The document discusses a program called DISCUSS that aims to promote cultural understanding and develop youth through soccer. DISCUSS is a two-way exchange program between the US and China focused on increasing partnerships in soccer. The goals are to train Chinese soccer coaches, educate on youth sports management, and create dialogue between the countries. The program brings together groups from the US and China to share best practices in developing soccer programs for both male and female youth.

1. Promoting Cultural Understanding, Developing Youth, and Fostering Gender Equity Through Soccer Carrie W. LeCrom, Ph.D. June 11, 2010

3. U.S. State Department RFP

4. DISCUSS program details

7. Training Sports Coaches

8. Youth Sports Management Exchange

9. Youth with Disabilities

11. 2-way exchange aimed at increasing cultural understanding through the sport of soccer

13. July 10, 1999 Women’s World Cup

14. US Soccer:

15. Women’s Professional League; ‘08 Beijing Olympic Gold

16. 3 million youth (40% girls); 300,000 youth coaches

17. Chinese Soccer:

18. Since ‘03 no semi finals for Women’s National Team

19. 1700 youth in Shanghai play soccer (500 girls); 21 youth coaches

21. Promote cultural understanding

22. Train Chinese soccer coaches on and off-field

23. Educate on development & management of soccer clubs

24. Create ongoing dialogue between participants