Photo by Howard C. Smith, ISI Photos.

With the Holidays hitting full swing and most people preparing to slow down over the closing weeks of the year, Sky Blue FC forward McKenzie Meehan has opted to donate her time and energy to a great philanthropic cause.

“I have two friends who volunteered with Coaches Across Continents in the past, and they both had really great experiences,” noted Meehan. “It was always in the back of my mind, as I thought volunteering with CAC would be a great way to share my passion for soccer, to inspire youth in other communities, and to immerse myself in (or experience) another culture.”

Coaches Across Continents has a mission of using sport as a vehicle to create Self-Directed Learners who can identify, address and solve problems specific to their communities. Inspired by their cause, Meehan recently headed to Indiawith Coaches Across Continents to spend four weeks in four different cities. While she is there, the Rhode Island native will be working with local coaches, leaders and programs as part of a three-year plan to design, develop and implement a curriculum for Education Outside the Classroom. This curriculum aims to empower local leaders to both educate the country’s youth about serious social issues within their communities, and to enable them to find solutions to these problems. Many of these issues include female empowerment, conflict resolution and HIV/AIDS education, among others.

“This cause is especially important to me because it uses the unifying nature of soccer to bring about positive change to so many underprivileged youth,” said Meehan. “I am very blessed to have had so many amazing opportunities through soccer and education, so I am excited to use this opportunity to give back. Many of these children are not offered basic rights to education, health and other fundamentals, so CAC strives to help fill in these gaps.”

While her journey overseas will surely present its share of difficulties, Meehan feels that the overwhelming effects of the work will be very positive in nature.

“I believe that this trip will be a challenging, but very rewarding, experience,” she remarked. “I am excited to work with four different local programs in India, as each will offer its own unique opportunities. I hope to encourage, inspire and support players and coaches throughout India.”

If you would like to contribute to this incredible cause while Meehan and Coaches Across Continents conduct their philanthropic work in India, you can make a donation directly online.

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