#Netherlands #Sandals Resorts #Willemstad #Future Goals #AFC Ajax

Sandals Resorts and AFC Ajax Join Forces for Youth in Curaçao

On July 10, 2025, Sandals Resorts, in partnership with AFC Ajax and the Sandals Foundation, announced a significant expansion of their Future Goals program in Curaçao, extending their collaboration through to June 2028. This renewed commitment promises to provide even more opportunities for local schoolchildren to engage with an initiative that harnesses soccer to promote environmental responsibility and teamwork, all while fostering problem-solving skills.

The Future Goals program is more than just a soccer initiative; it aims to create lasting change in Curaçao's communities. By creatively repurposing plastic waste and discarded fishing nets, the program has produced over 70 colorful soccer goals that have been installed in primary schools throughout the island. This innovative approach not only provides the children with high-quality play equipment but also teaches them about sustainability and caring for their environment.

Local partners, including Limpi Recycling, have played a crucial role in this project. Over the past three years, they have manufactured these unique soccer goalposts, allowing schools in Curaçao to benefit from sustainable sports infrastructure. In addition to the equipment, the Future Goals program integrates an enriching eight-week curriculum, merging Ajax-style soccer training with essential life skills education. Local 'Future Coaches,' trained by AFC Ajax, lead these sessions, empowering children through sport and promoting a culture of teamwork, creativity, and resilience.

The impacts of the Future Goals initiative have been profound. To date, the program has facilitated the removal of over 1.4 million plastic bottles and caps from local communities and extracted more than 3,000 square feet of discarded fishing nets from the ocean. Additionally, it has distributed sustainable soccer gear and educational kits to most primary schools, equipping students with the necessary tools to learn, engage, and grow through soccer.

Looking ahead, the initiative aims to enhance its outreach with expanded activities, including the annual Plastic Art Challenge, inter-school tournaments, and communal clean-up days, furthering its mission to educate and engage Curaçao’s youth. Recently, 743 children from 21 schools participated in a litter collection effort, demonstrating their commitment to protecting the island's environment.

Patrice Gilpin, PR Manager of the Sandals Foundation, expressed the vision behind this project, stating, "This partnership gives children the opportunity to play, to lead, and to connect with the environment in ways that truly matter. It’s proof that when we invest in children, we invest in a stronger, more sustainable future for the Caribbean."

Ajax's Commercial Director, Cas Biesta, shared his pride in the program, emphasizing its unique blend of sports and education that nurtures young minds, saying, "Together with Sandals Resorts, we're showcasing the impact Ajax can have on the other side of the world. The Future Goals program not only centers around the love for soccer but also emphasizes key lessons in teamwork, creativity, and environmental stewardship."

The inspiring work of the Future Goals program in Curaçao marks a significant celebration of youth engagement through soccer and sustainability, paving the path for a cleaner and more sustainable future for the next generation.

For detailed insights about the Future Goals program, visit Sandals Future Goals.

About Sandals® Resorts

Sandals Resorts International is a family-owned business renowned for providing premium adults-only all-inclusive experiences across the Caribbean. Operating 17 beachfront resorts in various destinations, including Jamaica, The Bahamas, and Saint Lucia, Sandals is dedicated to offering an unforgettable vacation experience infused with local culture and service excellence.

About The Sandals Foundation

The Sandals Foundation is a nonprofit organization that enhances the charitable legacy of Sandals Resorts International. Focused on education, community development, and environmental sustainability, the foundation ensures that all contributions support impactful programs benefiting Caribbean communities.

About AFC Ajax

Founded in 1900, AFC Ajax is one of the most successful and storied soccer clubs in the Netherlands. With a commitment to fostering talent and inspiring players globally, Ajax combines a winning legacy with a dedication to developing young athletes through its acclaimed youth academy.