In this week's edition of 'Five for Friday' we were fortunate to be able to speak with Ethan Zohn, who I have known for over 10 years since back on those van trips with the Cape Cod Crusaders! Since then, Zohn has become famous by winning the reality TV series Survivor, but I'm sure he would much rather be known as a co-founder of Grassroot Soccer. Even in his battle with cancer, Zohn continues to put put his time and energy into improving the lives of children around the world.
Soccer Banter: What is Grassroot Soccer?
Ethan Zohn: Grassroot Soccer is a 501(c)(3) organization that uses the power of soccer to educate, inspire, and mobilize communities in Africa to stop the spread of HIV. Founded by former professional soccer players in 2002, Grassroot Soccer trains African soccer stars, coaches, teachers, and peer educators in the world’s most HIV-affected countries to deliver an interactive HIV prevention and life skills curriculum to youth. Grassroot Soccer is a leader in the sport for development movement and has impacted more than 390,000 graduates...and counting.
SB: This summer in South Africa I was given a red shoelace bracelet from a Grassroots Soccer volunteer, can you explain the initiative of INSPI(RED) Soccer?
EZ: It’s soccer with a purpose. It’s fun, energy, and music. It’s youth around the world fighting for an AIDS Free Generation, where every child is born HIV free and has a chance for a healthy future. It’s the global soccer community coming together to solve one of the world’s most pressing health crises. INSPI(RED) SOCCER is an effort led by volunteers, soccer players, campus organizations, or students, who want to make a difference. All funds raised support INSPI(RED) SOCCER events in Africa, a day of soccer and access to HIV education, testing, and treatment for youth. For every $2,500 raised through tournaments in the US, 100 youth in Africa will participate in a life-changing INSPI(RED) SOCCER event. The Nike (RED) Laces help support this campaign. Lace up and save lives.
SB: After winning Survivor, you have been lucky enough to be involved in soccer in many different ways, what's your best memory involving the game during the past 10 years?
EZ: I love the sport so much it’s hard to pick just one experience. I was lucky enough to work for US Soccer and Phillips Electronics as the inside reporter for the 2002 World Cup in Korea and Japan. That was awesome! I was at training, on team bus, in team hotels, perfect seats at all the games. I even got to play in goal at the end of one training session. As a player, I wasn't good enough to play at this level...and I got a little taste of what it was like...but not really.
Soccer Banter: What is Grassroot Soccer?
Ethan Zohn: Grassroot Soccer is a 501(c)(3) organization that uses the power of soccer to educate, inspire, and mobilize communities in Africa to stop the spread of HIV. Founded by former professional soccer players in 2002, Grassroot Soccer trains African soccer stars, coaches, teachers, and peer educators in the world’s most HIV-affected countries to deliver an interactive HIV prevention and life skills curriculum to youth. Grassroot Soccer is a leader in the sport for development movement and has impacted more than 390,000 graduates...and counting.
SB: This summer in South Africa I was given a red shoelace bracelet from a Grassroots Soccer volunteer, can you explain the initiative of INSPI(RED) Soccer?
EZ: It’s soccer with a purpose. It’s fun, energy, and music. It’s youth around the world fighting for an AIDS Free Generation, where every child is born HIV free and has a chance for a healthy future. It’s the global soccer community coming together to solve one of the world’s most pressing health crises. INSPI(RED) SOCCER is an effort led by volunteers, soccer players, campus organizations, or students, who want to make a difference. All funds raised support INSPI(RED) SOCCER events in Africa, a day of soccer and access to HIV education, testing, and treatment for youth. For every $2,500 raised through tournaments in the US, 100 youth in Africa will participate in a life-changing INSPI(RED) SOCCER event. The Nike (RED) Laces help support this campaign. Lace up and save lives.
SB: After winning Survivor, you have been lucky enough to be involved in soccer in many different ways, what's your best memory involving the game during the past 10 years?
EZ: I love the sport so much it’s hard to pick just one experience. I was lucky enough to work for US Soccer and Phillips Electronics as the inside reporter for the 2002 World Cup in Korea and Japan. That was awesome! I was at training, on team bus, in team hotels, perfect seats at all the games. I even got to play in goal at the end of one training session. As a player, I wasn't good enough to play at this level...and I got a little taste of what it was like...but not really.
Most recently, I wrote and published three children’s books all based on soccer. Soccer World South Africa, Soccer World Mexico and Soccer World Spain. Explore the World Through Soccer. Journeying around the globe, this book explores the culture through the world’s most popular sport: soccer. Activities generated from each chapter include learning a phrase in each language, making a sand-drip sand castle to understand the concept of surface tension, and creating a time capsule unique to a family's culture and era. Readers will also have the opportunity to research a real project through which they can give back and make a difference in this fascinating country.
SB: During your playing career who was the best player you played against?
EZ: In 1997 I played for the US National Maccabiah Team that traveled to Israel to play in the Maccabiah Games. Before we left, we played against the MetroStars and I was able to play with Roberto Donadoni.
SB: What advice would you give a young player that is just starting out in soccer but has dreams of becoming a professional?
EZ: Learn all aspects of the game. Play in each position at least once, watch soccer on TV, and do not get burned out. The best players often play other with other sports...basketball, track, lacrosse, yoga, tennis. Keep soccer fun and fresh.
SB: During your playing career who was the best player you played against?
EZ: In 1997 I played for the US National Maccabiah Team that traveled to Israel to play in the Maccabiah Games. Before we left, we played against the MetroStars and I was able to play with Roberto Donadoni.
SB: What advice would you give a young player that is just starting out in soccer but has dreams of becoming a professional?
EZ: Learn all aspects of the game. Play in each position at least once, watch soccer on TV, and do not get burned out. The best players often play other with other sports...basketball, track, lacrosse, yoga, tennis. Keep soccer fun and fresh.
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