Hello, I am former U.S. Men's National team player Cobi Jones, and I join my fellow Sports Envoys and youth participants around the world in celebrating the power of soccer at the 2014 World Cup.

 

Soccer unites, soccer empowers, and soccer inspires.

 

I have seen first-hand that on the soccer pitch, youth can learn to live together peacefully and discover common values. 

 

Through exchange programs held in more than 100 countries, the State Department has sent soccer players to work with youth in all corners of the globe. SportsUnited has also hosted close to 300 youth soccer players in the U.S. where we've built relationships based on a common passion for sports.

 

It is in this spirit that we wish all athletes good luck as they compete in the 2014 World Cup.