How Claire Winter Seized ‘limited’ Opportunities in Women’s Professional Soccer

One of the most famous sports that people love to watch is soccer. However, ladies who play it well, are oftentimes left out not having their skills and potential noticed in a fast-paced game wherein men pretty much dominate.

Claire Winter is not spared from this even though she was one of the star players at the Women’s Soccer Team of the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) where they were awarded 2013 NCAA Champions during her freshmen year and 2017 NCAA Runner-Up during her reign as Co-Captain.

She admitted during the 29th episode of The Globally Ballin Podcast that opportunities for women’s professional soccer are not promoted enough unlike with the men’s division; that’s why agents are vital if a female athlete wants to pursue playing the sport professionally.

“There are so many talented women soccer players that don’t get opportunities because of the limited teams, [as compared to] the men’s,” she said.

She added that it was only during winning games in the World Cup where the women’s team reached its peak but that lasted for only a few months.

“I think that’s the problem we need to fix – we have to keep it in the upward momentum.”

Claire emphasized the importance of agents because, after her successful stint at UCLA, she wasn’t drafted in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) but still ended up playing at Tovo Academy in Barcelona, Spain.

“While I was in Spain, I had no agent and got taken advantage of especially I don’t speak Spanish...so I suggest you get an agent based on [the] country [you want to play in] that has connections.”

Earlier in 2019, UCLA Assistant Coach Jenny Bindon gave Claire a breakthrough email saying that a club in Puerto Rico is looking for new players.

With her burning passion for soccer, she jumped right into it and eventually made it in Puerto Rico Sol Football Club based in Mayaguez where she played as a midfielder.

“I started off the season [and during] my first game, I scored a hat-trick [which] was probably my first hat-trick since around high school,” she told Globally Ballin.

In any sport, Claire said that it’s important to know someone who has an opportunity or at least ask someone about it because it’s hard to find those opportunities on your own.

“The only reason I’m here is because of my assistant coach from UCLA and I made the call.”

“Being your own advocate, being proactive, and if this is what you really wanted to do, there’s no one stopping you – you just have to find the right opportunity,” she added.

Despite having a successful soccer journey in Puerto Rico, Claire’s end-goal is still to play in the NWSL as it is the toughest league for her in terms of competition where they have top teams from every country with which to play against.

This piece was written by Carla Molina, a common contributor for Globally Ballin

From Favorite Movie to National Icon: Kayla Franchesca’s Story

Who would think that watching films could be your stepping stone into being an icon for your nation?

Kayla Franchesca proves that everything is possible as long as you have the heart and dedication in what you’re doing.

Kayla is a 25-year-old semi-professional left-wing ice hockey player based in Australia playing in the

Sydney Women’s League and was included in the New South Wales Bombers.

She was awarded “Best Player Overall” for Team Philippines in the 2019 International Ice Hockey

Federation Women’s Challenge Cup where they won gold.

As a tropical country, ice hockey is foreign in the Philippines. In the midst of this, Kayla has been one of the pioneers of the women’s national team as the sport gradually becomes more and more well-known within the boarders of the Philippines.

“It has developed really well and I’m hoping it gets even bigger and that’s where we’re working

towards,” she stated in the 29th episode of The Globally Ballin Podcast.

Her interest sparked after watching “The Mighty Ducks,” an American sports comedy-drama film about a youth league hockey team where she was fascinated with the character Connie Moreau.

She immediately started to learn ice skating, then her uncle who came from Vancouver, initially trained her on everything related to ice hockey that he could.

At age 16, Kayla debuted in playing competitive hockey under the men’s category of Manila Ice Hockey League, the country’s first-ever league which was held in a skating rink inside SM Mall of Asia – one of the largest malls in the Philippines.

Going to Australia was initially just for work purposes and staying for good was not Kayla’s initial plan until she realized how good hockey was there and how this could have a future effect in her home country.

“It’s really developed hockey – I’ve met a lot of coaches, good players, and it’s really helping my skills,” she said in the episode with Globally Ballin.

“We learn a lot of skills definitely open for sharing...and it’s good because at the same time, we get to

contribute what we learn overseas over to the Philippines,” she added.

The future of ice hockey in the Philippines is looking good in her eyes and she is positive that it will,

eventually, be recognized as a professional sport.

