As the world’s attention shifts to the soccer pitch with the June 12 kickoff of the 2014 FIFA World Cup, the State Department will welcome to the United States 16 youth soccer coaches from around the Middle East on a multi-nation Sports Visitors program.

The men and women soccer coaches from Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, and Yemen will travel to Washington, D.C., June 1-15 for workshops with American coaches, clinics with young athletes, and meetings with U.S. sports professionals. The program will strengthen regional leadership and cooperation, promote dialogue between U.S. and Middle Eastern youth, and allow for discussions on empowering youth through sports.

The participants will connect with organizations that include the Virginia Youth Soccer Association, the Washington Spirit of the National Women's Soccer League, DC United of Major League Soccer, and the team’s charitable arm, United for DC. They will discuss such issues as promoting leadership, conflict resolution, strengthening democratic governance, and enhancing regional peace and security through sports coaching and administration.

To learn more about State Department sports diplomacy within the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, follow the program on Twitter at @SportsDiplomacy. For press inquiries, contact eca-press@state.gov.