| Short Corners (July 2003) |
By Janet Rayfield
This column is called the President’s “Corner.” Playing off that soccer terminology, I am making a tactical decision with this issue – in the following paragraphs you will find two “short corners.” The short corner analogy is appropriate, because a short corner normally takes the coordination of several people to be successful and result in a scoring opportunity. So it is with both of these subjects.
In May I was fortunate to be invited to attend a women’s coaching symposium held in San Diego at the Chula Vista Olympic Training Center. I have attended many conventions, clinics, coaching courses and symposiums and have learned something at each one. However, this time it was more than a learning experience.
For me personally, it was clarifying and reconfirming. I listened to colleagues and friends share the lessons they had learned about coaching, lessons that were informative and beneficial. But there was something more that I gained as I listened between the lines of every presentation. Each of these women had impacted the lives of players, administrators, staffs and fans in a very positive way. By sharing their experiences, they empowered each of us to do the same. What they brought to the coaching profession was special. What each of us brings to the profession is special – at times it may be different from that of our male counterparts, at other times it may be similar. Either way, it is special.
I have participated in several debates over the years about the benefits and risks of holding a women-only coaching course or educational symposium. I (and I think other women) feared the perception of different standards and men (I think) feared the power of women behind closed doors. I can now say with conviction that both fears can be put to rest. This type of event should have happened long ago, and we must make sure it continues to happen.
The ability to discuss and address the different challenges facing women in the coaching profession was educational. Expectant mothers were able to talk to true “soccer moms.” The opportunity to celebrate the differences in personality and approach that women bring to the coaching profession was liberating and empowering. Young coaches shared their energy and enthusiasm, while the more “seasoned” coaches shared their experience and wisdom. As people gathered in small groups on the last night, words like “re-energizing,” “eye-opening,” “reassuring,” “enlightening” and “strengthening” were repeated again and again.
I would like to extend a personal thanks to April Heinrichs for championing the idea, Stephanie Gabbert for executing the details, all the presenters for sharing their knowledge and their stories and to the U.S. Olympic Committee and U.S. Soccer for believing in the benefits and making the event happen.
Score: 1-0!
I feel equally compelled to write about a future event. By the time this issue is delivered, the top high school senior girls and boys will have taken the field to compete against each other, showcase their talents and honor the coaches who have helped them achieve throughout their soccer careers.
As with the USOC Symposium, this event is the result of the cooperation of many groups that have enabled soccer to once again make strides in the world of sports. On June 15, in Charleston, S.C., the McDonald’s All American High School Soccer Games were held for the second time. Powered by Powerade, selected by the NSCAA and equipped by adidas, these games are a tremendous culmination of the NSCAA awards program.
The coordination of support and commitment from all of these groups has enabled us to bring to life the program that has recognized the accomplishments of players and their coaches for many years.
All of the players who battled in Charleston have had tremendous youth and/or high school careers. Many of the players have worn the red, white and blue of our country, and many of them will go on and have great college and professional careers – on and off the field.
I’d like to offer a personal thank-you to McDonald’s and Powerade for championing the idea, Soccer Events International for executing the details, adidas for its constant support and partnership and its great product, and to Jeff Farnsworth and all of the NSCAA awards volunteers who spent countless hours selecting and securing the top talent in the country.
If you were within driving distance and did not get there, you missed an opportunity to see some of the best young players in the sport today. You missed a chance to make a statement to some of the biggest corporate entities supporting our sport. You missed a chance to support the game and some of the best players in this country. I hope I saw you there.
I can’t predict the score of the All-America games and, as with most all-star games, the score is not the issue. However, thanks to many members of the soccer family score another goal for the sport.
Score: 2-0! |
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