“Through this program we are now torches, and we must pass our light to others”- Gloria

The Nigerian soccer coaches play a match with athletes at the Soccerplex

The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs’ SportsUnited Office brought 12 Nigerian coaches to the U.S. for ten days in August for a soccer-focused Sports Visitor Program. The group of six men and six women interacted with soccer players, coaches and enthusiasts at all level of play, from young children through hall of fame professionals.

The delegation began their stay in the U.S. with several days of introduction to the local culture and to the American system of playing and coaching. Activities included a clinic by U.S Soccer Hall of Fame defender Marcelo Balboa, a visit to the SoccerPlex at the Discovery Center in Boyds, MD and a tour of the capital. The delegation also spent time observing the George Washington University soccer program, where they learned about proper training, nutrition, and the role of Title IX in American sports.

The centerpiece of this program was the U.S. Soccer Federation ‘D’ course, the basic USSF license training, which members of the delegation worked towards over three days at a Boys and Girls Club in Washington, D.C. Participants learned different coaching philosophies, as well as techniques and strategies to use with their teams back home. The final days of the visit, the delegation participated in a variety of activities that focused on the positive impact sports can have on their lives and the lives of young athletes. They learned how skills and abilities in a given sport can translate to life skills.

The trip was a huge success. At the final evaluation, members of the delegation encouraged each other to apply the principles they learned in the U.S back home, to maintain close contact with each other, and to help their families, friends, colleagues and students understand more about American culture and values.

“Through the power of unity, the spirit that fosters equality, justice, respect, freedom and hospitality can facilitate youth development in Nigeria. I have learned through this program that qualities such as respect, selflessness, commitment, collective responsibility and quality leadership skills are achieved when principles of positive coaching are adopted, practiced and perpetuated by the coach.” - Sam