Costa Rica Play

Football is the universal language in the world.  Recently I was in Central America where we visited a rural elementary school.  Our group brought art materials and soccer balls for the kids to play with.  Boy did we make friends easily.  I didn’t have to know Spanish to understand how happy they were to be running around and playing their favourite game.

World Cup 2006 Germany

Last June, I took a U16/15 Girls Soccer Team to the World Cup in Germany.  Amazing!  We spent six days in France at the French National Training Center to prepare for a 7 vs. 7 Tournament in Crailsheim, Germany.  The Germans were very impressed with the play of our Canadian group.  Then we drove north of Hannover where we were welcomed in Linsburg a small farming village by hundreds of the town folk waving Canadian flags. They cheered us on during a friendly match against their local team.  We had the chance to watch some games on giant screens at the FIFA Spectator Village in Hannover with thousands of fans.  Crazy! Afterwards, we went on to visit Munster, Cologne and play friendlies.  Our final leg was the opening day of the Tour de France in Strassburg.

After I said goodbye to the girls and coaches at the Paris Airport, I went on to Munich to see the semi-final match France vs Portugal, Wow.  The most incredible moment happened a few days before the game when Maradona walked right past me on my way to swim at the Olympic pool. I couldn’t believe it. He brings truth to that expression “bigger than life.” What incredible energy and magnetism from this guy. Of course I stalked him to his car and said hello.  I know there are a number of people who don’t like him, but he is my absolute favourite player.  I shook his hand and told him so.  It was truly amazing to meet him.

Pass

During the week, I am often involved in an inner city school program called Pass.  There are so many underprivileged and refugee kids who welcome us to bring soccer to their schools.  I can’t show the kids in a photo to protect their rights.  It feels good to be helping the community by bringing the passion of soccer to their lives.