South African Soccer Association (SAFA) appointed Pinky Lehoko as the association’s CEO. She becomes the first woman to hold the position.
Ms. Pinky Lehoko, was born in Soweto and was involved in the student uprising during the apartheid students uprisings that helped bring independence to South Africa.
She lost her mother at birth and was raised by her grandmother. After completing High School, she got a job at a church in Soweto. A South African Football Association official came by, saw her, and offered her a job at SAFA. She started as a runner in the Head Office of SAFA. After a few years as a goofer, she got a more stable position in that office. After the Office manager resigned Pinky was offered the position, which she gladly took.
She has been with SAFA for close to two decades. When SAFA won the bid for the 2010 World Cup, Jordaan became the Head of the World Cup Organizing Committee, and he took Pinky to assist him. He became the face of South Africa's 2010 World Cup and Ms. Lehoko, became the engine running the organization. The World Cup, is a billion dollar operation. Ms. Lehoko managed it to great success.
After the world cup, she returned to her old job, as office manager. Soon there after, the CEO of SAFA resigned and Ms. Lehoko was appointed CEO , making her the first female in the world to run a professional football association.
Women world wide should be proud of her achievement and recognition, and South Africa, should be congratulated for having the guts to appoint a woman on the basis of merit. It is a great achievement not just for her, but for women in general.
GAELLE DUSSIEL
South African Soccer Association
Appoints the First Female CEO
May 29, 2012
- 21 years as youth coach for boys and girls
- 11x National, 5x Regional, 102x State ODP Players
- 9x Regionals (U12G, U13G, U14G, U16G, U17G, U18G, U19G, U20G, U23B)
- 7x Regional Champion (U12G, U13G, U14G, U17G, U18G, U19G, U20G)
- 7x National Championship Finals (U10G, U11G, U12G, U18G, U19G, NIRSA, MLS)
- 2x National Champion (U19G, MLS)
- 15 years as college coach for men and women
- 10 years as Academy Director
- 4 years as Olympic Development Program coach
- 6 years as high school coach
- 2 years as professional coach for men
- Over 40 tournament and league championship titles
- Virginia Youth Soccer Association Kid Safe Certified since 2006
- Positive Coaching Alliance Double Goal I & II Certified since 2005
- Member of National Soccer Coaches Association of America since 1995
- United States Soccer Federation National Coaching License since 1994
- Member of United States Soccer Coaches Organization since 1994
- First Aid and CPR Certified since 1989
For additional information about Coach Kab Hakim, please visit his Facebook. Click here
Diambars Founders
(L-R) Patrick Vieira, Jimmy Adjovi-Boco, Saer Saek and Bernard Lama
February 29, 2012
New York, NY
BSA: Hello Mr. Brewer, thank you so much for taking the time from your very busy schedule to talk to us as we celebrate Black History Month and soccer.
BSA: How well do you understand the game of soccer? Have you ever thought of becoming a soccer coach?
Soccer is probably one of the most important influential sports in the world as it touches the largest demographic and the most youth. It also teaches participants to become role model citizens, leaders in their community and provides discipline and opportunities that they may be lacking. Seeing the World Cup occur every 4 years is an eye opening experience in the fact that it touches so many people worldwide and the sport has such an enormous global impact while promoting a unified world.
My personal athletic expertise is in American football, having played as long as I can remember and spending 5 years in the National Football League, however, yes I have a very good understanding of soccer, particularly as it pertains to the sport’s global impact.
BSA: What is your connection to soccer and do you see soccer becoming a popular sport among African American youth?
Through my involvement in various non-profit organizations including my Foundation, The Jack Brewer Foundation (JBF Worldwide) and my role as Chairman of Peace and Sport USA, we participate in soccer initiatives on a global level as often as possible in our continued efforts to promote peace and development through sport.
We have organized numerous JBF Worldwide Global Ambassador trips that have included soccer clinics and brought the sport to underprivileged communities including Haiti and Malawi. For example, through funds raised at our annual JBF summer fundraisers and in partnership with Banda Bola Sports Foundation, we recently shipped a 20-foot container of sporting equipment including soccer balls and shoes to the Chituka Village of Malawai which enabled them to participate in a soccer tournament.
Soccer undoubtedly has the potential to be a top sport among African American youth, however there has to be a stronger push to get soccer into deprived communities. Hopefully then it will provide the opportunity for youth to get involved in larger numbers. Just as with all sports, African Americans have the potential to dominate in soccer.
