U.S. Embassy sponsors youth soccer clinics in Iloilo
The World Cup Soccer Sports Initiative is coming to the Philippines! This unique program brings American soccer professionals overseas to hold soccer clinics for both youth and coaches. The program, created by the U.S. Government in partnership with the U.S. Soccer Federation, emphasizes teamwork, respect, leadership and conflict resolution, and how these athletic qualities can translate into life skills and academic achievement.
The American soccer professionals -- both players and coaches -- serve as Sports Envoys for the U.S. Department of State. The U.S. Embassy is excited to welcome two American soccer champions to the Philippines to share their passion for the sport. Tiffany Roberts and Linda Hamilton will offer soccer clinics for both boys and girls in Manila, Iloilo, and Bacolod in partnership with the Philippine Football Federation (PFF). They will also hold sessions for coaches in all three areas.
Ms. Roberts and Ms. Hamilton are both award-winning soccer players who are now coaching. They were on the U.S. Women's National soccer team, represented the United States in the Olympic Games, and won medals in the women's World Cup games.
The clinics will be held at the Philippine Football Federation National Training Center, Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo on the following schedules :May 21 - 2:40 p.m. -- 3:00 p.m., Kickoff Ceremony; May 21 - 3:00 p.m. -- 5:00 p.m., Boys' Clinic; May 22 - 7:45 a.m. -- 9:45 a.m., Girls' Clinic.
U.S. Ambassador Kristie A. Kenney will officially open the youth clinic in Iloilo and give remarks during the 2:40 p.m. ceremony on May 21. Ms. Marilou Rubio from the Philippine National Women's Soccer Team will also be present to mentor youth during the clinic.
The U.S. Embassy is proud to partner with the Philippine Football Federation and Philippine Women's National Soccer Team for this event, and would like to thank the Iloilo Football Association, Negros Occidental (Bacolod) Football Association, and Rizal Football Association for their assistance in planning this program. The US Embassy thanks the PFF National and Regional Training Centers and Philsports Complex for hosting the clinics.