U.S. Consul General Brian Heath tested his football skills along with 22 young men at a football clinic held at his residence. The results? Stay tuned.
“Playing sports is a great – and fun – way to learn about teamwork,” said Mr. Heath. “What better way to teach young people about working together as a group to achieve common objectives than a fun game like football or, as we call it in America, soccer,” said Mr. Heath.
The goal of the event, said Mr. Heath, was to showcase sports as a tool for enhancing mutual understanding and bridging cultures. “Today’s program uses football to promote the kinds of skills inherent in working successfully together as a team: socialization, competition, and communication. By providing their time to the kids, the coaches also demonstrated the important role volunteerism plays in a community,” said Mr. Heath.
As part of the program, coaches from the Karachi United Football Foundation (KUFF) provided training to hone the football skills of 14-17 year old children from underprivileged areas of Karachi. The sports clinic ended with an exhibition-style soccer match that pitted consulate staff against the children and proved that age and experience do not always win the day. Being a good sport, the Consul General conceded defeat in the game, donating foot balls to the victorious boys and the KUFF.