America's Newest Soccer Ambassador President Clinton Honored

"America's Newest Soccer Ambassador - President Clinton Honored in Harlem"

U.S. Soccer Federation President Sunil Gulati named former U.S. President Bill Clinton the Honorary Chairman of  the USA Bid Committee, the official committee focusing on bringing the World Cup back to the States in 2018 or 2022.  Gulati made the announcement in Harlem, New York at the home of youth soccer club F.C. Harlem.
A host of political and soccer dignitaries, from Congressman Charles Rangel to MLS Commissioner Don Garber, were on hand for the occasion.  Prior to the press conference, three of New York Red Bull’s finest, Juan Pablo Ángel, Chris Albright and Seth Stammler took part in a soccer clinic with the kids.

In his introduction, Gulati said the following of President Clinton:

We now need to convince [FIFA] about the American spirit; that we want and will be hospitable, that we will openly welcome the world.  I can think of no person better to help us do that than President Clinton.

I think we can all agree on that.  Upon accepting the honor, President Clinton said that it was fitting that the announcement was made in Harlem in close proximity to his office as he was the first sitting U.S. President to watch a World Cup game on home soil, a tournament that he believes was ultimately responsible for the day’s backdrop.  According to Clinton:

That World Cup realized a surplus of $50 million. It allowed for the creation of MLS Works and the U.S. Soccer Foundation, organizations that spearheaded the development of playing fields like the one we are standing on now.  Increasing the opportunity for people all over our country to experience the world’s game, soccer.

President Clinton went on to praise FIFA as a standard bearer in using sport as a tool for bringing about positive social environmental change.  The U.S. bid he said “has embraced those principles and is focusing on ways to use the world’s largest sporting event as a platform for promotion.  We’ll have a chance to do even more in 2018 or 2022, to create new opportunities for growth in the sport and enhance the quality of life in our country off the field.”
The Bid Committee’s slogan “The Game Is In US” was plastered around the field on several banners and used by the former President to highlight the nation’s multiculturalism and diversity, which he believes would provide a ready-made fan base for every potential World Cup team in 2018 or 2022. Read More