BSA: Many African Americans still have the perception that soccer is a sport played by Caucasians. What are your thoughts on ways that we can successfully promote the game to more African Americans?
It is essential to continue to introduce soccer programs in schools and develop partnerships with international organizations such as FIFA. Additionally, it is important to engage in underprivileged communities that do not have the means to soccer and find ways to provide funding to introduce soccer programs, fields, equipment and facilities.
BSA: In your biography, it is stated that you created an organization to provide relief support for the earthquake survivors in Haiti, and you collaborated with professional sports organizations such as the NFL and the NBA. Did you have any contact with Major League Soccer (MLS) in this effort?
Yes, we collaborated with MLS organizations including the New York Red Bulls and LA Galaxy as part of our ‘One Team 4 Haiti’ initiative. Following the tragic earthquake in Haiti in January of 2010, I spearheaded the creation of the One Team 4 Haiti Relief Fund; a massive relief effort including the players associations from all major professional sports leagues as well as the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund.
Furthermore, we have done a lot of international work with members of the soccer community including retired New York Red Bull Seth Stammler whom is also a JBF Global Ambassador for my foundation and have also worked closely on various initiatives with Tony Sanneh and his Foundation.
We are looking forward to doing more and continuing to expand our collaboration with soccer organizations and further engaging with MLS and FIFA as I feel that this is the most vital sport to continuing our mission with Peace and Sport and JBF. We will continue implementing Global Ambassador initiatives focusing on the poorest countries in the world and using sport as a tool for peace and social change, and definitely will be using soccer as a driving force.
BSA: What are your thoughts on mentoring?
I personally serve as a mentor for several professional athletes and young adults and take extreme pride in that. I was nominated Captain on three NFL football teams and continue to exemplify myself as a leader and mentor in young lives and to athletes and will continue to do so.
BSA: What are some of your ideas that you would like to see developed locally in places like Dallas and Fortworth that you believe would assist in having a positive affect on the youth and the environment?
Continuing our current initiatives with Peace and Sport, The Jack Brewer Foundation and partnering organizations to continue to create opportunities for all youth to have the opportunity to participate in sport, not only locally but worldwide.
BSA: How do we get African Americans to understand that soccer and sports in general can not only provide an avenue out of poverty and a negative environment, but more importantly, that sports can teach positive life lessons?
Continue to bring our initiatives into these programs that are lacking and engage with them. Work with organizations hands on, participate in speaking engagements and play an active role.
BSA: You grew up in the Dallas-Fortworth area which is a well known competitive sports environment. What were your personal goals beginning in high school and through your college years?
Since the age of 6, my initial goal was to play in the NFL and everything I did in my life was aimed at accomplishing that. Above and beyond that goal was to take everything that my professional sports opportunity provided me and build a life and a legacy for my family while impacting the most impoverished communities in the world.
BSA: What are some of the important steps that should be taken by someone who is making the transition from coaching/playing professionally into the business/leadership arena?
Just like any profession – be it sport, coaching, playing or business – you must make sacrifices, put in your time, dedication and hard work. Proper training is critical as with any transition and do not wait until last minute or until your career is over to make that transition
into the business and leadership arena. It is an ongoing effort that takes preparation.
BSA: Why is education so important to you?
Education is the foundation to prosperity, equality and opportunity. Without education, you personally cannot grow and will never reach your full potential which is why access to education is so crucial. One of the main goals of our organization is to make education accessible to disadvantaged communities.
BSA: We plan to organize events in the African American community and we would be honored to have you as one of our invited guests. Would you be willing to support us if your schedule allows?
Absolutely
BSA: Thank you so much again Mr. Brewer for taking your time to talk to us. We wish you and your family a very happy 2012.
England
Women's National Soccer Team
BILL OVERTON
Dr. Steve "Kalamazoo" Mokone To Be Inducted To The University Of Pretoria's Sports Hall Of Fame
ACTOR LOU MYERS
Entrepreneur, Author And Soccer Coach
Black History Month
Dr. Steve 'Kalamazoo' Mokone
Black Soccer Association
Features
Head Coach
U9-U15
Annandale Boys and Girls Club (ABGC) Samba
Annandale, Virginia
Head Coach
U11-U13
Waldorf Soccer Club (WALD) Fire
Waldorf, Maryland
.
Malawi girl, Chituka Village, Malawi
AFRICAN SPORTS BUSINESS ASSOCIATION
AT REAL MADRID GRADUATE SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT
October 12, 2011
Gaëlle DUSSIEL was born in the early 80’s and is from the small island of Martinique.
