Fall River Youth Soccer Team Fundraises for Those in Need

These young athletes in Fall River are proving that sports are about more than just competition, they're also about community.

The Catholic youth futsal team from Espirito Santo School, made up of players from first through eighth grades, is rallying together for a heartfelt cause, spearheaded by their dedicated coach Justin Almeida.

The team has launched a fundraiser to support two meaningful initiatives: assisting the family of Dora DeSousa, a beloved former teacher at Espirito Santo School who is battling cancer, and providing a complimentary dinner for the homeless on February 22 at Espirito Santo Church.

Get our free mobile app

The dinner is being organized in partnership with Christopher Silva of Christopher’s Restaurant, with funds from the fundraiser covering meals for those in need.

"Giving back has been our motto this year," Almeida said. "We wanted to find a way to help the DeSousa family while also making a direct impact in the community."

To raise funds, the team is selling raffle calendars at local businesses, including Christopher’s Restaurant (Fall River), Afonso’s Bakery (Fall River), Mr. Chen’s (Fall River), Modern Bakery (New Bedford) and the Dunkin' on Brayton Avenue (Fall River). The proceeds will be split between purchasing dinner tickets for the homeless and supporting the DeSousa family.

The team is also collaborating with the Friends of Jack Foundation, an organization dedicated to supporting children facing medical hardships.

Almeida connected with F.O.J. through his workplace, forming a lasting partnership with founder Jill Fearons. To further the cause, the team is working on donating a Power Wheels car featuring sponsor emblems to a local hospital, along with F.O.J. teddy bears signed by the youth players.

Empire Auto Group has also joined the effort by sponsoring "Superhero Goals," pledging donations for every goal scored by the team.

"This is something new for our futsal program; we’ve never involved charities before," Almeida said. "But I grew up in a family where giving back was second nature, and I want to pass that down to these kids."

For Almeida, this mission is personal.

"I had a child who was in and out of Boston Children's Hospital, so this hits home for me," he said. "I know what it's like to be on the receiving end of kindness, and now we want to pay it forward."

The players and their families have been working tirelessly all season to make this initiative a success, and they’re hoping the community will rally behind them.

Anyone interested in purchasing a raffle calendar or supporting the cause can visit one of the participating businesses. You can also reach out to Coach Almeida at esfccoachalmeida@gmail.com.

These young athletes aren’t just playing for wins – they’re playing for a purpose. On February 22, their efforts will bring warmth and hope to those who need it most.