UAE women's soccer team visits Washington to conduct community outreach

posted on 18/07/2011: 54 views

Washington DC - The UAE Women's Soccer Team have concluded its three week tour to the United States where they conducted training clinics for the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Washington, DC, and held meetings with Senior US State Department officials and Congressional leaders.

The team was also honoured by UAE Ambassador to the US Yousef Al Otaiba during an event at the UAE Embassy.

While in Washington, DC, over 60 young children from across the region were inspired by the high spirit of the Emirati players and their skills. Ambassador Al Otaiba participated in the clinic, joining players from the UAE team to present gifts to participants and soccer balls to the Boys and Girls Club.

The UAE Women's team also met with Senior Officials at the US State Department, where they were joined by Ambassador Hafsa Al Ulama, Chairwoman of the UAE Women's Football Committee. During a meeting with Ambassador Melanne Verveer, Ambassador at Large for Global Women's Issues and Ann Stock, Undersecretary for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs, the Emirati players and Ambassador Al Ulama discussed the positive impact sports can play to break down cultural barriers and shatter misperceptions.

Commenting on the visit by the UAE Women's Soccer Team to the US, Ambassador Al Otaiba said, "This visit marks a significant milestone in the growth of women's soccer in the UAE, and has been a catalyst for cultural exchange. The UAE players are role models for other women, and are blazing a path for Emirati girls who aspire to excel not only at soccer, but at any endeavour they pursue." The UAE Embassy honoured the Emirati players at a reception that was attended by Ambassador Al Otaiba, Ambassador Al Ulama, senior UAE diplomats, US government officials, business leaders and other friends of the UAE. During the reception, Philadelphia Independence players and management were recognized for their partnership with the UAE Embassy, and commitment to promoting the sport of soccer around the world.

The UAE Women's Soccer Team was formed in 2005 so that Emirati women could enhance their skills at the game and train to compete at the regional and domestic levels. Currently an initiative of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, the team members have played on club teams and for the UAE national team, winning matches throughout the Middle East region and playing friendly matches in Europe.

The UAE Embassy in Washington, DC and the Philadelphia Independence collaborated in a joint program to host the UAE Women's Soccer Program for a 21-day visit to the United States. The visit included joint coaching and training sessions, visits to several youth clubs and community service activities in and around Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Washington, DC. The idea for this UAE Embassy program was initiated in 2009 by Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi, Minister of Foreign Trade. - Emirates News Agency, WAM

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