI Summer of Soccer is ensuring that this global excitement translates into a lasting, tangible legacy right here in our communities.”
“This is the kind of investment that strengthens neighborhoods and creates lasting impact,” Horvat added. “We’re proud to be part of something that will serve this community for years to come.”
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.