Youth from 13 countries participate in World Cup Sports Initiative.

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) 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.