JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Head women's soccer coach Linda Hamilton is no stranger when it comes to charity work.
After finishing up her third season with the University of North Florida, and signing one of her biggest recruiting classes, Hamilton hits the offseason not to go home and relax but by travelling across the world to help the U.S. Sports Envoy Program.
Cote d'Ivoire, is a country in West Africa, although it is commonly known in English as the Ivory Coast.
Arriving in Africa on Monday, May 17, Hamilton will begin her outreach and work with the Ivoire Sports Promotion (ISP), who particularly focuses their camps and clinics to these disadvantaged neighborhoods who don't have an opportunity to get exposure to these kinds of programs.
ISP is the local partner which educates and teaches children about the sport of soccer. This local partner, teaming up with the U.S. State Department, targets disadvantaged children aged 6-25, represented in 86 cities of Corte d'Ivoire.
Throughout Hamilton's trip she will be on the forefront of administering clinics and working with local coaches going from city to city. The former U.S. Women's National Team Player (1987-95) will visit nine cities in the course of five days with former U.S. International goalkeeper, Juergen Sommer, as they both showcase their sports personalities as part of both diplomacy and outreach initiatives.
On their five day excursion the two will visit Yopougon, Abobo, Marcory, Port Bouet, Bingerville, Koumassi, Grand Bassam, Anyama and Abidjan.
Working from dusk till dawn, Hamilton will be apart of a movement bringing inspiration to the youth of these major communities, teaching individuals that success in athletics translates into life skills, long term well-being and physical health. The values of teamwork, respect and leadership can be used not only in sports but through their life's journey.
Hamilton worked as the director of development for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society from 2002-05 and then in the same capacity for Easter Seals of Virginia from 2005-06. Her charity work took her to the Philippines in the summer of 2007 with former U.S. teammate Tiffany Roberts-Sahaydak to promote a positive message about women and the United States through sports. She helped inspire kids to do great things and that there are people all over the world who care about them.
While in the Philippines, Hamilton hosted various clinics, teaching basic soccer skills as well as cooperation, hard work, individual responsibility and respect for others. Hamilton also visited local schools and provided soccer balls and equipment for the children.
Learn more about the Sports Envoy Program by clicking here.
