World Cup Hero Briana Scurry and AllState Conduct a Soccer Clinic in the Bronx

On Friday, June 3, former USWNT goalkeeper and Women's World Cup champion Briana Scurry and U.S. Soccer sponsor AllState made a surprise visit in the Bronx to conduct an unannounced soccer clinic for South Bronx United's girls' team.

Across from Yankee Stadium, this monumental soccer clinic took place at the Macombs Dam Park and was an experience anyone present will never forget. Not only were the girls enthusiastically involved in the soccer clinic, they made the most of coaching clinic as well as their opportunity to kick the ball past the legendary goalkeeper.

Observing Scurry's interaction with the girls demonstrated that even though she's retired from competition, the fire is still there. However, what was more captivating was how easy-going she was with the team. She's a natural coach and she kept everyone active and involved.

With the Bronx being one of the poorest communities in the United States, Scurry's presence was an invaluable soccer experience not only for the girls but also for the staff, who were all volunteers. It's really a testament of the dedication each child, volunteer and parents have made in making South Bronx United a continuing success.

Based in the Bronx, N.Y., South Bronx United Soccer Club’s mission is to use soccer as a vehicle for social change while helping youth build character, teamwork and leadership skills.

South Bronx United soccer programs promote educational achievement, health and wellness and character development, while also training youth to develop soccer and athletic skills appropriate to their ages, abilities and interests. The program recently unveiled it’s first girls' team featuring girls ages 14 to 17.

Following the soccer clinic, each member of the South Bronx United girls' team was presented a soccer kit and tickets to Sunday's women's match between the United States and Mexico. All of this was made possible through the generous donation of AllState.

In addition to the surprise soccer clinic, Scurry is in town because she'll be supporting the U.S. Women's National Team's World Cup send-off match against Mexico on Sunday, June 5 at Red Bull Arena at 2PM, ET. In addition, she'll be signing autographs that day at Red Bull Arena, Gate B at the AllState Fan Zone from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm.

Fans in attendance will have the opportunity meet Briana Scurry and sign a special flag that will be given to the USWNT after the game as a special send-off gift leading up to the 2011 Women’s World Cup.

Initially, I was asked if I was willing to conduct a phone interview with Briana Scurry. Once I was informed that she was hosting a soccer clinic, I easily chose the latter. I did meet Scurry and we talked for a few minutes. I'll be honest—I didn't really ask any questions. If anything, I told her that she may be the only American World Cup winner that I'll ever meet. 

While getting an interview would have been the easier assignment, I believe the bigger story was Scurry coming to the South Bronx and making the South Bronx United Girls' Team smile. In addition to Briana's contribution, it was fantastic seeing how the generosity of both AllState and the volunteers of South Bronx United provided some hope in the Boogie Down Bronx.

For more information on AllState: http://www.allstate.com/

Cesar Diaz covers Soccer for LatinoSports.com. He also writes for 5 Points Press & USSoccerPlayers.com ; your source for American Soccer news brought to you by members of the U.S. National Team. Easily accessible, you may reach Cesar at [e-mail] and at Twitter at @CoveringSoccer.