Saugus businessmen teaming up to help replace soccer goals

SAUGUS – A pair of local businesses are pitching in to help the Saugus Youth Soccer Association replace a pair of goals that were stolen.Youth Soccer president Kellie Nickole said Wednesday that a pair of goals were stolen from Anna Parker Playground last week. The story was then picked up by a local news radio station Thursday.Now Prince Pizzeria owner Steven Castraberti and John Carpenito from Carpenito Real Estate said they want to help the league raise the $2,500 needed.?We heard about it, my son did, and he called me and I thought it was such a horrible thing for somebody to do,” said Castraberti. “You?re stealing from kids. It?s a creepy thing to do.”Castraberti said Prince will donate a portion of sales for anyone who comes in next Thursday night saying they support Saugus Youth Soccer. The fundraiser will run from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and will cover eat-in and take-out orders.?These people maintain their own field and anybody who supports youth sports knows it?s very difficult,” said Castraberti. “I reached out thinking it was the right thing to do. It?s what we do here all the time. We?re kind of home central for all things youth sports.”Carpenito said his own kids went through Saugus Youth Soccer, and he?s willing to contribute “whatever is needed.”?I just like to do that stuff,” said Carpenito. “Steve Castraberti is great, too. He?ll do whatever he can. Maybe I can make up the difference with the fundraiser or maybe help do some security lights.”With more than 300 kids participating this year, Nickole said the nets that were stolen were for ages 10 and under, which is the biggest group in the league.Now kids will have to use bigger goals that will make it harder to block shots. Furthermore, Nickole said, the goals they have are old and falling apart.On Thursday, Nickole said she never expected such an outpouring of support.?I was really surprised,” said Nickole. “That was so gracious of him. This day and age restaurants run on a really tight budget so to donate that much money I think is a great gesture.”Matt Tempesta can be reached at [email protected].