This French department of more than 400 000 inhabitants is in the Caribbean Sea.
She went to a classic public school which then led her to the University of Sorbonne Nouvelle, in Paris, in order to study foreign languages (English and Spanish) applied to business, where she got her master’s degree.
After a few work experiences in Paris, she is now living and working in Martinique. Within the Logistics and central purchasing department of a major distribution group, she has been in charge of supplying the different stores and factories in the West Indies (Martinique, Guadeloupe, French Guyana and Sint Maarten) and has been dealing with trading partners in Canada, the US, China, Brazil and Europe for a few years.
But her main passion remains soccer!!
Having a dad who used to be a soccer player in Martinique and who brought her very soon on the soccer fields, she started to play at a young age but could not pursue a career because of a lack of time and organization. Indeed, education was prioritized at that time.
Now, she tries hard to combine her passion for soccer with her skills, through DIAMBARS MARTINIQUE, a non-profit organization she has been a member of since 2007.
DIAMBARS was founded in 2000 by former soccer players: Bernard LAMA; Patrick VIERA (who just put an end to his career and who is now in charge of Manchester City/UK development strategy); Jimmy ADJOVI- BOCO and Saer SECK. Its main goal is to use Sports and more particularly soccer as the driving force behind education and citizenship.
Therefore, DIAMBARS MARTINIQUE fits right into this scheme, in order to promote school through soccer and to facilitate meetings, with two main projects up to now: the first project allowed 15 young boys to attend the 2010 World Cup in South Africa and the second one allowed 12 young girls to attend the 2011 Women’s World Cup in Germany. In order to prepare both trips, a rich and varied educational program was provided, such as conferences or cultural workshops and even an integration seminar for the girls!
Within the organization, Gaëlle DUSSIEL is in charge of creating the different communication materials as well as optimizing press relations. She also takes part in organizing Sports/soccer events and makes sure of an optimum communication between the team members.
The entire team is now working on several projects which will happen next year, with an international conference on Sports (Soccer) in Martinique and a special action for the 2012 Olympic Games in London, among other projects!!
Useful information
www.diambars.org
Facebook account : Diambars Martinique
Black Soccer Association
Interviews
HOPE POWELL
October 3, 2014
Dr. Mombi Thairu, Black Soccer Association (BSA) Advisory Board Member and CEO of the African Sports Business Association (ASBA) presented on the current trends in the African sport industry at the World Association for Sport Management (WASM) Inaugural Conference held in Madrid, Spain on October 1-3, 2014. The Conference was hosted by Real Madrid Graduate School of Management.
April 29, 2012
Shurell Burton was named the assistant women’s soccer coach on Sept. 27, 2010. She completed her first year as in coaching college athletics. In 2009, Burton worked for NSU athletics as the Game Operations Graduate Assistant.
During her first year, Burton helped lead the team to a 9-6-2 overall record, while also capturing the 2010 SSC Women’s Soccer Regular Season Co-Championship. Burton proved to make an immediate impact on the Sharks bench as the team went unbeaten for five straight matches following her arrival.
A former NSU women's soccer player, Burton is no stranger to Nova Southeastern athletics. She first came to NSU as a freshman in 2005, where she lead the Sharks in goals and was named SSC Offensive Player of the Week and SSC Commissioner's List of Outstanding Achievement.
Throughout her player career, she was a dominating force for the Sharks on the pitch. She is a three-time All-Sunshine State Conference selection, two-time NSCAA All-Region selection, and an NSCAA All-American. She holds NSU records in goals scored, assists and game-winning goals.
Burton received her Master's degree in Athletic Administration and her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, from NSU.
NSU Women's Soccer Page
SHURELL P. BURTON
Assistant Coach, Women's Soccer
Nova Southeastern UniversityType your paragraph here.
General secretary of DIAMBARS MARTINIQUE
In Charge of Communication
MARTINIQUE (French West Indies)
Technical Director
Arizona Youth Soccer Association
(AYSA)
Jack Brewer, NY Giants
The University of Pretoria, South Africa, will be inducting Dr. Steve "Kalamazoo" Mokone to their sports Hall of Fame.
The induction ceremony will take place on October 26th.
The university will also be naming one of their sports scholarships as the Dr. Steve "Kalamazoo" Mokone Football Scholarship.
The scholarship will be awarded to a deserving South African football athlete for a study program at the University.
