John is a former GOALS player who is now living his dream on the Haitian National Youth Team
John Junior Pertilus, 17 Years old U-20 player Haitian Youth Football Team
Kenbe Pa Lage – Hold On Don’t Give Up
John is a former player from our Bossan team in Léogane. He spoke with us about his journey from his time with GOALS to his achievements with the Haitian Football Federation. John is open and quiet at the same time. He is incredibly happy of what he has achieved with his teammates in the national U-20 team.
“My name is John Junior Pertilus, I am 17 years old and I am in the last grade of secondary school now and I am a current player in the U-20 national team of Haiti. I come from Bossan and I was a former player in the GOALS Haiti Program where I was team Captain on several occasions. I am doing my best here and all of my teammates know that I play with confidence and the coaches appreciate very much my talent. I started playing at a young age because GOALS was born in my area and I was a player on the U-12 team in Bossan. I also benefited from the program which paid for my school fees. I participated in many tournaments and always had the equipment needed to perform well in my team.
Practicing sports, you have to play with strength. I learned to have discipline and defend my teammates. I have to say that is the continuity that I have learned with my coaches through GOALS when I was a little kid. Respect, honor and discipline have made me who I am today.
Besides playing soccer and having access to education because of the program, I participated in events for kids and young people. I was also involved in recycling activities on the field. It was interesting to be with the kids, led by our coach who was very professional and with whom we could have fun too. The playground was a very friendly place where we could learn, enjoy our time while playing and also have a meal together.
I can confirm that GOALS started everything and today if I can travel the world and be known as a young professional, It is only because I started at this place one day in Bossan. I am grateful for this opportunity I have found and I am trying my best to grab it and enjoy it at all.
As many dreamers, I would like to become a star, a very well know football player and succeed. It is key that I achieve this and I keep in mind it is not possible without discipline and determination.
I would say to the young people part of the current program at GOALS now that every dream is possible. They have to keep on working with discipline, passion and commitment as an important piece to their journey. Kenbe, pa lage.”