Last week, nine young Panamanian soccer players were given the opportunity to experience their favorite sport in the United States. Since their arrival on August 13, the players practiced and completed a series of intense technical sessions throughout the city, including sessions with D.C. United’s Soccer Camps. In addition to carrying out strenuous amounts of practice, the four boys and five girls were also able to enjoy the many wonders of Washington. They visited the different museums, the IMAX theatre, attended both D.C. United and Washington Freedom matches, and enjoyed a tour of the city. 

The Sports Visitors Program sponsored by the State Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs has brought aspiring players from all across the globe to come play in the United States. The programs include technical sports training, sports management, conflict resolution training, and many other skills they are encouraged to continue practicing when they return home. Countries such as Venezuela, Bangladesh, Iraq, Mozambique, Nepal, and Russia have visited and experienced the sports world in the United States.

The nine youth players brought this week were definitely considered a special group of kids. Coming from a high-risk environment in Panama City, Panama, these youngsters were not only chosen because of their soccer skills, but because of their leadership and guidance skills. They are all part of an at-risk, non-violent soccer organization where the kids are able to use the sport as an outlet from the difficulties of the neighborhood. At the end of their season, the organization held a tournament, where the U.S. Embassy went to watch and later interviewed the kids for this trip.

During this visit, D.C. United’s youth program conducted five training sessions for the players. At the sessions, the Panamanian youth experienced fast-paced training where they learned new skills and techniques to take home with them. Working with coaches Shawn Kuykendall and Chris Megaloudis, two of D.C. United’s soccer camp coaches, the kids carried out a series of scrimmages and practices, and for the first time they were able to appreciate how soccer was played in the United States.

“We’ve had so much fun here,” said Steven, a 15-year-old who came to play with Sports Visitors. “D.C. United was great, I was able to make new friends and practice the sport I love.”  

Even though language was a setback for the kids since most of them don't understand English, they enjoyed D.C. United’s enthusiasm and dedication, which in return made them want to play even more.

“Being around D.C. United and having the people here teach us made me a better player,” said Erica. “I’m going to miss the friends I made here so much.”

D.C. United also gave the kids a tour of RFK Stadium, a complete field to play with local kids in a scrimmage, and they also received some gift bags that included a VW soccer ball, a training top, autographed cards from D.C. United’s First Team, cleats and other equipment as a donation to their organization in Panama.

The children said goodbye to D.C. United for now, most of them leaving Washington with more friends, more experience and more love for soccer.

“The things I learned here I will remember always,” Marta said. “And I cannot wait to get home and teach the rest of my friends what I learned. I was very fortunate to come here.”