JMRL is proud to host a screening of The World at Their Feet-The Legendary Story of the U.S. Women’s Soccer Team this Thursday evening May 27th at 7pm in the McIntire Room at the Central Branch. The film is the latest installment in JMRL’s ongoing Documentary Film Series.
One of the things I’ve loved about living in Charlottesville is how prevalent the game of soccer (football in the rest of the world) is. Whether it be the passionate following the decorated UVA soccer program (women’s and men’s) commands, the men’s recent championship can be viewed as emblematic of the rich soccer tradition of the ACC in general, or the flourishing Soccer Organization of Albemarle County (SOCA) which fields competitive and recreational leagues for men and women of all ages, the beautiful game certainly thrives here in C-ville.
I myself even stumbled and bumbled through a few extremely fun seasons in SOCA’s adult rec. league (Go Orange!). An experience I value as much as any I’ve had during my time in Virginia.
The World at Their Feet chronicles the story of 1999 FIFA World Cup winning U.S. Women’s team. The pivotal impact this team’s victory has exerted on female athletics in the United States cannot be overstated. Mia Hamm and Brandi Chastain have become influential and iconic figures in the pantheon of the United States athletics, inspiring countless young women to follow to in their footsteps. Washington Post columnist Michael Wilbon referred to Mia Hamm as “perhaps the most important athlete of the past 15 years.”
An additional reason to come and watch this exciting film (as if you needed one) is that UVA’s Women’s Soccer Coach Steve Swanson will be in attendance to add his unique perspective, and context as a veteran, successful NCAA women’s soccer coach, on the legacy of the 1999 World Cup winning team. JMRL is honored to have Mr. Swanson as a guest for this event.
So as the men gear up for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, come and relive (or experience for the first time) the enthralling triumph of the U.S. Women.
-DJS