Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) Tuesday introduced two celebrated US players, who represented their country in the World Cup Football, to share experiences and skill to inspire promising local booters through a four-day program here.
The two US sports envoy, Tony Sanneh and Linda Hamilton, arrived in the capital on Monday
US booter Tony Sanneh played in the 2002 World Cup Football in South Korea and Japan and played club football for Hertha Berlin and Los Angeles Galaxy, having an experience of playing 43 internationals.
Another US booter, Linda Hamilton played for the United States women’s national soccer team from 1987-1995. She was part of the US team that won the first Women’s World Cup in China in 1991.
The American Centre of US Embassy in Dhaka in partnership with Bangladesh Football Federation is hosting the two US professional footballers in Dhaka.
BFF vice-president Badal Roy introduced the US footballers at a press conference at the BFF House Tuesday afternoon.
Director of American Centre in Dhaka Viraj M LeBailly and Public Affairs Coordinator of US Embassy Syed Shahnawaj Mohsin, and BFF general secretary Abu Nayem Shohag also spoke on the occasion, in addition to the two US booters — Tony Sanneh and Linda Hamilton.
Cultural Affairs Officer of US Embassy Michael J Harker, Programme Advisor Sabreena Rahman and Cultural Affairs Assistant John Jonathan Gomes were present.
Addressing the newsmen, Tony Sanneh hoped that the youngsters would be benefited with the program.
“Sports can connect peoples. We would like to share our experiences with the peoples to develop the football all over the world including Bangladesh,” he said.
Sanneh added: “Throughout the world football has one language and it is the same all over the world. Apart from skill and tactics and techniques the basics are same. We’ll try to share our experiences towards growing up the leadership qualities and to inspire the youngsters to put the best in the field. We hope Bangladesh football grows and reach the top.”
Linda Hamilton said: “We want to give back to the peoples which we earned and achieved.”
“Football has provided me a lot and it’s my time to return something. As a footballer, I’ve been to places that I’ve never anticipated. I feel football can take a girl to a higher position and we will try to inspire the girls to take an inspirational role in the society,” she added.
The two US players will conduct a three-day workshop from February 4-6 at the BFF artificial turf in city’s Arambagh with the participation of some 20-25 budding booters of 13-16 age group and a mixed team of girls group.
On conclusion of the workshop, the visiting sports envoys will participate in two friendly matches for boys and girls on Friday (Feb 7) at the BFF turf in Arambgh to be participated by workshop participants and Bangladesh national football team players.
Interested people can witness the match.
The visit of the sports envoys has been arranged through US Department of State’s Sports United programme, which is devoted to sports diplomacy.
