Coaches and Young Leaders Soccer Exchange Program (CYLSEPUSA 2012)

The Meridian International Center in collaboration with our Zambian partner, Outreach Community Athletic Foundation (OCAF), will implement the Coaches and Young Leaders Soccer Exchange Program with the United States of America. The goal of this project is to foster mutual understanding and respect between Community Sport Coaches and Leaders in Zambia and the U.S., by empowering them with the skills necessary to become civic leaders in a globalized world. Two youth Community Coaches (age 19 +) and one Youth Community leader (16-18 yrs old) will be chosen from four target Zambian provinces (Kasama, Livingstone, Ndola and Lusaka City) for a total of 12 participants. A key component of this project will inspire and motivate Soccer Coaches and young leaders to develop community based projects in their home city to affect positive community change.

The program will include a two-way exchange between Zambia and the United States of America. The Zambian participants trip to the U.S. will occur from August 1-19, 2012, while the implementation of community clinics and trainings by four U.S. Professional Soccer Coaches in Zambia occurring during December 2012.

The Coaches and Young Leaders Soccer Exchange Program with the United States of America is pleased to extend this opportunity to visit the USA to Community Soccer Coaches and Young Leaders from Lusaka, Northern, Copperbelt and Southern Provinces of Zambia. This leadership program will provide training and instruction in leadership, project development, diversity, and American and Zambian culture, history and society.

The two-week U.S. program will be conducted in Washington, DC; Seattle, WA; and Whidbey Island, WA and will include:

• Orientation briefing on the U.S. program at Meridian International Center
• Meetings with American Professionals
• Participation in community volunteer projects and cultural activities
• Participation in a training program developed and delivered by Northwest Soccer Camp/Soccer Saves with separate tracks for the coaches and youth
• Workshops on leadership, mentoring and life skills developed by the World Affairs Council of Seattle, WA
• Creation and presentation of individual action plans
• Debriefing session to evaluate the success of the U.S. program

Download 2012 Coaches and Young Leaders Application
Download USA soccer exchange program flier

• Currently running community soccer initiative in any of the four target provinces (Lusaka, Southern, Copperbelt and Northern)
• Willingness to continue working in their community and invest in long term impact
• Commitment to train other coaches on starting their own community soccer programs
• Demonstrated passion for soccer
• 19 years or older (by 8/1/12)
• Fluent English speaker
• Would not otherwise have the opportunities to travel to the US

• Currently participating in a community youth soccer initiative in the four target provinces (Lusaka, Southern, Copperbelt and Northern)
• Demonstrated passion for soccer
• Ability to assist coaches in the community initiatives
• Evidence of leadership both on and off the soccer team
• 16-18 years old (by 8/1/12)
• Motivation to start their own soccer initiative in the future
• Fluent English speaker
• Would not otherwise have the opportunity to travel to the US