New Soccer Goals at Blair Middle School Become Reality Thanks to Donation

Making goals at James Blair Middle School has taken on a whole new meaning. Thanks to the generous donation of two 24x8 soccer goals from For The Players Foundation, Blair’s players now have a space to aim higher, both on and off the field.

On Wednesday, February 11, 2026, Blair school administrators, soccer coaches, and leadership from the For the Players Foundation gathered to host a special surprise ceremony for the Blair boys’ and girls’ soccer teams.

The ceremony began with remarks from Christin Golich, Ed.D., founder and Executive Director of the For the Players Foundation. Golich shared with players and school leadership the purpose behind the foundation’s work: “to bridge community need with real-world action, connecting schools, partners, and people.”

One boy and one girl were selected to take the first ceremonial shots on goal, drawing cheers from teammates, coaches, and supporters. The ceremony concluded with Blair administrators signing the foundation’s commemorative soccer ball.

For years, Blair soccer players walked half a mile each way to Ghent Elementary to access soccer goals, losing valuable practice time season after season. That mile-long round trip is now a thing of the past. With goals on their own field, Blair athletes can focus on developing their skills and building school pride right at home.

Dr. Christin Golich expressed the organization’s commitment to helping students. “This donation represents what our Foundation is about: turning community need into action. When students have a field of their own, they gain more than practice time; they gain ownership, identity, and a place to grow together. Blair Middle School was selected through a relationship rooted in trust and conversation.” Golich has known Jeff Moody, the Blair boys’ soccer coach, and through their discussions about the team and the reality of walking off campus to practice, the need became deeply personal to her. “What began as a conversation about challenges quickly became a commitment to action,” said Golich. “This donation is a reminder that when a community comes together, we can create spaces where students feel pride, belonging, and the chance to grow. Relationships change lives.”

For school administrators they are aware of how this donation will make a lasting impact on students. “We are incredibly grateful to the For the Players Foundation for its generous support in providing our school with these soccer goals,” said Kurt Straub, Blair Middle School athletic director. “This gift does more than upgrade our field; it inspires our student-athletes to dream bigger, practice harder, and take pride in representing Blair Middle. Their investment in our program is truly an investment in our students’ growth, teamwork, confidence, and community.”

Thank you to those in attendance:

• Ms. Shenay Lewis, Principal of Blair Middle School
• Mrs. Miller, Assistant Principal of Blair Middle School
• Kurt Straub, Athletic Director, Blair Middle School
• Jeff Moody, Blair Boys’ Soccer Coach
• Tamata Villalobos-Flores, Blair Girls’ Soccer Coach
• Dr. Christin Golich, Founder and Executive Director, For the Players Foundation
• Chris Queman, HRSC Staff
• Patricia Tinjaca, Director of Marketing and Communications, For the Players Foundation
• Navy Mid-Atlantic FC
• ODU Men’s Soccer Club

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