Getty Images.
Is Women’s Soccer the new buzz for Vancouver, Burnaby and Canada?
Back in the 90’s, post-university, I played recreational soccer and played for over a decade meeting so many wonderful women who became lifelong friends.
Nothing better than playing soccer on a crisp Sunday morning or under the lights on a Thursday night. Anyone whose played rec soccer knows the feeling. Prior to that I was a track and field athlete in the 80’s.
[lead_p] My dream was to be an Olympian. That remained a dream but along the way we had some gifted lessons – how to lose and how to do your best under pressure. Any University-level athlete knows what I’m talking about. [/lead_p]
Since the 90’s I have kept an eye on the the rise of women’s soccer. I recall watching the 1999 Women’s World Cup on TV as played in the US. You may be old enough to remember the famous final match where the US won the gold medal. It was an epic game that elevated Women’s Soccer, particularly in the US.
[Tweet “Now it’s Canada’s turn. The World Cup is coming to Canada, June 6 – Jul 5, 2015. #thepowerinsport”]
Now it’s Canada’s turn. The World Cup is coming to Canada, June 6 – Jul 5, 2015. Click here for more details.
Moreover Burnaby is now playing a role in the success of Canada’s Women’s soccer program. “Burnaby is about to get some prestigious temporary residents – the Canadian women’s national soccer team is coming to Fortius Sport and Health to train for the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup and 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games.”
“According to Herdman (Head Coach John Herdman), Fortius offers a completely different system than is available anywhere else in the world.”
Read full article here. It sounds innovative in that athletes will be living at a newly built facility, and be treated by world class health care professionals as they train.
Sean Fitz-Gerald, Postmedia Olympic Team.
[lead_p] This is great timing as the Women’s Team is now making Burnaby their home base in the leadup to 2015. Indeed, they are in Burnaby now training for their upcoming match vs. Mexico Nov 24th. Click here for more info and to get tickets. [/lead_p]
Want to be a part of the Women’s World Cup?
This past week, the City of Vancouver and other Canadian cities announced a volunteer program to support the hosting of the World Cup. The post is looking for ‘hundreds of volunteers’ in positions ranging from Accreditation to Marketing and beyond.
A few decades ago, as a young person, I volunteered for Canada’s preparation for the 1988 Seoul Olympics. It was an amazing experience meeting athletes, officials, and fellow volunteers and community leaders. We worked hard and every day met high caliber athletes and their coaches. An unforgettable experience. You won’t regret volunteering.
For the link to see the volunteer positions available, go here.
That’s all for now. More blogs on women’s soccer to follow in the weeks and months to come.
Linda Oct 10, 2013