U.S. soccer legend Mia Hamm called for people to remember the social value of soccer at a time when, she said, “many prefer to focus on what separates us,” during an event in Los Angeles celebrating Friday’s World Cup draw.
For Hamm, taking children to a World Cup match is a unique opportunity to teach them how sport can break down barriers.
“The whole experience is what makes it worthwhile,” said Hamm, a two-time World Cup winner with the U.S. women’s national team. She urged families to not only go to the stadium, but also attend activities such as FIFA’s fan festivals.