Black soccer personality profile
(L-R) Nancy Hogshead-Makar, Three-Time Olympic Gold Medalist and Former President of Women's Sports Foundation, Dr. Mombi Thairu, President, International Multicultural Society for Sport & Entertainment (IMSSE) and Dr. Margaret Talbot, President, International Council of Sport Science and Physical Education (ICSSPE)
Dr. Steve "Kalamazoo" Mokone
The Black Soccer Association is sad to report the passing of Dr. Steve 'Kalamazoo' Mokone. on March 20th, 2015.
Dr. Mokone was a passionate supporter of BSA from the start
Dr. Mokone was the first black African to play professional football in Europe. After his professional football career was over, he went back to school and graduated from Rutgers University with a PhD in Psychology.
Read More (from the Guardian.com)
January 16, 2012
The Martin Luther King, Jr. Westside Coalition presented the 2012 Martin Luther King, Jr. National Holiday 27th Annual Celebration in the City of Santa Monica, California. The featured speaker was United States Congresswoman Janice Hahn.
The Coalition is a nonprofit organization comprised of a diverse group of West Los Angeles individuals, churches, institutions, community organizations and businesses. Its mission is to educate the community, inspire participation, and to promote the ideals of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. for understanding, knowledge and healing. The Coalition's primary role is to present an annual community celebration on the national holiday recognizing the legacy of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
(L-R) Mayor Richard Bloom, City of Santa Monica, Dr. Mombi Thairu, Black Soccer Association (BSA)
and Nathaniel Trives, Founding Member, Martin Luther King, Jr. Westside Coalition
Black Soccer Association
Features
Black soccer personality profile
ABOUT JACK BREWER
JACK BREWER
June 1, 2011
The United States Embassy in Paris, France in conjunction with the French Ministry of Sports and United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) recently sponsored a women’s conference on sports and education hosted by Diambars as part of the Global Campaign for Education.
Among the women leaders invited to speak at the conference were Dr. Mombi Thairu, President of the International Multicultural Society for Sport & Entertainment (IMSSE) and Black Soccer Association (BSA) Advisory Team Member, Nancy Hogshead-Makar, a Three-Time Olympic Gold Medalist and Former President of Women's Sports Foundation and Dr. Margaret Talbot, President of the International Council of Sport Science and Physical Education (ICSSPE).
Diambars was founded ten years ago by ex - French international football (soccer) players Patrick Vieira, Jimmy Adjovi-Boco, Bernard Lama and Saer Saek. The goal of Diambars is to combine sport and education (general, technical, and professional) to instill work ethic, discipline, and confidence in the youth.
COACH KAB HAKIM
Black History Month
April 29, 2011
Daniels began his career as an assistant coach at Colorado College. He took his first head coaching job at the University of Hartford in 1989 and led the Hawks to the NCAA Tournament on six occasions, including a Final Four run in 1992.
A coach of six All-Americans at Hartford and 5 Youth and Senior National Team players, Daniels was named the NSCAA National Women's Soccer Division I Coach of the Year in 1989. In addition, he was awarded the NSCAA New England Division I Coach of the Year honors in 1989 and 1992.
Following his stint at Hartford, Daniels started the University of Colorado women's soccer program in 1996. He left Colorado in 2001 and took over as the Technical Director of Connecticut Academica FC of the American Indoor Soccer League before beginning a three-year reign as Head Coach for the New England Mutiny, a Women's Premier Soccer League team. He was named WPSL Coach of the Year in 2004 after leading the Mutiny to the national finals.
Daniels holds a United States Soccer Federation `A' License and a United States Soccer Federation National Youth License and is a member of the NSCAA,. He also held the post of Director of Coaching for the Connecticut Junior Soccer Association, Northern Kentucky United Soccer Club, the Martin Luther King League in Hartford and the Colorado Springs Chargers Soccer Club.
PINKY LEHOKO
AUSTIN DANIELS
Black Soccer Association
Features
Black soccer personality profile
Cobi, Eddie and Earnie To Be Inducted
into The National Soccer Hall of Fame
Black Soccer Association
Interviews
Global Philanthropist, Entrepreneur and Black Soccer supporter
Cobi Jones, Eddie Pope and Earnie Stewart will be inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame 2011.
The induction ceremony will be held on June 4 in Foxborough, Mass., prior to the USA-Spain friendly at Gillette Stadium.
