Going for GOALS

GOALS Haiti is a sport-for-development organization founded in 2010 with one clear mission: advancing youth leadership through football and education to build stronger, healthier communities in rural Haiti. Every day, more than 300 children and teens in remote rural villages participate in GOALS’ holistic programs that combine football with literacy, health education, life-skills training, climate action, and community service. Since its founding, the program has directly reached more than 2,800 participants and indirectly engaged more than 19,600 others. Many participants remain with the program until they age out at 18, with an average engagement of eight years.

Through Purposeful Play curriculum, GOALS uses football as an accessible, fun platform to teach communication, leadership, conflict resolution, and resilience. Its programs are intentionally gender-equitable—50% girls, 50% boys—and have played a vital role in dramatically reducing teen pregnancy (from 7% to 0%) while creating pathways for girls to thrive as leaders, players, and community advocates.

Girls and young women receive tailored support through literacy programs, scholarships, and mentorship from women coaches, as well as gender equity and gender-based violence awareness training for both youth and adults. To reduce dropout, the organization added an all-girls leadership course last year and has five Haitian women’s coaches to attract and retain more young talent. Even more remarkable, 83 players have earned spots in Haiti's national football academy. Three of these women went on to represent Haiti in the Women's World Cup.

GOALS Haiti remains one of the few organizations operating daily amid Haiti’s ongoing crises, sustained by deeply rooted local leadership. Fourteen GOALS alumni now serve as leaders within the organization, strengthening its resilience and continuity. As a result, young people are safer, healthier, and more likely to stay in school, delay early pregnancy, build confidence, and recognize their own potential to lead change.

Rosemirlande Romelus is one of GOALS’ dedicated alumni coaches. For the past 10 years, she has coached more than 150 girls and young women in her community. Alongside this work, she runs a small business and raises her two sons. Rosemirlande shared her story with us, from the moment she fell in love with football to her role as a respected community leader.

Bonito: How did you first get involved in football? How old were you when you started playing, and what made you fall in love with the game? What position do (or did) you play?

Rosemirlande: I used to see kids in my neighborhood playing football, and I loved watching them. When I was 12, I started playing with them. At 14, the GOALS program started in my community. I went to their field and asked to join. I spent four years in the program and played several positions, including goalie.

Bonito: When and how did you first connect with GOALS Haiti? What activities were you involved in, and what are some of your most memorable moments as a player?

Rosemirlande: I joined GOALS because I was interested in football, participating in the Dream Team high school scholarship program and community programming, including health education activities. I then became a team captain, assistant coach and finally a coach. One of my favorite memories was when our team went to a big tournament in another city and won; that was a special moment that made me happy and proud.

Bonito: What changes have you noticed in your community since you started playing football? What challenges have you faced along the way, and how did you overcome them?

Rosemirlande: There has been a great change in our community because of football. Changes such as reduced teen pregnancy and a reduction of sexual abuse against girls. Now there is less risk for girls to become pregnant at an early age or be abused.

I faced discrimination, and some people tried to undermine my leadership. I overcame these challenges through my love for football, my commitment to working with others, and the knowledge that my community stood firmly behind me.

Bonito: What inspired your decision to become a coach? Was there someone or something that motivated you most?

Rosemirlande: My inspiration was that I believed in myself, and I listened to my coaches who believed in me. I was motivated to advance in life and my chosen path. My coach motivated me a lot; he made me believe in myself and stay focused on my objectives.

Bonito: How would you describe your coaching style? Is there an athlete or leader who has influenced the way you coach?

Rosemirlande: My coaching style is calm, tolerant and kind. It is important to understand children and have the patience to work with them. I wanted to follow in the footsteps of my coach. After I graduated from the GOALS’ program, I volunteered with Coach Jerson because I liked his coaching style and wanted to learn from him.

Bonito: What has been your proudest accomplishment at GOALS Haiti, whether as a player or as a leader?

Rosemirlande: My proudest moment is that all of my players have graduated high school and apply themselves to learn more. I give them motivation and confidence to succeed. 

Bonito: How often do you work with the players and how many do you coach at a time? What goals have you set for yourself and for the young women you coach, both on and off the pitch?

Rosemirlande: I work with 25 girls from Monday through Friday each week. My goal is to continue to be a leader on and off the field. I also want the girls and young women that I coach to discover and develop their talent so that they can become whatever they want. It is rewarding to see players from our team go on to play with the Haitian national football team, attend higher education or start their own business.

Bonito: What advice would you give to young women in Haiti—or anywhere in the world—who dream of playing football?

Rosemirlande: Build your confidence, trust yourself and set objectives. You can go further when you are determined and think you will succeed; always think that you can.