We spoke with Dawn Saczynski, the founder of RJ's Goals, about the history and initiatives of her charitable organization. Among its initiatives, RJ’s Goals hopes to continue to provide soccer balls to Lil Kicks players, with the next batch of soccer balls planned to be handed out in the fall.
Robert Joseph “RJ” Giammattei, who passed away suddenly at the age of 27 in September, 2023, started playing soccer at age 3. His first organized play was as a Lil Kicks player with the Branford Soccer Club. From there, he went on to play in several Premier leagues and as a BHS player as a member of the Class of 2014. To help deal with their grief and to honor RJ’s legacy, his mom, Dawn Saczynski; and his siblings, Vincent Giammattei, Jr., Michael Cross Giammattei, and Marina Giammattei, founded RJ’s Goals as a charitable organization.
To assist the organization’s mission of fostering kids’ love of soccer, one ball at a time, checks can be sent to: RJs Goals, PO Box 714, Branford, CT 06405. Contributions may also be made through Zelle to rjs.goals96@gmail.com. Follow @rjs.goals on Instagram for updates and more information.
Pictured with Renee DiNino: RJ's mom and Founder of RJ's Goals, Dawn SaczynskiPhoto: Meredith Krapek