March 29, 2011
LOS ANGELES, CA
BSA: Hello Mr. Overton, thank you so much for taking your time to talk to us
BSA: When and how did you become involved in soccer?
Mr. Overton: I was first introduced to soccer in Durango, Mexico (a long time ago), while making the movie Matar por Matar. The crew heard that I was a former football player/athlete and so they had me play with them during lunch. I was intrigued with the required foot skills and agility. When I had my first daughter, Cheyenne, soccer became a way to get her involved with a sport and from that the following three as well as Jayne became soccer fans. I coached girls in AYSO for over 10 years in LA.
BSA: What do you think African American soccer professionals could do to make the game more attractive to African American youth?
Mr. Overton: Talk about the impact that African Americans have made in all the other sports. We tend to put some hot sauce in the mix, so challenge the youth community to bring some "soul" to the game. Encourage young families to involve their kids in soccer early for it's a great affordable way to have some fun, get some fresh air and get our youth in shape. Can you imagine if President Obama was shown kicking a soccer ball into the net for therapy and exercise? I just saw NFL player, Chad Johnson, tonight, while trying out for some professional team and speaking about how he would be in better shape when the NFL season starts.
BSA: What would you suggest we (BSA) do to promote soccer within the African American adult population?
Mr. Overton: I think soccer is easier to include both sexes at the adult level. If you can move, you can play. Men tend to not want to play with females in most sports, if their skill level is questionable. With soccer, whoever has the foot skills and the speed, rules. Add some music on the sideline and show some commercials with adults having fun just at the park. Can't beat the price :)
BSA: Churches play a very important role within the African American community; how do you think we could reach out to the churches for support?
Mr. Overton: Get the church choirs to play against each other or church vs. church, including the pastors. Not only would this be fun to watch, this would be major news. Some of these pastors and church folk could stand to drop a few pounds. uh oh
BSA: Your wife Jayne Kennedy Overton is very involved in soccer, could you tell us more on her involvement?
Mr. Overton: Jayne manages our youngest daughter's club soccer team and has been for several years. I think she is reliving her life through our daughter which is crazy but kind of fun to see her enjoy the experience.
BSA: We plan to organize events in the African American community and we would be honored to have you participate in any way you would like to. Would that be possible if your schedule allows?
Mr. Overton: Sure, I can start a water balloon fight at a soccerfest or carnival faster than anyone in LA.
BSA: Thank you so much again Mr. Overton for taking your time to talk to us. We wish you and your family a happy 2011
Black Soccer Association
Interviews
Celebrity Black Soccer supporter and Soccer Fan
ARCHIVES
BSA At The City Of Santa Monica
Martin Luther King Jr.
National Holiday Celebration
February 25, 2011
LOS ANGELES, CA
BSA: Hello Mr. Myers, thank you so much for taking your time to talk to us and celebrate with us Black History Month and soccer
Mr. Myers: You are welcome. I'm happy to celebrate with your organization.
BSA: How did you become a soccer fan?
Mr. Myers: I got interested in soccer when Pele was playing soccer for the New York Cosmos in the 70’s. Also, by watching soccer matches on television.
BSA: What do you think African American soccer professionals could do to make the game more attractive to African American youth?
Mr. Myers: I think they could make the game more accessible and offer support to the youth
BSA: What would you suggest we (BSA) do to promote soccer within the African American adult population?
Mr. Myers: The question is more like the earlier question, again I would say, affordability, accessibility and support to the community
BSA: Churches play a very important role within the African American community; - as a spiritual person, how do you think we could reach out to the churches for support?
Mr. Myers: I would suggest through church youth groups
BSA: You are involved with an non-profit organization called Global Business Incubation (GBI), could you tell us what it is about and how we could have BSA entrepreneurial members involved?
Mr. Myers: GBI-Global Business Incubation, Inc., is a Non-profit Corporation established in 1991 in partnership with Loyola Marymount University's College of Business Administration.
The mission of Global Business Incubation, Inc., or GBI is to promote the development and growth of global enterprises through customized innovative financial programs, business incubation, global banking solutions and other cooperative strategies.
Your members who are entrepreneurs can get involved by contacting us and learning more about our incubator models which are designed to help urban businesses compete in the global market place.
BSA: We plan to organize events in the African American community and we would be honored to have you as one of our invited celebrities. Would you be willing to support us if your schedule allows?
Mr. Myers: Sure, I would be happy to support your organization.
BSA: Thank you so much again Mr. Myers for taking your time to talk to us.
