For Immediate Release
July 12, 2004

Afghan Girls Learn Soccer, Leadership
Fact of the Day

This summer nine girls from Afghanistan are visiting the U.S. to learn soccer techniques and leadership skills so that they can organize school and city teams when they return home. The girls, who range in age from 11 to 16 years, are part of the Afghan Youth Sports Exchange - a program whose mission is to develop Afghanistan youth into leaders to bring athletics to their communities. The program hopes to create a lasting change in Afghanistan by building youth recreation programs.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of State