Power & Policies

“The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any.”

– Alice Walker

Key Coaching Points

1

We must each recognize the ways in which we have power, and the ways in which we lack power

2

We are more powerful in groups working collectively than as individuals

3

We must ensure that people in positions of power are good representatives of those they serve, and are held accountable by transparent systems and advocacy

Stories from the Field

Power and Policies

In this challenge, players will draw on real-life examples from the soccer world to engage in meaningful discussion about the way power and policies create inequity in soccer

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Educate

Power Structure Ecosystem

In this activity, players will each read through an interactive presentation at home before having a team debrief at the following practice

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Exchange

Finding Your Power

In this activity, teams will explore the concept of power and its ability to impact different environments through a possession drill where certain teams are given powers that give them an advantage

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Exchange

Who Makes the Rules?

Using a small-sided scrimmage, teams will examine the dynamics between those in power and the rules they make and reflect on how those decisions impact all of us

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Exchange

Accountability for You and Me

This challenge helps to create, codify, and uphold accountability measures within your team, club, and community

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Activate

Challenging the Structures

In this challenge, players will have an opportunity to feel empowered and advocate for their team during a practice or game

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Stories from the Field

Kneeling Ban Lifted

US Soccer Kneeling During Anthem

  1. Why was it so important to give this decision back to the athlete?
  2. How does the perspective and outburst of Seth Jahn hurt future progress?
  3. What does it mean to be ‘past the protesting stage?’ And what comes next?
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USL: United Against Racism

United Against Racism

  1. What stands out to you about the approach the USL is taking in its United Against Racism efforts?
  2. How do an organization’s (or team’s) rules and policies impact culture?
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Whitfield’s Pragmatic Utopianism

An Open Letter from Fire Vice President of Equity, Alumni Relations, and Engagement Evan Whitfield

  1. Why is it so important for professional teams to have people like Evan Whitfield in positions of power?
  2. Whitfield writes that he hopes to merge his “utopian desire with a pragmatic approach”. What does he mean by that statement?

 

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