Identity & Perspectives

“Until we are all free, we are none of us free”

– Emma Lazarus

Key Coaching Points

1

Our identities are complex and shaped by what we see – and don’t see – in our everyday lives

2

We all have biases; we must work to understand how stereotypes influence our perceptions of and interactions with others

3

To build inclusive teams and communities, we must practice empathy and connect with people who have identities different from our own

Challenges

Stories from the Field:

Identity & Perspectives

In this challenge, players will draw on real-life examples from the soccer world to engage in meaningful discussion about the way our identity and perspectives influence the way we interact with the world around us

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Educate:

What’s In a Stereotype?

This activity aims to understand how we fill in words and phrases in ways that unconsciously reinforce deeply entrenched societal norms and beliefs.

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Exchange:

Walking With Our Identities

In this activity you will ask players to reflect on and discuss, in small groups and with their whole team, different components of their identity

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Exchange:

Starting XI

In this challenge, players will reflect on the biggest and most impactful influences they have in their lives by creating their own “Starting XI”

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Exchange:

In a Teammate’s Shoes

In this challenge, players will experience the soccer field from a new perspective by taking on a new role or position on the field

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Activate:

Code-Switching

In this challenge, players will use individual and group reflections about different game day experiences to understand, discuss, and reflect on code-switching

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Stories from the Field

Crystal Dunn’s Journey

What’s Soccer Pro Crystal Dunn’s Next Chapter? Fighting For The Recognition She Deserves

  1. Based on either version of Crystal Dunn’s story, what stands out to you about race and representation on the US Women’s National Team?
  2. What does Dunn’s story tell us about the branding and marketing of Women’s soccer in the US?
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DaMarcus Beasley

DaMarcus Beasley: How a Fort Wayne kid broke barriers and reached soccer’s peak

  1. Why did DaMarcus Beasley have such a positive experience at the Chicago Fire?
  2. How does Beasley characterize the differences between his generation of black professional soccer players and today’s generation?
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Racial Bias in English Soccer Commentary

Groundbreaking report reveals racial bias in English football commentary

  1. According to this story, how has race factored into how professional soccer players are characterized by soccer commentators?
  2. Are you surprised by the evidence put forward in this story? What does this story tell us about the power of stereotypes and biases?
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