We wish you a happy 2011
Below is a recent featured article on Mr. Myers that appeared in Charleston Gazette
February 23, 2011
Lou Myers: More than just Vernon Gaines
By Douglas Imbrogno
CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Lou Myers can't travel too far from his front porch without being ID'd as the feisty Vernon Gaines from the sitcom "A Different World." His Wikipedia entry even kicks off with a line about him being "typically cast as a grumpy old man."
But a whirlwind tour through the rest of his lively resume is eye-opening if that's the only reference you have for the lad from Cabin Creek, who grew up to become a multi-lingual performer on stages around the world.
"I think of myself as a working actor. I prepare for it like I'm preparing for the Super Bowl," said Myers.
He's back in the state (he has residences here, in New York and Los Angeles) to prepare for Saturday's day-long "Black History Celebration: Mardi Gras Style" at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation, a fundraiser for the congregation's community-building projects.
The day begins at 1 p.m. with two seminal films and a documentary ("Cabin in the Sky," "Stormy Weather" and a Ray Charles documentary) starring legendary African-American performers, then moves on to a 5:30 p.m. Cajun feast. At 7:30 p.m., it shifts to music and spoken word by Lady D, Affrilachian<co > poet Crystal Good and Myers at the piano.
Myers is about as comfortable at the keys as he is on stage. He regularly plays piano and does spoken word at Harlem's historic Lennox Lounge and the Sugar Bar on the Upper West Side (owned by singing duo Ashford and Simpson). He has performed his cabaret act in venues from Berlin to Tokyo.
He's also preparing for a sixth Broadway appearance. Past turns have included roles in several of August Wilson's acclaimed plays as well as "Oprah Winfrey Presents The Color Purple."
Myers said he was not at liberty yet to reveal the new play except to note with a laugh: "I'm trying to gain five pounds, get my step a little sharper, get my sexy side a little more developed."
He spoke by phone from his 94-year-old mother's home in Cabin Creek, which he had built seven years ago. Part of the funds for its construction came from the sale of the North Carolina ancestral property of his great-great-great-great grandmother, who was a slave.
Myers has long done work devoted to African-American history and culture and has visited and performed in Africa often. He was founder and director of the Tshaka Ensemble Players, who toured "Shakespeare's Julius Caesar," set in Africa. He also served as a dancer and griot for several dance companies such as the Dinizulu Dancers, Drummers and Singers.
A griot is an African tribal figure who serves up history as a poet, praise singer and wandering musician. Myers sometimes lists his middle name as Leabengula, the name he was given when he was initiated as a griot in Ghana some years ago.
Might the role of the griot describe the arc of his own career? "We're all storytellers, actors," said Myers. "Basically, the griot is what we really are."
Along the course of his career, he has picked up bits of a couple of African dialects and is also proficient in French, German and Spanish. "If I've got to do a project, I can work in one of those languages," he said.
But Myers isn't just bringing a worldly performer's ease and singing chops to town. Saturday's event is partly sponsored by the Lou Myers Scenario Motion Picture Institute and the Global Business Incubation. For the latter effort, Myers is described as "Chairman and Chief Enlightenment Officer," while his son, Melvin, a North Carolina accountant (and former noted East Bank basketball player), assists in Myers's aim to use the business incubator model to improve life in small-town West Virginia.
"My 11th grade teacher gave me an assignment: 'What are the possibilities for economic security in West Virginia?' And I'm still trying to complete the assignment!" Myers said, laughing.
"I got hooked. I would love to see capital flow through poor communities that would bring them to the level we need them to be in terms of health, communication, education, recreation. A healthy community needs all those outlets. That's what I'd love to see."
Kendall Reyes Appointed Vice Chair for NSCAA-BSCC
July 31, 2011
Hope Powell was appointed as the first ever full-time National Coach of the England Women’s team in June 1998. Her first game in charge was a 1-0 defeat to Sweden at Dagenham & Redbridge FC on 26 July.
An experienced international with 66 caps and 35 goals, she was the youngest ever England coach and the first female England coach.
Hope started out with Millwall Lionesses at the age of eleven and eventually won The FA Women's Cup twice, including the League and Cup double as captain of Croydon in 1996.
In 2003 she became the first woman to achieve the UEFA Pro Licence - the highest coaching award available. Her early achievements include taking the U19s to the semi-finals of the 2002 and 2003 UEFA Women’s Championship and to the quarter-final of the inaugural FIFA U19 World Championship in 2002.
