- January 14, 2009 • 1:32 am PST
- + responses
As a student of the beautiful game, football (soccer), and an international traveler, I have seen, firsthand, the ability of the game to change lives and enrich experiences. In many countries the game transforms lives. If you want to see proof of this, watch the films, The Cup, The Other Final, or Ginga. These are a few films that show how the game of football is more than just a game; it is a part of life, and a beautiful part of life. Supporting children in third world countries that do not have shoes to play in or balls to play with can change lives. Grassroot Socccer is a program in Africa that helps children and young adults focus on something they love to do and stay away from drugs. Go to grassrootsoccer.org to find out more. I personally experienced situations like this in Santa Cruz, Bolivia. Talking to a few coaches I found out that many youths have great potential in the game, but get involved in drugs, and their futures are ruined. Soccer programs like the Tahuichi Academy in Bolivia help children have a direction in their lives, and something to work for. It keeps them away from lifestyles that involve drugs and sex. The Beautiful Game can be a universal cure to many problems that children in third world countries deal with and lead them to more productive lives which eventually leads to greater productivity as a country when more and more people get involved. It is qutie ambitious to think about football in this way, but the beautiful game truly does change lives and I believe that supporting the game is always worth the time and money it takes even if it is as small giving a single pair of cleats or a single ball to a less privledged child.
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