US coaches empower youth through football
Daryl Schwenk, a qualified soccer coach who specialises in teaching students with disabilities. She has played university league women’s soccer since the late 1990’s.
Edward Henderson, is a retired African-American professional soccer player and former Nevada Director of Youth Coaching.
Angela Hucles is a former U.S. national soccer team midfielder. She made her first appearance for the United States on April 27, 2002, against Finland.
Two of the coaches, Daryl Schwenk and Edward Henderson have already started with the soccer clinics in Windhoek while the other coach, Angela Hucles is set to arrive over the weekend. They hope to use the youth’s passion for soccer to inspire them on HIV/AIDS as well as healthy living.
The duo was welcomed by the U.S. Embassy’s American Cultural Center for its “Kicking In Healthy Lifestyles” programme. The programme uses sports training to increase awareness about healthy living and making choices that reduce exposure to HIV/AIDS.
The American Cultural Center is partnering organisations such as the Special Olympics, Titan Development and TKMOAMS to reach out to young athletes in places such as Oshakati, Walvis Bay and Windhoek to promote healthy living with this PEPFAR supported programme.
The former players and football coach will visit Football for Hope Centers, the Samora Machel Soccer League, and the NFA’s Galz & Goals Project in Windhoek. They will also visit Walvis Bay, and Oshakati during their stay in the country.
A soccer fun festival is scheduled for Friday August 3 with the Galz & Goals Project and Special Olympics at Soccer House in Windhoek.
The group is expected to return to the States on Wednesday, 15 August.
