Back

The Soccer-Shoe Country
By Benny Hakak*

One of the challenges that life away from Brazil imposes is passing on our Brazilian roots to the next generation.

Even in Canada, where “Multiculturalism” is often discussed and encouraged by the media and the government, Brazilians – many of them recently arrived – still look for a way of passing on their cultural identity, facing the same challenges that groups that have been here longer, such as Italians, Indians and Portuguese, have faced.

Most young Canadians, mainly in the big urban centres, have at the tip of their tongues a description of their family heritage. Furthermore, they carry within them the cultural wealth that was inherited from past generations, each with the characteristics and peculiarities of their people or countries of origin. However, to preserve a culture, it is necessary to embrace certain practical elements so that the following generations will maintain strong links to their parents’ land.

The Soccer-Shoe Country

Soccer is without a doubt one of the prime elements of our national identity. The relationship between Brazilians and the soccer ball is an unmistakable love affair and this can be noticed in a number of ways. Brazilian soccer is recognized worldwide, not only for its international achievements, but also for the unique talent of its players. And it is not an overstatement to say that the Brazilian National Team is the most admired soccer team in the world.

Soccer in Brazil starts in the crib, when the proud father gives his son the first jersey of the team of his heart. Every boy has his ball, plays ball, and dreams of being a professional player. Either in the city or in the country, in the Amazon Rainforest or in Rio de Janeiro, finding someone playing soccer is an easy task in Brazil. But for those of us who cannot take our kids to a big game at the Maracanã Stadium, how is it possible to preserve that passion?

Soccer Schools n Canada

One of the good options for those who wish to see their sons or daughters cheering on the Brazilian National Team is to get them involved in actually playing the game, a fun and healthy sport, which also stimulates teamwork. In the Greater Toronto Area, where a high concentration of people involved with soccer can be found, there are many opportunities for aspiring young soccer stars. Some of the available options, selected by the Brazilian Wave team, are listed below.

Manchester United Soccer Schools (MUSS)
Website: www.muss.ca
Telephone: 905-847-3649

With activities in Oakville and Mississauga since the beginning of 2007, the Canadian soccer school branch of England’s wealthiest soccer team has courses virtually all year round, for boys and girls ages 6 to 18, from a beginners to an advanced level. The program – the same implemented at the team’s headquarters in Manchester – teaches and improves fundamentals such as short passing, dribbling, defence, shooting and ball control. The MUSS program also uses soccer as a way of transmitting important life concepts such as self-esteem, teamwork, self-confidence, leadership and positive attitudes. All of this is coordinated by Coaching Director Robin van der Laan, a former English Premier League professional player. The package includes a kit with a uniform and other Nike products, and students have the opportunity of winning a trip to visit the team’s training complex in the United Kingdom

Manchester United Soccer Schools (MUSS)
Website: www.muss.ca
Telephone: 905-847-3649

With activities in Oakville and Mississauga since the beginning of 2007, the Canadian soccer school branch of England’s wealthiest soccer team has courses virtually all year round, for boys and girls ages 6 to 18, from a beginners to an advanced level. The program – the same implemented at the team’s headquarters in Manchester – teaches and improves fundamentals such as short passing, dribbling, defence, shooting and ball control. The MUSS program also uses soccer as a way of transmitting important life concepts such as self-esteem, teamwork, self-confidence, leadership and positive attitudes. All of this is coordinated by Coaching Director Robin van der Laan, a former English Premier League professional player. The package includes a kit with a uniform and other Nike products, and students have the opportunity of winning a trip to visit the team’s training complex in the United Kingdom

Manchester United Soccer Schools (MUSS)
Website: www.muss.ca
Telephone: 905-847-3649

With activities in Oakville and Mississauga since the beginning of 2007, the Canadian soccer school branch of England’s wealthiest soccer team has courses virtually all year round, for boys and girls ages 6 to 18, from a beginners to an advanced level. The program – the same implemented at the team’s headquarters in Manchester – teaches and improves fundamentals such as short passing, dribbling, defence, shooting and ball control. The MUSS program also uses soccer as a way of transmitting important life concepts such as self-esteem, teamwork, self-confidence, leadership and positive attitudes. All of this is coordinated by Coaching Director Robin van der Laan, a former English Premier League professional player. The package includes a kit with a uniform and other Nike products, and students have the opportunity of winning a trip to visit the team’s training complex in the United Kingdom

Pro Soccer is Back

Toronto FC opens the 2008 Major League Soccer (MLS) season on March, 29th, playing the Columbus Crew in the United States. The home opener at BMO Field, TFC’s stadium at Exhibition Place, is scheduled for Saturday, April 19th, playing the Real Salt Lake. More information is available at http://www.torontofc.ca

Check out more soccer options in the greater Toronto area

AC Milan Soccer School
www.thesocceracademyforchampions.com

Play Soccer: www.playsoccer.ca

Soccer Academy Alliance Canada
www.academysoccer.ca

Power Soccer: www.powersoccer.ca

Toronto FC Academy
www.toronto.fc.mlsnet.com/t280/youth/academy

Readers are invited to send opinion about this article to editor@brazilianist.com

Back