Typically you don’t hear people mention these two statements together:
I was on my feet for 13 hours straight.
It was awesome.
Each year, the U.S. Soccer Foundation puts on the Capital Soccer Classic. This year’s event featured an Embassy tournament, a tournament for Capitol Hill staff, and the main event, the Congressional soccer game. I am lucky enough to be on the field the entire time, managing the logistics of each component. It truly gives me a unique perspective, as I have the opportunity to meet a diverse range of participants, all brought together by soccer. This year, I caught up with members of the Colombian Embassy, D.C. United coach, Ben Olsen, two-time Olympic Gold Medalist, Staci Wilson, and Rep. Dave Reichert (R-Wash.) to name a few. I saw Democrats and Republicans cast away their differences and smile and embrace, mid soccer match. Perhaps more special, was witnessing diverse nations playing together and bonding through sport. This was soccer, and everyone seemed willing, even excited, to place their political views aside and just play. A diverse bunch, all brought to RFK Stadium to support the game they love, and the impact it can have in under-resourced areas. This is what makes the Classic special, and this is why I will look forward to it next year, when I again get to stand on the field for 13 hours straight, and witness how awesome soccer truly is.
