From September 9 – 21, the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs hosted 15 male athletes and coaches (between the ages of 20 and 30) from Libya for a futsal Sports Visitors exchange program. Futsal is a modified version of outdoor soccer played on a hard surfaced basketball-sized indoor court, with a smaller and heavier ball.
This exchange was the first U.S. Department of State Sports Visitors program with Libya and futsal athletes and coaches. While in Washington, D.C., the participants took part in fustal training and games, interacted with American student athletes, and visited area schools—including George Mason University and Wilson High School—to observe the ties between academics and athletics first-hand. They also engaged in other activities that emphasized teamwork, respect, conflict resolution and leadership including a ropes course, workshops on youth development, and coaching clinics.
This program supports the U.S. Department of State’s efforts to advance peace; assist people and countries to prevent conflict and create an avenue toward prosperity for youth populations in order to promote growth and a stable democratic government.
