Name:   MrHodja - Subject:   Who the he!! cares about women's soccer?!?!? Date:   7/11/2019 10:55:59 PM

Well, I have been lurking on this one but want to offer a counterpoint or two.  First, why do I care about the women's team in the World Cup?  Because they represent our country and we all should cheer them on.  Do I like the players on the team?  some yes, others hell no.  For more reasons than one.

Women/girls' soccer has a profound positive impact on a lot of young girls who might not otherwise become involved in sports.  It requires probably the least monetary outlay of any sport, and at the recreational level offers an opportunity to learn about teamwork, individual effort, and the rewards that come from improving themselves and the team.  At the competitive level (aka travel soccer) they are exposed (some for the first time) to travel outside their home area, competing against those with similar backgrounds from different home towns, spending the night in hotels, having to be at a certain place at a certain time (aka, structure), things they might not experience in their day to day life.  As they advance they are separated from their parents and have to deal with all the issues of getting up in time, eating responsibly, and basically having a trial run at being an adult.

Our daughter started playing soccer when she was 6, and was in the recreational program until she was 10.  The Montgomery team played a much better team from Birmingham in a tournament and the Birmingham coach identified her and one of her teammates as possible additions to his state-level team.  The two tried out the next Fall and were selected.  For the next four years they were on the road between Montgomery and Birmingham at least three times per week, but in return were members of the best girls team in their age group, hands down.  They attended tournaments in DC, Raleigh, Atlanta, Memphis, Dallas, Houston, and Miami - all the while learning to fend for themselves and be ready to compete.  Our two Montgomery girls were also on the Alabama Olympic Development Program Team and played in Holland and Norway, with their team taking second place in the Norway Cup, the largest youth soccer tournament in the world.

I could go on and probably did to an excess already, but here is the bottom line:  Because of girls' soccer our daughter grew up to be a very self-confident and successful member of the adult society and is currently a manager teaching others to be managers at a nationwide clothing and accessories boutique.  We attribute her work ethic and ability to get along and communicate with superiors and subordinates alike to her experience with girls/womens soccer.  I am dismayed that certain members of the US Womens National Team have chosen to use their newfound fame to make political statements, as they are no more qualified to do so with any authority than some rock star, TV personality, or actor/actress.  My comment to them is just kick the freaking ball into the net and celebrate your athletic accomplishments as you represent your nation.

So, the bottom line is that MM, I understand you are entitled to your opinion, but I find it insulting to my daughter and the millions of females who have had positive experiences playing soccer and grown to be productive members of our society at least in part because of it.