BEVERLY, Mass. - BostonChron -- Dana McIntyre's journey to Romania is a story of compassion, perseverance, and the power of sports to change lives. Twenty years ago, McIntyre, an avid soccer fan with a passion for philanthropy, embarked on a mission that would leave a lasting legacy in the small village of Saftica, Romania. His goal was simple yet profound: to build a soccer field for an orphanage, providing the children living there with an opportunity to play, grow, and experience the joy of sports.

In the early 2000s, McIntyre, then a successful businessman and active community member, learned about the orphanage in Saftica, which housed children who had been abandoned or were living in challenging circumstances. The orphanage lacked basic recreational facilities, and the children, who were already facing numerous emotional and physical challenges, had little to no access to outdoor activities.

McIntyre, who had always believed in the transformative power of sports, saw an opportunity to make a real difference. He knew that soccer, a universally loved sport, could provide not only an outlet for the children's energy but also a source of discipline, teamwork, and hope. With that vision in mind, he set out to build a soccer field that would become a safe, empowering space for the orphaned children in Saftica.

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In 2005, after raising funds with the help of local Rotary clubs and securing materials, and organizing a team of volunteers, McIntyre traveled to Romania to bring his vision to life. The work was hard, and the conditions were often difficult, but McIntyre and his team were driven by the hope of creating something lasting for the children. After several months of labor, the soccer field was completed. It was a simple but beautiful space, with freshly laid grass, goalposts, and marked lines — a true haven for the kids who had never before had such a facility.

Fast forward two decades, and McIntyre's dream has not only endured but flourished. In 2025, he returned to Saftica to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the soccer field's completion. The celebration was a heartwarming occasion, with former and current residents of the orphanage, local supporters, and volunteers all coming together to honor the legacy of the field. The event included a special soccer match, with McIntyre participating as both a coach and a mentor to the children who now call the orphanage home. The children, many of whom grew up playing on the very field McIntyre helped build, proudly showed off their skills and participated in the festivities.