She also coached the senior team to qualification for the 2001 UEFA European Championship Finals, her first major appearance at a major championship as National Coach, and in June 2005 narrowly failed to take the Three Lions into the semi-final of the European Championship on home soil.
In 2002, Hope was awarded an OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list and was again recognised for her work with the award of a CBE in 2010. Hope works to promote the women’s game and is patron of the ‘Kick It Out’ campaign and the Women’s Sports Foundation.
As well as taking charge of the England senior team, she oversees the whole set-up from U15s to the U23s, a coach mentoring scheme and she works closely with The FA Centres of Excellence to align to the international programme.
In 2006, Hope led England to the following years Women's World Cup Finals in China. After coming out of a group with Japan, Argentina and Germany, England reached the quarter-finals, where they lost out to USA.
Hope then masterminded England’s route to the Final of the 2009 European Championship in Finland where they were beaten 6-2 by Germany, catapulting the Three Lions to a then all-time high of eighth in the FIFA Women’s World Rankings.
England took this momentum into the 2011 World Cup Qualifying campaign and topped Group 5 with an unbeaten record. This booked them a place in a two-legged play-off where they defeated Switzerland 5-2 on aggregate to qualify for the Finals. In the Finals, they opened with a 1-1 draw against Mexico before defeating New Zealand (2-1) and eventual world champions Japan (2-0). Agonisingly, though, they were eliminated by France at the quarter-final stage, losing 4-3 on penalties.
This run to the last eight, alongside victories over the higher-ranked USA and Sweden, saw England climb to a new record World Ranking of sixth.
Article courtesy of :www.thefa.com
www.thefa.com/England/All-Teams/Staff/Hope-Powell
August 31st 2011
Black Soccer Association Advisory Team member Kendall Reyes was recently appointed to serve as the Vice Chair for the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA).
WE LOST A LEGEND AND A PASSIONATE SUPPORTER OF BLACK SOCCER
Black Soccer Association
Features
Black Soccer Association
Features
Dr. Mombi Thairu, BSA Advisory Board Member and
Emilio Butragueno, Public Relations Manager,
Real Madrid
THE UNITED STATES EMBASSY IN FRANCE HELPS
CONVENE WOMEN'S SPORTS CONFERENCE
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Black soccer personality profile
Black soccer personality profile
Black Soccer Association
Founder and CEO of The Brewer Group, Inc.
Founder and Executive Director of The Jack Brewer Foundation
Chairman of Peace and Sport USA
Chairman of United Nation’s Millennium Development Goals Awards Athletes and Artists Committee
Member of the UN Foundation Executive Committee for the “Girl Up” Campaign
Jack Brewer was born on January 8, 1979 in Ft. Worth, TX and raised in Grapevine, TX by Rosa and Eddie Brewer. He attended Grapevine High School where he was a top student, All-State athlete and record setter in football and track. Following high school, Mr. Brewer went on to attend Southern Methodist University (SMU) where he was a freshman All-American Candidate in football and a Disney World Classic Record Holder in track. Brewer transferred to the University of Minnesota and continued to excel both academically and athletically, earning several honors including Academic All-Big Ten, Carl Eller Defensive MVP Award, Paul Giel Award, First Team All-Big Ten by Media, All-Big Ten in Track and Field and was team captain on the football team. Mr. Brewer earned his Bachelor of Science (2001) and his Masters in Sport Management (2002) from the University of Minnesota.
Following his senior year, Mr. Brewer went on to compete in the East-West Shrine game and was signed as a free agent by the Minnesota Vikings (2002). Mr. Brewer was a Pro Bowl candidate on special teams as a rookie, and had his first career interception against Brett Favre that same year. He was named Vikings team captain in 2003 and went on to be captain on the New York Giants (2004) and the Philadelphia Eagles (2005). After completing his fifth and final year in the National Football League (NFL) with the Arizona Cardinals (2006), Mr. Brewer accepted a position as a Wealth Manager with Merrill Lynch (2007) in the Global Private Client Group located in New York City.
Jack Brewer is the Founder and CEO of The Brewer Group Companies (www.thebrewergroup.com), a diversified investment firm consisting of multiple holdings and focuses on financial services, sports and wellness, real estate, entertainment and restaurants. The Brewer Group’s portfolio includes Brewer Sports International (BSI) and Brewer Capital Management. BSI is a multi-faceted sports management and financial services firm with a focus on the business of sports, wellness and entertainment (www.brewersports.com). Its various divisions – including BSI Secured Lending, Brewer Music & Entertainment and Brewer Sports China – provide an array of services to a diverse clientele of athletes, sports agencies, public and private corporations, NGOs, governments, unions and media companies. Brewer Capital Management is a registered investment advisory firm that manages over $100 million in assets for clients ranging from elite professional athletes, entertainers, high net worth individuals and corporations (www.brewercapital.us).
