Brandi Chastains' Response to: The influence of WPS on female youth players?

This article has received the most responses of any other article posted to Virginia Online Soccer News so far. So, I wanted to post a specific response to the topic from none other than Brandi Chastain. Brandi has played for the U.S. Women's National team as well as professionally in the WUSA, WPSL and WPS leagues.

With her background and vast experience as a player and commentator her opinion is most definitely worth more than "two cents".

"It is important that girls and women see examples of themselves in all facets of life; sports, law, education, business, boardrooms, non-profit, family and otherwise because without an example, it is much more difficult to encourage and foster the belief that they too can dream and become whomever they wish. Those are my two cents."

Thanks to Brandi Chastain for taking her time to respond to our article. BTW, ever wonder what happened to the bra she wore during the most famous goal celibration in soccer history? CLICK HERE:

Reach Up! with Brandi Chastain
http://www.brandisworld.com/ 

Original Article posted 4/16/10

By Karen Ruberg:

I believe strongly in the need to have female role models involved in the game of soccer, whether they are girls playing at the next level or female coaches who have played the game at a competitive level. There are plenty of outstanding men who coach and who are involved in the women’s game, but there is something to be said for female soccer players to be able to see another female soccer player who is playing at the next level or to have a female coach who knows the game. Just like young boys, young girls benefit from seeing someone of the same gender excel in their sport; it helps to inspire and motivate young athletes across the board.

Yael Averbuch's Inspiring Speech

On the final day of the 2010 NSCAA Convention in Philadelphia, Sky Blue FC and U.S. National Team midfielder Yael Averbuch spoke at a private breakfast that was filled with over 150 people from various levels and platforms within the game of soccer. What they were all treated to was a moving and heart-warming speech that told Yael's inspirational path to becoming a professional soccer player. Below is a transcript of what Yael said that Saturday morning. (photo property of Sky Blue FC, WPS)

Good morning everyone. I’d like to start by thanking the women’s committee for inviting me here today, and to congratulate Louise Waxler on the Award of Excellence. I’d also like to acknowledge someone who unfortunately is not here today...Charlotte Moran. Charlotte was my mom away from home at countless Regional events, and never ceased to make me laugh, even during the most stressful moments of the ODP process.

When I was first asked to speak in front of this group, I have to be honest, I was slightly overwhelmed. Many of you in this room are the ones to whom I look for wisdom, and who have provided life-changing guidance to me over the years. As I started to jot down some ideas, I realized that the person I am today is the result of so many different elements—elements I’ve picked up from some of the very people who I am standing in front of right now. These elements form the essence of what has become my passion.

The influence of WPS on female youth players?

By Karen Ruberg:

I believe strongly in the need to have female role models involved in the game of soccer, whether they are girls playing at the next level or female coaches who have played the game at a competitive level. There are plenty of outstanding men who coach and who are involved in the women’s game, but there is something to be said for female soccer players to be able to see another female soccer player who is playing at the next level or to have a female coach who knows the game. Just like young boys, young girls benefit from seeing someone of the same gender excel in their sport; it helps to inspire and motivate young athletes across the board.

Search Amazon.com for women's soccer books

The professional soccer program for Women’s soccer (WPS) has provided rising soccer stars with a source of role models, in that they can see real opportunities for women to play soccer beyond their years as students. While this is true, the reality is that those opportunities to play soccer professionally are only available to the most elite women in the game. In addition to that fact, the majority of girls who play soccer in high school do not go on to compete at the intercollegiate level. Knowing this, it seems that the WPS is not going to influence young girls much, if at all, in terms of making a direct correlation to their love of soccer with the possibility that one day they could play at either the college or professional level.

Interview - Dave Edwards, VA State Technical Coordinator for the National Soccer Coaches Association of America

Dave Edwards gained his BS Degree from Staffordshire University in 1998 before coming to the United States to ply his trade as a soccer coach. Dave directs all the STAR Consultancy soccer programs. He is the Director of Coaching (Travel) for Loudoun Soccer in Loudoun County, VA and is also the VA State Technical Coordinator for the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA). He played soccer at the professional level in England and is a former men's college coach in the U.S. Dave also has a HND in Sports Science & Sports Injuries and an International Masters Diploma in Sports Therapy from The International Institutes of Sports Therapy (IIST).

VASoccerNews: What current positions do you hold in the local soccer community?
Dave Edwards: Director of Coaching (Travel) Loudoun Soccer; NSCAA VA State Technical Coordinator.

VSN: When and how did you first become involved in soccer?
DE: Aged seven, as a school team player in Wales. Started club soccer at nine.

VSN: Do you feel that competitive youth soccer is becoming too much of a business?
DE: In some ways, yes, but the global game has changed with society. Everything is a 'business' now - academic tutoring, music lessons etc - and in many ways, we have the right model here in the US. Education comes first and sports is second, even though it is very well supported on all levels. In Europe, many kids at 11/12 or even younger are trying to get into a professional clubs' youth academy in the hopes of gaining an apprenticeship and eventually a pro contract. Here in the US, the focus is on getting into a good school so you can become educated and play college ball. The high costs of 'travel' soccer is considered an investment towards potential college play or beyond.

VSN: What is your soccer playing background?
DE: Started playing competitively at seven and played through high school and youth soccer. Gained an apprenticeship and played for Chester City for 2 years until the age of 19, then went to college and played semi-pro through college, also making the England Universities and Great Britain Universities National Teams.