I would like to put things in better perspective regarding recent soccer developments in Taiwan ("Government taps Paraguayans to build soccer stars," June 6, page 2).
The truth is that outside the "official" governing body for soccer in Taiwan, this sport has been growing very fast for the last few years. Regular coaching sessions for children have been developed, with more young Taiwanese coaches getting involved; numerous soccer clubs have been created; leagues have been established for kids and adults; summer camps and tournaments are flourishing; and professional coaches from Belgium and England have come here to display their know-how and to boost young players and local coaches.
These initiatives have come about and will increase in number in the near future because there is a real demand from Taiwanese to play soccer.
There is enough genuine quality in Taiwan to bring Taiwanese soccer up to around 100th place in the FIFA world rankings in a short period of time. It just takes determination, self-confidence and an objective regard for all soccer activities, including those of the expatriate community, which has a lot to bring to Taiwanese soccer.
This is, of course, a more difficult task than simply organizing a three-day coaching course.
David Camhi
Taipei
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