Mr. Brewer is also a passionate philanthropist. He is the Founder and Executive Director of The Jack Brewer Foundation (JBF Worldwide), a 501(c)(3) which uses its self-sustaining initiatives to offer educational opportunities and economic development to underprivileged individuals around the world (2006). JBF Worldwide’s mission is to help alleviate extreme poverty through its various self-sustaining socioeconomic initiatives including Sports for Development, Microfinance Program and the JBF 1 World Initiative.
Through the Sports for Development and JBF 1 World initiatives, JBF creates long term sustainable programs and new concepts in numerous countries including Malawi, Haiti, China and Mexico by implementing global strategies and demonstrating further international work. Additionally, these initiatives provide a series of outreach programs aimed to mobilize professional athletes behind global initiatives and sustainable social projects, using sport as a tool for social change. The JBF Microfinance Program provides loans, primarily to women, to assist in providing sustainable food supply programs. Currently this program is providing loans to over 1,500 families throughout over 100 different villages, and positively impacting over 10,000 individuals. (www.jbfworldwide.org)
By holding a highly influential, national leadership position, Jack Brewer is able to take advantage of every opportunity to give back and help those in need. For his ongoing hard work and effort, Mr. Brewer received a Congressional Award in 2009 where he and JBF Worldwide were selected to ring The Closing Bell® at the New York Stock Exchange. Following the tragic earthquake in Haiti in January of 2010, he spearheaded the creation of the One Team 4 Haiti Relief Fund; a massive relief effort including the players associations from the NFL, MLB, NBA and NHL as well as the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund.
Since 2002, Jack has also been regularly involved with the production of numerous television, digital media and radio broadcasts. He serves as a host, sports analyst and commentator on both the local and international media stage, appearing on the Twin Cities Fox affiliate, KMSP, ESPN and the Minneapolis radio station KFAN – one of the largest sports radio stations in the United States. Additionally, through Brewer Sports Media’s partnership with South-South News (www.southsouthnews.com) – a digital media platform which connects and publishes news on various efforts in sustainable economic and social development to audiences and multiple constituencies around the world – Mr. Brewer is the lead talent and head of the recently launched Sports for Development division.
Whether it’s in the game or in the studio, Mr. Brewer often helps produce and direct each broadcast he is involved in. Sports broadcasts and topics that Jack has commentated include NFL and NCAA football game reactions, college athletics recruiting and compliance concerns and international sport issues. Additionally, Mr. Brewer continues to make various media appearances surrounding his ongoing sports for development projects, global speaking engagements and corporate social responsibility initiatives.
Mr. Brewer’s philanthropic initiatives continue in conjunction with various NGO and international government relations. Serving as the Chairman of the United Nation’s Millennium Development Goals Awards Athletes and Artist Committee (www.mdgawards.org/), Chairman of Peace and Sport USA – a global initiative under the High Patronage of Prince Albert II of Monaco (www.peace-sport.org), Advisory Board Member of the African Development Corporation (www.african-development.com) and working closely with the Inter-American Development Bank, United Nations Development Programme and the China World Peace Foundation are a few of Jack Brewer’s international activities. Additionally, he was the director for the NFL Players for Obama (2008). Mr. Brewer also attended a policy forum and reception for the United States Chiefs of Mission to the Western Hemisphere on behalf of JBF Worldwide, and served as a keynote speaker at the 2010 Peace and Sport International Forum in Monaco. Furthermore, Jack was the recipient of the prestigious 2010 Upliftment Jamaica Humanitarian Award and was invited to speak as a keynote speaker at the SportBusiness Sport and Social Responsibility Summit 2011 in London as well as on the Sports & Social Impact panel of the Ivy Sports Symposium at the Wharton School – University of Pennsylvania (2011).
Jack Brewer has completed Executive Business Programs at Harvard School of Business (2005) and the Wharton School of Business (2006). He is currently enrolled at Columbia University working towards a Master’s Degree from the School of International and Public Affairs in Public Policy with a focus on Finance and Management. Jack has two young children, Jared (13) and Laesha (11).