Sports

U.S. Sports Envoys Celebrate Women’s Soccer in El Kef

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5 hours ago

November 8, 2024

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U.S. SPORTS ENVOYS CELEBRATE WOMEN’S SOCCER IN EL KEF

U.S. Sports Envoys champion empowerment and leadership skills for Tunisia’s female athletes and profitability for women’s sports.

PRESS RELEASE

TUNIS – November 8, 2024 – U.S. Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission (DCM) Emily Katkar visited El Kef today to participate in the closing ceremony of the U.S. Sports Envoy program for female soccer players, coaches, and club representatives, organized in partnership with the Tunisian Female Soccer League and the Ministry of Youth and Sports. The event, held at the Municipal Soccer Stadium in El Kef, celebrated a successful four-day program led by two talented American soccer professionals, Bonnie Young and William John, who conducted clinics, workshops, and panel discussions for over 50 female athletes and coaches from across Tunisia aimed at promoting female athletes as role models for Tunisia’s youth. The Governor of El Kef, Mr. Walid Kabbia, was also in attendance, underscoring local and national support for the development of women’s sports in Tunisia.

Reflecting on her first official travel outside Tunis, DCM Katkar said, “I’m so pleased that my first official trip has brought me to El Kef, a city rich in both history and vibrant community spirit. Experiencing the warmth and hospitality of the people of El Kef and visiting the famous local historical monuments has only deepened my excitement for future partnerships.

DCM Katkar praised the efforts of the female athletes, noting, “This Sports Diplomacy program went beyond technical training. It built leadership, teamwork, and communication skills essential for success on and off the field. The rise of women’s soccer in the United States and around the world has demonstrated how sports can empower communities, and we are excited to bring that experience here to Tunisia.”

This U.S. Soccer Sports Envoy program, engaged female soccer players and coaches from every region of Tunisia. Through hands-on sessions, participants explored advanced training techniques and received insights into strategic development for women’s sports. In addition to on-field training, workshops emphasized leadership, entrepreneurship, and club management, with a focus on empowering young athletes and raising the profile and increasing the growth and profitability of women’s sports to bring it closer to the level of men’s sports in Tunisia.

This Soccer Sports Envoy program is one of U.S. Embassy Tunis’ many efforts underway to support local economic development and foster people-to-people ties and institutional linkages between our two countries and represents a key part of the U.S. commitment to empowering young women in Tunisia.

The U.S. Department of State’s Sports Envoy Program is comprised of elite U.S. athletes, coaches, and educators who travel abroad on short-term sports exchanges to share their experiences and skills. Learn more about the Sports Envoy Program here: https://eca.state.gov/sports-diplomacy