Daniel Lim
The United States (US) Embassy in Brunei Darussalam in collaboration with the Football Association of Brunei Darussalam (FABD) hosted a workshop as part of the US Sports Envoy Programme for women and girls in the Belait District.
Held at the Brunei Shell Recreation Club (BSRC) yesterday, the workshop saw over 50 participants as well as coaches from football teams.
American football players Amy Allman Griffin and Lorrie Fair Allen, FIFA World Cup Champions in 1991 and 1999, as US State Department Sports Envoy led the workshop.
Among the activities were a motivational talk to discuss strategies that coaches can adopt to support the young players and capped off with a practical session.
Public Affairs Officer of the US Embassy in Brunei Darussalam Jeff Barrus highlighted how the US State Department Sports Envoy’s first visit to Brunei is beneficial for the players, as they can obtain first-hand experience from FIFA World Cup champions while also inspiring them to play more football.
He said the motivational talk by Amy and Lorrie, touched on playing professionally and what it takes to be a successful athlete.
He also added that the coaching clinic can help the coaches better understand team tactics and player development, as well as how to get the best out of a team.
“The US Embassy hopes that the workshop will help promote sports development in general as a means of empowering youth. Sports teaches a lot of positive values to youth which will carry them through life.”
Having participated in the coaching clinic as well as the workshop as a whole, head coach for BSRC FC, Youth and Grassroots Yahya bin Haji Pungut said the discussions were fruitful and gave them an insight into what they have done correctly and what can be improved in terms of coaching.
As part of the week-long programme, the sports envoys are slated to continue the same workshop in the Brunei-Muara District today, with a public lecture themed ‘Finding success as a professional athlete’ at Mulia Hotel tomorrow.
