Virginia Commonwealth University, in partnership with Goals for Girls sent 25 participants from the U.S. to Nagpur and New Delhi, India to participate in an exchange from December 27, 2017 – January 8, 2018. Former U.S. Women’s National Team player and current Sports Envoy Lori Lindsey also accompanied the group. They had the opportunity to interact with over 250 girls and 50 coaches who attended a multi-day Leadership Summit.

Then, from June 22 – July 5, 2018, Goals for Girls brought 20 Indian youth and coaches to Salt Lake City, Utah for a two week soccer-based program focusing on women’s empowerment and gender equality. The inbound Indian exchange participants were involved in the program that took place in January and through this exchange were able to renew these friendships.

The Indian youth and adults stayed with host families made up of the group of Americans that traveled to India earlier this year. The program in Utah consisted of a three day youth leadership summit, including other non-profit organizations from around Salt Lake City, as well as soccer training and cultural programming in the area. Once again the power of soccer is being utilized to connect cultures, empower women, and develop young leaders!