Brandi Chastain talks about girls and sports (and not the bra)
I met Brandi Chastain on the plane on my way to BlogHer11. At the time, I didn’t know she was possibly the most well-known women’s footballer in the world, and that upon kicking the winning goal for the US Team in the 1999 World Cup, she ripped off her shirt in exaltation. (Hey, she was wearing a sports bra, which covers a lot more than many bikini tops I’ve seen).
We struck up a great conversation about girls and sports and the differences in perception in the US and UK. When she heard my daughter had stopped playing football because “it’s for boys” she invited us to join her on the football pitch.
What stands out about Brandi is her dedication and enthusiasm and support for girls. Her new venture, Reach Up! is all about helping young girls reach their full potential. Watch the video below, and you’ll see what I mean.
After kicking the ball around with Brandi, all three of mine have vowed to take up football again. Thanks Brandi, you are a true inspiration (and I’ll think of you on those freezing December morning practices.)
Diana | 30th Aug 11
Just found you from Jody’s blog “About Last Weekend” Love your blog! Thats so wonderful that she came by to kick around the ball with your daughters!
Jody Brettkelly | 23rd Aug 11
What a very cool woman, love everything about her. Including her awesome abs!!!Have to say here (CA, US) , girls are totally into soccer, so much so that many pull out at age 13 injured, exhausted and done. I’m trying to keep Tallulah low key but very hard to do with two practices a week and games 40 mins away. (Everything here is so over-the-top…)
Geekymummy | 22nd Aug 11
How cool that your kids got to meet her. She’s like beckham or Gary Lineaker, such a great ambassador for her sport. And I loved that she took off her shirt that time, showing girls what an athletic woman’s body looks like.
Alexander Residence | 19th Aug 11
Wow, what an inspiring woman, you chose the right seat on the plane!
ian | 14th Aug 11
50 Good rules for parenting
http://turneroftaunton.com/?p=5452&preview=true
Expat Mum | 14th Aug 11
It’s such a shame about soccer/football. When I first came to the States I was surprised that it’s more of a little girls’ game here (or at least it was before there were any decent teams). They play it into their teams, and then it all more of less peters out – because there’s no money in it. And because there is little money, the boys aren’t interested on a professional level. Sort of vicious cycle really.