Moroccan Soccer Girls in Washington, D.C

During two weeks in October 2008, ten young female Moroccan soccer players, aged 13 – 15 years old from Zagora, Tetouan, Fes, Sefrou, Sale, and Casablanca traveled to Washington D.C to participate in a Department of State sponsored SportsUnited Visitor program.   The girls participated in training sessions with U.S. Men's National Team coach Jay Miller and in leadership workshops; received instruction in physical fitness and nutrition; attended a Washington Freedom clinic (DC's professional women's team) and the World Cup Qualifier (Cuba vs. the US); visited with Ambassador Mekouar; interacted with American teenagers at Banneker High School and visited the President's Council on Physical Fitness.  The girls were chaperoned by internationally-renowned Moroccan track champion Fatima Aouam and Moroccan soccer coach Halima Berrad.   At the close of their program, the soccer players had met Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice as well as Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs (ECA) Goli Ameri.  They were also interviewed by MBC as well as another Arab media outlet.