Including trips to Europe. It is a conversation piece. It attracts attention.

People in Europe ask, "what is your conection with soccer?" I explain that I am a high school coach. As I have white hair and am rapidly approaching the tender age of seventy, they want to know more. Am I really a coach? Do I know anything about soccer? Do I know some of the famous players? Editors note: Alan's' picture with Pele graced the National Soccer Coaches Association -AGM edition of their 'Soccer Journal' magazine in 1998. Do I know some of the famous teams? What did I think of the World Cup?

Now we are friends. And I can ask them important questions. Where is there a good restaurants around here? Where can I buy bottled water? Where is the nearest public transportation?

And we talk some more about soccer. Every time I enter the hotel I am greeted like an old friend. More conversation and more information. An exchange. In Prague I asked where I could by a Sparta Prague shirt for my grandson. "Ah, you know of Sparta Prague?" Yes, my Dutch coaching friend was trained by the coach of Sparta Prague.

Now we are really old friends.

The language of soccer opens doors for me and give me friends that I would not have otherwise. It is a passport to the world. It is available to all who have an interest in soccer. Soccer gives us a passport to the world and the language that the world speaks. but most of all it gives us the key to friendship. Anywhere. That is the key to successful experiences anywhere in the world. The language of soccer.

All you need is a little pin or some other sign that shows that you understand the language of soccer. But make sure that you know the names of a few teams and players. Drop a few names and reap the harvest. Learn to speak the language of soccer.