Listen to this article
Estimated 4 minutes
The audio version of this article is generated by AI-based technology. Mispronunciations can occur. We are working with our partners to continually review and improve the results.
Coaches from two First Nations in B.C. are strengthening their soccer skills through a global coaching program offered by the governing body of soccer in the Netherlands.
Tsleil-Waututh Nation partnered with the Royal Netherlands Football Association (KNVB) to provide a week-long coaching program for six soccer coaches from Tsleil-Waututh Nation and Squamish Nation.
Dozens of kids from the two nations competed in a day tournament Wednesday, one of the first opportunities for the community to use its new multi-use turf, a project that’s been 40 years in the making.
Several officials for the First Nation, community members, KNVB officials and the Dutch consul general in Vancouver were in attendance.
Tsleil-Waututh Nation elected Councillor Dennis Thomas (Whonoak) said soccer is a beloved sport in the community, and has been playing soccer himself for over 35 years.
He said he hopes the relationship with KNVB and the new turf will bring additional opportunities to the nation.
“What we’ve seen within the last number of years is this resurgence of our members being active in outside community clubs,” said Thomas.
“It just really meant that the time was now in order for us to really be committed in the power of sport.”
Finley Spence from Squamish Nation said he had a great time playing in the tournament, ultimately winning first place.
“I thought I got 42 points on the scoreboard but then … she said 59,” said Spence.
“I have fun playing it. You know, I don’t care if I lose or win.”
‘Amazing’ experience
KNVB’s WorldCoaches program is based on the organization’s extensive international coaching experience and its belief that soccer can be used as a means for social development.
“We are educating coaches in their own environment, in their own communities so that they can serve the community and help the kids over there,” said Bert Zuurman, a WorldCoaches instructor.
“Of course, we are teaching the participants how to become a better football coach. But next to that, we also teaching them how you can integrate life skills in the football sessions.”
Hillary Hyland, a coach from Tsleil-Waututh who participated in the program, said the week with KNVB was an amazing experience.
“To get to be a part of this opportunity was something that I don’t think I would have ever really looked for, for myself,” said Hyland.
“And so the fact that the nation was able to put this on and it be an option for community members, I think is amazing.”
Hyland said she’s played soccer for around two decades, from house leagues, the junior Whitecaps team to varsity level in university, until some injuries took her off the field.
“A lot of the way that I carry myself today is from the coaches and from other players that I played with and against, who taught me along the way of how to collaborate, communicate,” said Hyland.
Hyland said the program has helped her to identify areas where she can strengthen her skillset to be the best coach she can possibly be.
She said she looks forward to the sport “really invigorating the kids again, to see how much fun it is to travel throughout the summer with your cousins and with your relatives, go visit other communities as well.”
“I think I’m really excited for all of that to start really happening again in the community.”
Source link
