Joshua Pinheiro Joins University Of Bridgeport Men's Soccer Program Through Team IMPACT
13-Year Old Signed His Letter Of Intent And Receives A Locker And Jersey To Officially Become Part Of Purple Knights Team
Bridgeport, Conn.-The University of Bridgeport men's soccer team officially signed Joshua Pinheiro (Bridgeport, Conn.) to its program on Wednesday evening after begin matched with 13-year old through Team IMPACT.
Joshua, who has battled Von Willebrand Disease since 2014, has been a fixture at UB men's soccer events including practice and matches since this spring, and he officially signed his letter of intent and was given a locker and a jersey on September 4 under the watchful eyes of University of Bridgeport head coach Peter Doneit and the entire UB men's soccer squad. Joshua was joined at the ceremony by his parents Ashley and Tiago and his younger brother, Ryan.
"We are so happy to have Joshua officially join the Bridgeport men's soccer family, stated head coach Doneit. Even with the challenges he faces in his life, he is such a positive young man. His smile and enthusiasm is infectious. I hope we all learn from his positive attitude, as his joining our program is a win-win situation for all involved."
Team IMPACT is a national nonprofit headquartered in Boston, MA that connects children facing serious or chronic illnesses with college athletic teams, forming lifelong bonds and life-changing outcomes. Since 2011, Team IMPACT has matched more than 1,800 children with more than 600 colleges and universities in 48 states, reaching over 55,000 participating student athletes. The child joins the athletic team and the student athletes join the child's support team. Throughout the journey, the child gains strength, camaraderie and support while the student athletes experience lessons of courage, resiliency and perspective they can't learn in a classroom.
