If you are one of those people who want to know about the Author of Global Soccer Peace, then you must first realize that he is not the creator of the game. No, this man is a soccer player that played on several teams in the past and he is now a coach at the helm of the game's governing body - FIFA.
I have been to Qatar repeatedly, and I have spent a great deal of time in and throughout the Middle East. I have found almost every one of those cultures to be truly hospitable, kind, and most welcoming—even if my religious beliefs are different. There… Read More »Let us Respect Qatar, and Let us be Mindful of the Host Country during FIFA 2022
It’s hard to put the sentiment into words properly, but something very special happens when people who are financially challenged invite you for a meal at their home. And so, it happened on our most recent humanitarian soccer mission to Marrakech, Morocco. After conducting and… Read More »A Most Heart-Warming Sensation along with a Narrative from Marrakech
Mercy, Compassion, Fun & Hard Work: All Part of an Important Equation Look to Fernando Clavijo for Advice And: From Michael Jordan to Tom Brady and Beyond I have been playing and coaching sports for a very long time: from college and semi-pro soccer,… Read More »For Younger Athletes, Keep in Mind the Late Bloomer
When People of All Walks of Life Come together to Serve as One Having just returned from our humanitarian soccer mission in Morocco, I began to sift through my memory bank. I couldn’t help but to think of all the wonderful blessings that emerged… Read More »Soccer Diplomacy and the Privilege of Giving
Shined and Not Shined, Some and None The Pope, Simple Shoes, and Football Boots By Antonio John Soave June 21, 2022 While growing up, I heard a lot about a man’s shoes. Being born in 1964, there were still a lot of social norms… Read More »Learning a Lot from a Man’s Shoes: Humility, Soccer & More
So, why are sports so effective in diplomatic efforts? Because sports tend to warm the heart and sooth the soul. For the most part, sports create good feelings when we watch and play them, so long as we do not allow the negative and more… Read More »Sports Diplomacy: Like Chicken Soup for the Soul
While I was coaching college soccer not that long ago, I had some very talented players on the team. Our best player—one who had trained at the pro level—had incomparable skill and ability, though. He stood out among some great collegiate talent; he was clearly… Read More »The Disgrace of Diving is Ruining the Beautiful Sport of Soccer
Using Sports Diplomacy, Art and Culture to Bridge the Gap between the U.S. and China Are Better Relations Possible between East and West in the Midst of COVID? Source: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/crouching_tiger_hidden_dragon Like many, I remember the beautiful, action-packed motion picture from 2000/2001 that was directed by… Read More »Crouching Tiger, Hidden Virus
I have been in the field of international sports diplomacy for well over three decades now. I have assisted in bringing these sports diplomacy programs to some of the most conflict-ridden areas of the world—from Damascus to Jerusalem to Amman and beyond. What I have… Read More »Countering Violence, Extremism, Terrorism and Radicalization in the Middle East and Beyond … Using Sports as an Important Tool for Diplomacy
In a world full of strife, conflict and indecision, in an environment laden with fear and ambivalence, it is important to understand the impact of youth sports on our communities around the world. Our youth need encouragement, guidance, and direction, not to mention role models… Read More »The Importance of Sports in a World of Upheaval