With the donation of brand new, specially-made soccer balls - one for each youngster registered with Branford Soccer Club’s Lil Kicks group, non-profit RJ’s Goals helped to kick off the new soccer season for the club’s youngest players, and honor the memory of a Branford soccer stand-out.

On April 15, the family of Robert Joseph “RJ” Giammattei, founders of RJ’s Goals, was welcomed by Branford Soccer Club on opening day at Veteran’s Field. There, they shared the gift of a new soccer ball with each of the club’s Lil Kicks players. The balls were purchased and specially-made with contributions collected through RJ’s Goals.

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. 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, said Saczynski.

“Our first donation to Branford Soccer Club Lil Kicks went really well, and we handed out over 70 new size 3 soccer balls,” said Saczynksi.

Saczynski said the family was very moved and surprised by Branford Soccer Club’s April 15 announcement that two teams have been named in honor of RJ’s Goals.

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.