The world has been preoccupied with health-related issues for a long time, but while the situation seems bleak, humanity prevails, as is proven by a few acts of kindness that took place in the soccer world.
COVID-19, also known as the Coronavirus, has been wreaking havoc all over the world in recent months. By the middle of March 2020, it has affected millions of people in 170 countries and territories.
With more than 212,800 cases of infection and millions of people under quarantine or instructed to practice social distancing, the situation affected practically every market and industry.
The retail industry, online casino market, and of course – the soccer world – have all been influenced by the virus in one way or another. But while in most cases, the changes in those fields have been for the worst, some positive soccer-related incidents manage to keep the morale higher than anticipated.
Related: Premier League Suspended Until April 4 Over Coronavirus Outbreak
Soccer Trainers Keep Kids Active
March is usually a very busy month for women’s soccer in the US. However, under the current circumstances, all activities came to a halt – including youth sports.
Will Gould, the Director of Coaching for the Old Bridge Girls Soccer League, couldn’t stand the thought of all these soccer-loving girls staying at home, not being able to enjoy the sport they adore. Alongside Mike Turtle, the owner of Soccer Specific Training, he decided to offer free online practices to keep the kids occupied.
According to Gould, the kids perceive soccer as a social activity and an outlet for stress, and virtual training sessions can provide them with those things till they are be able to get back on the field.
To participate in those practices, kids only need a soccer ball, four cones, and an electronic device that will allow them to follow the session live on Facebook or Instagram. Both coaches plan to host at least two practice sessions a week, planning on adding more sessions if kids show interest.
Their goal is to keep the kids in shape, provide them with something to do as they are stuck at home, and allow them to get rid of some energy at those uneasy times.
Famous Soccer Player Raises Money to Fight Coronavirus
In recent weeks, it has been discovered that more than 15 professional soccer players have been tested positive for COVID-19. That includes soccer pros playing for Valencia, Juventus, and more.
There is no doubt the soccer world is feeling the impact of the highly contagious virus, which is probably why one soccer player decided to take matters into his own hands. Zlatan Ibrahimović, Swedish soccer player and a striker for A.C Milan, has started a GoFundMe campaign to raise money for Italy’s fight against the virus.
The professional player addressed his fans and other players via Instagram and asked them to contribute as much as they can. The money will go to the Humanitas Hospital in the northern part of the country, which is the region that has been the most affected by COVID-19.
Zlatan himself donated generous sums of money to the cause, but his fans managed to surpass him. As it turned out, an hour after his post went public, the fund managed to raise €109,652. He finished his post by saying: “…and remember: if the virus doesn’t go to Zlatan, Zlatan goes to the virus”. And it seems his words managed to leave quite an impact!
In Conclusion
As the world is going through some strenuous times, sport manages to bring people together in unexpected and wonderful ways. Soccer fans all over the world pray soccer matches will resume soon, but in the meantime, they look for original ways to stay connected to the sport and the soccer community.
