KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 22: 14 Sabahan football coaches and sports administrators have been selected to participate in the 2023 Sports Visitor Program in the United States.
The program, which will run from Jan 6 to 23, will introduce participants to American-leadership styles, best practices, and key contacts in sports, specifically football, from community-based recreational youth sports administrators to professional league coaches.
“The United States recognizes the power of sports to bring people and nations together by embracing universal values to promote peace and social harmony,” said U.S. Ambassador to Malaysia Brian McFeeters in a press release.
“I wish all the coaches and sports administrators a fruitful exchange experience in the U.S. and look forward to the ongoing impact they will make with youth in their local communities.”
The Sabah Youth Council, the Sabah Football Club, andU.S. Embassy Kuala Lumpur collaborated to identify and select the participants.
The participants will also learn the latest coaching theories and techniques and meet world-class sports organizations in Philadelphia and Miami, aside from attending Soccer Coaches Convention 2023, a leading professional development event for football coaches and administrators.
Upon completion of the program, participants will share the knowledge and skills they gained with their local communities through multiple train-the-trainer programs and football clinics in Sabah.
“It is still surreal to me that I am given this opportunity to travel to the United States of America for the United Soccer Convention and exchange program hosted by the U.S. Embassy,” said Lindsay Michael Godtol, one of the chosen participants.
Chief Minister of Sabah, Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji bin Haji Noor, who met the 14 participants when they called on him at his office here today, congratulated them on being chosen.
“Use this opportunity to learn and get the best out of your experience, be good ambassadors and make Sabah proud,” he added. – TVS
