Soccer tourney benefits Project Goal

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - Dozens of people took to the pitch today in Providence to raise money for a local program that helps disadvantaged students.

Several Eyewitness News staff were among those battling for soccer supremacy at Moses Brown's Campanella Field this morning.

Project Goal is an after-school program for sixth, seventh and eight graders from Providence, Pawtucket and Central Falls.  The participants are selected not only for their academic potential but also their soccer abilities.  Every weekday the students hit the books after school for an hour and a half, followed up by an hour and a half of soccer out on the field.

The free program, which was started in 2004, incurs most of its costs in transportation, according to Darius Shirzadi, the program coordinator.  Organizers were hoping to raise $10,000 at Saturday's event.

Reporter Nneka Nwosu, Sports Reporter Sara Hogan, and Rhode Show Co-Host Michaela Johnson were among the Eyewitness News players competing against several other local businesses for top tournament honors.