Soccer Clinic in New York's Bryant Park Breaks Down Cultural Barriers
Soccer Clinic in New York's Bryant Park Breaks Down Cultural Barriers
Thirty young soccer players from 13 countries, who are participating in the World Cup Sports Initiative,managed by World Learning's Delphi International, participated in an
international youth soccer clinic hosted by Major League Soccer (MLS) today
in New York's Bryant Park.
The soccer clinic is part of the World Cup Sports Initiative, a
partnership between the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational
and Cultural Affairs (ECA), the U.S. Soccer Foundation, U.S. Soccer
Federation and MLS. The World Cup Sports Initiative reflects the theme of
this year's FIFA (Federation Internationale de Football Association) World
Cup in Germany, "a time to make friends", and emphasizes the building of
international understanding and respect between young people around the
world.
"Soccer is the universal sport that brings many different nationalities
and cultures together," said Peter Simpson, Director of World Learning's
Delphi International, which is managing and implementing ECA's World Cup
Sports Initiative. "Through the World Cup Sports Initiative, these young
soccer players are gaining a broader understanding of each other's
international and intercultural diversity."
Giovanni Savarese, the New York Red Bulls all-time leading scorer and
current Director of Youth Soccer and Player Development, led Bulls coaches
and players today in teaching and demonstrating soccer skills and
techniques, and discussed the importance of teamwork, respect and
leadership in becoming a world-class soccer player.
The boys and girls, ages 13-18, represent 13 countries, including
Afghanistan, Bahrain, Bolivia, China, Indonesia, Lebanon, Malaysia,
Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, South Africa, Uganda and Uzbekistan.
Since their arrival in the U.S. on June 10, the participants have been
interacting with American youth through visits to community sports programs
and soccer efforts that serve young people with disabilities. The young
athletes attended a clinic hosted by the NCAA Men's Soccer Champion
University of Maryland, were special guests at a D.C. United (MLS)
practice, and attended a Red Bulls (MLS) game in New York. They've also
learned how the game of soccer is structured and played in the United
States, including the role of women as players, referees and coaches, at
all levels. Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public
Affairs Karen Hughes will lead the youth delegation to Nuremberg, Germany,
for additional program activities and to attend the FIFA World Cup match
between Ghana and the United States on Thursday, June 22.
The World Cup Sports Initiative works at the grass roots level to help
young players discover how success in athletics -- with an emphasis on
teamwork, respect, leadership, and conflict resolution -- can translate
into the development of life skills and academic achievement.
ABOUT WORLD LEARNING:
World Learning, headquartered in Brattleboro, Vt., is an international
non-profit organization that shapes future global leaders by promoting
intercultural understanding through education and exchange programs in more
than 100 countries on six continents. The Delphi International Program of
World Learning specializes in managing international programs, such as the
World Cup Sports Initiative, and works closely with ECA on programs that
promote international and intercultural understanding between people in the
U.S. and around the world.
ABOUT MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER:
Headquartered in New York City, Major League Soccer is the top-flight
professional soccer league in the United States and features many stars
from the U.S. and around the world. Entering its 11th season on April 1,
2006, the 12 teams in MLS are: the Chicago Fire, Colorado Rapids, Club
Deportivo Chivas USA, Columbus Crew, D.C. United, FC Dallas, Houston
Dynamo, Kansas City Wizards, Los Angeles Galaxy, Red Bull New York, New
England Revolution and Real Salt Lake. For more information about MLS, log
on to the League's official Web site at http://www.MLSnet.com .
SOURCE World Learning
