Our blog

Playful video from Mali – WATCH!

In addition to beautiful photos, we have a fun upbeat video from The Association Malienne pour la Promotion de la Jeune Fille et de la Femme (AMPJF) of Bamako, Mali, Africa.   It is definitely worth watching a range of ages play soccer.   In case you missed yesterday’s post,The President of AMPJF, Madame Souadou DIABATE, wrote “we celebrated PLAY IT FORWARD and the Women’s World Cup June 30, 2015 at the Football for Hope center Baguinéda. We hosted 3 football games at three levels: children 4 to 5 years, 6 – 12 years and older girls. The celebration of… Read more →

THANK YOU

Thank you. To the organizers, the supporters, the friends who watched this unfold over the last year and more, thank you. To those who endured the types of things that happen with *new* campaigns including changing direction and new information, thank you.     I (we)have wrapped up PLAY IT FORWARD which ended last week, Jul 5th, though we kept donations open for an extra 24 hours. It is now OFFICIALLY OVER! (And I am sleeping regular hours again.) I feel we are in rarified air as a group of 20+ organizers and charity leads came together to make something… Read more →

Interviews with Soccer Grl Problems

During the World Cup I met a group called ‘Soccer Grl Problems’ out of the US. They are an internet sensation and very popular amongst girls and young women, mostly within the US.   Here is an interview with Carly – one of ‘Soccer Grl Problems.’ Click to listen.       Here is an interview with Shannon- another of ‘Soccer Grl Problems.’     Interview with Alanna- the final member of ‘Soccer Grl Problems.’     Let us know what you think…. Leave your comments. Repost/ reshare!     THANK YOU! Read more →

103 durable balls donated to girls

PLAY IT FORWARD IS OVER… and while we are compiling our stats you will want to know that those that donated gave 103 extra-durable soccer balls from the One World Play Project. These balls will serve 3090 young girls in play.   THANK YOU!   These balls will be distributed by an International organization called Women Win. They will distribute the balls in small amounts to their partners. Shipping is the biggest cost and this method of distribution – in small batches – will be the most cost effective.   Our campaign is part of a larger campaign encouraging girls… Read more →

Girls…stay in the game!

I had an incredible experience the morning after the World Cup Finals. I don’t usually share these but we are at the end of the World Cup. The US Women’s Team were to be on the FOX Sports set in Vancouver. All 23 of them. Apparently it was to receive their ‘3rd star’ to signify their winning of their 3rd World Cup in the history of the nation. Perhaps some of you went … These amazing athletes were there…for us to see and cheer. What happened was consistent with every experience I’ve had at this World Cup. Lining the barriers… Read more →

Girls…stay in the game!

I had an incredible experience the morning after the World Cup Finals. I don’t usually share these but we are at the end of the World Cup. The US Women’s Team were to be on the FOX Sports set in Vancouver. All 23 of them. Apparently it was to receive their ‘3rd star’ to signify their winning of their 3rd World Cup in the history of the nation. Perhaps some of you went … These amazing athletes were there…for us to see and cheer. What happened was consistent with every experience I’ve had at this World Cup. Lining the barriers… Read more →

Linda Diano remarks at Inaugural Kickoff / Media event for Play it Forward 2015

My remarks at the Inaugural Kickoff / Media Demonstration game for PLAY IT FORWARD 2015. Held at Vancouver Technical High School in Vancouver, BC. June 1 2015.     My mother taught me to be me. When other little girls were wearing dresses and skirts, my mom encouraged me to choose my own clothing. And I chose the breakfast of champions on the playground, GWG jeans and tshirts. Topped off with my favourite sneakers. I sat on a summer’s day watching television in the dark basement. On the 1970 tv screen a Kenyan ran and ran around the track. Fluidly… Read more →

High school students meetup

I really enjoy meeting and working with younger people. They are quick and smart when motivated and these gals are motivated! Must be all their years playing sport. smile emoticon Here we are preparing for the Vancouver Technical High School Girls Soccer Team to kickoff Play it Forward this Monday June 1st after the India event on Saturday May 30th. These fine ladies are the team captains. A well-placed soccer pitch is in the background, of course! Read more →