Fall River catholic school sports team winning both on and off the field

A group of young athletes out of Fall River are not only winning on the field, but more importantly, making an impact off the field.

According to Coach Justin Almeida, Espirito Santo School Futsal (indoor soccer on smaller field) has been playing under the CYFL Catholic Youth Futsal league of the New England Futsal (NEF) since 2004 with membership growing more and more each year thanks in part to former coach and director Joe Fernandes.

Espirito Santo Futsal groups this year had a mission to give back to their community. Parents, sponsors and players came to the forefront of that mission raising money for different charities.

Almeida stated that the crew gave back to an area nursing home, raised money to feed the homeless, raised funds to help 2-year-old Tayten St. Martin who has Kabuki syndrome, and raised money for The Friends of Jack Foundation to buy stress bears for children facing medical issues.

Espirito Santo Futsal didn’t just deliver off the field, but also exceled on the field, according to Almeida.

“These young men and women not only did all of this but also secured their place as the only school / Futsal club to win 4 consecutive CYFL Championships in a row and as their director and coach, I couldn’t be prouder of them. They show up to play. They show up to learn and win and they show what it is to be more than just a champion but young members of society that can make a difference. They deserve to be honored for that as a school and parish.”

The team has been recognized by CD Santa Clara Azores, the United States Women’s National Futsal Team, former Brazilian Women’s National Team player Marcia Taffarel, former Portugal National Team player Nani, Rhode Island FC, New England Revolution, and USL Tormenta FC player Gabriel Alves.

Congratulations Espirito Santo Futsal for making Fall River a better place in more ways than one.