Organized alongside the excitement of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, Sports Diplomacy hosted a Sports Visitor soccer program for coaches from Libya, Tunisia, Egypt, and Yemen. The 16 coaches spent time in DC, Virginia, and Maryland engaging in soccer-related activities that ranged from drill clinics to injury prevention sessions. They attended a DC United game as well as watched the opening game of the World Cup at DC United’s home stadium, RFK Stadium. In addition, the coaches spent some time volunteering at the Special Olympic Games in Maryland. They also visited different sports focused nonprofits in the DC area that created dialogue in ways the visitors as coaches can mentor and guide their young athletes and further diplomacy. By engaging Near Eastern Affairs soccer coaches, the program worked to break down barriers and promote youth empowerment, and encourage positive leadership.
