Two expats kicks off int'l girls-only soccer program

By John Redmond

Two expats have launched an international girls-only soccer program, "Pride Girls Soccer," at Incheon Free Economic Zone (IFEZ) in Songdo, west of Seoul.

Donovan Loomis and John Starling said they started the program early this year to help make a difference in leveling the playing field in Korea for young girls, aged eight to 12, who want to participate in organized team sports.

Loomis and Starling, who are from the United States and have experience in forming and operating youth programs for under-served populations, have set their sights on girls' soccer in Korea.

"Korea has come a long way, especially recently, regarding gender equality ― and of course there's still work to be done, not just here but everywhere ― in my country too," said Loomis, who has lived in Korea for nearly a decade and received a master's degree in education from Sungkyunkwan University in Seoul.

"I have lived here in Korea for a long time and I'm committed to making a difference in the lives of Korea's young people," he added.

Starling added that sport is vital to providing life lessons, and that many U.S. female CEOs played sports as children.

"I'm very lucky that my daughter goes to Chadwick International, where they have a great girls' soccer program ― but every young girl deserves the opportunity to play soccer and get the life lessons it offers," said Starling, who besides having coached youth soccer for many years is a business consultant and CEO adviser.

"In my country 82 percent of female CEOs played organized sports growing up. Girls in Korea need the competitive advantage that organized sport provides."

The spring season is five consecutive Saturdays and began on April 16.

For more information on venues, schedule and registration, visit www.pridegirlssoccer.com.

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