The ICA Teams up with Grassroot Soccer
From soccerclinics.com
The ICA Teams up with Grassroot Soccer to use the Power Of Soccer In The Fight Against AIDS
It is with great pleasure to announce that the International Coaches Association has teamed up with Grassroot Soccer to help fight the
war against Aids in Africa.
What Is Grassroot Soccer?
Grassroot Soccer is a non profit organization that seeks to decrease the spread of HIV/AIDS worldwide by training well-known professional soccer players to teach children about prevention.
Grassroot Soccer was founded in the spring of 2002 by Dr. Thomas Clark and Ethan Zohn, winner of Survivor Africa. Both played professional soccer in southern Africa and witnessed the devastation that HIV/AIDS is causing as well as the popularity of soccer players as role models.
Grassroot Soccer began with a pilot project in Zimbabwe where up to 30% of the population is estimated to be HIV positive. Since January 2003 Grassroot Soccer has trained Zimbabwean professional soccer stars and American soccer- playing volunteers to visit schools and teach children about HIV/AIDS. The curriculum is designed to provide a safe and comfortable environment for discussing difficult issues, to provide basic prevention education, to empower children to make healthy decisions, and to tackle the problems of stigma and discrimination. All of this is done utilizing a series of fun-filled, soccer-themed activities over four ninety-minute sessions. At the end of the Grassroot Soccer course, students get a certificate and a t-shirt that designate them as “AIDS prevention experts,” empowering them to go teach others in the community.
Soccer is a one of the most powerful links on the planet. It connects players, coaches and fans from a diverse set of cultures. Our ICA members are coaches and mentors who have a direct effect of tens of thousands of players and parents in 48 countries and every continent. As an international association, The ICA has adopted the Grassroot Soccer program as its main charity. It is hoped that our members will take time to read the material on our website and use our influence as coaches to help any way to fight this global issue.
Click here to visit the Grassroot Soccer website and learn more.
“The ICA is proud to give Grassroot Soccer it’s full support and encourages our members worldwide to learn more about the power of soccer to fight Aids in Africa. Our coaches can have a tremendous impact on thousands of players and parents to help educate them about this universal issue”
Shaun Green
ICA President