“We have to keep women in playing the sport. It’s going to take a while but is not impossible especially with the [Philippine] government helping them.

The Philippine Ice Hockey Federation, together with the government, leads a weekend event called

“Stick and Puck,” wherein they offer lower cost of gear and equipment to engage more people in playing the sport.

Kayla recently founded The Athletes Podium, a community and platform for athletes to share stories and inspire others. She was supposed to come to the Philippines for the Women’s Challenge Cup of Asia last February but was postponed due to the recent COVID-19 

Diaz Hopes for Philippines’ First-Ever Olympics Gold

Diaz Hopes for Philippines’ First-Ever Olympics Gold

By Carla Molina

4 years after being hailed as the first Filipino to earn a podium finish in the Olympics earning a silver medal, weightlifting star Hidilyn Diaz is now on a mission to snatch the country’s first-ever gold in the world’s foremost sports competition despite issues and pressures.

Instagram @hidilyndiaz 12/19/19

In May 2019, Diaz was claimed to be included in a plot in undermining the rule of current Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, in which she denied saying that she has been busy sacrificing and doing her best to represent the country.

A month after, she took to social media her plea for financial support in the process of her journey towards Tokyo 2020, which was then fulfilled by Phoenix Petroleum Services giving her a P2 million sponsorship.

“I need help from sports specialists for recovery because it’s hard to maintain and sustain (yourself) to be in the top level,” the 29-year-old sports icon stated in the Episode 9 of The Globally Ballin Podcast on Spotify.

Instagram @hidilyndiaz 5/1/20

“It’s different when you’re going into the Olympics...to [claim the] gold medal, you need to get a lot of funding and lot of good people that will bring you towards that goal,” she added.

Diaz shone to the spotlight after her 2016 RIO Olympics stint where she earned a silver medal – the first Olympic medal of the Philippines.

“I only expected to win Bronze 6 to 8 months before the Olympics, but [China’s representative] was not able to complete the clean-and-jerk.”

However, the quest for the Philippines’ first-ever Olympic gold medal is still on and almost everyone has been clinging on to Diaz for it.

“To win gold medal, it’s a really big thing – like wanting to reach the impossible, [but] I’m still positive in my training and the result of my competition,” she said.

On another note, Diaz reveals her plan after her competition in the Olympics that includes her ultimate dream which is to get a college diploma and potentially pursue business as she is under the Business Management program.

She has been balancing school with everyday weightlifting training, but is currently on a leave of absence to make way for the intense Olympic preparation.

Hidilyn Diaz surely carries a lot on her shoulders and not just barbells while everyone is rooting for her exemplary performance in rewriting the Philippine’s history in sports.

“One thing I know is that if I win (gold), I won’t credit that [to] myself, but to the people surrounding me – my core team, family, friends, government (for the funding), the Filipino people, and of course God.”

Diaz is currently in Malaysia together with her core team, Team HD, continuously training amid the lockdown caused by the recent COVID-19 pandemic.

Soccer in Indonesia: An interview with Ante Bakmaz

*Globally Ballin is based in the United States, because of that the writers often use the word "soccer." Keep in mind the writer understand that "soccer" is not a global term, but it is the term that will be used in this article*

I'll be honest with all of you, I am quite the novice when it comes to soccer opportunities around the world. If I were to tell you the best places to play soccer, I would say "Europe...ish" and then get quiet. However, the spirit of Globally Ballin is to look at sporting opportunities around the world, the likes of which, you hopefully are unfamiliar. So, today, let's look at soccer, but in a new place (for some of you), Indonesia.

That brings us to the spotlight of our article, Ante Bakmaz. Bakmaz is an Australian-born soccer player now playing professional soccer in Indonesia. However, the journey of Bakmaz does not begin in Indonesia, instead, he had a few stops around the world.

Bakmaz's journey began back when he was six and got to watch his cousin compete in the World Cup with the Croatian squad. From then on, Bakmaz knew that was what his life was to become. The dream continued on for Bakmaz as he jumped throughout the semi-pro life and eventually signed his first professional contract in Malta with St. Andrews.

After he got his professional start, Bakmaz continued to move on to different opportunities and teams. When referring to his changes between teams and countries, Ante responded, "Sometimes after a season I felt it was time to move on and challenge myself as a player as I always wanted to grow my career." Of course, one of the goals of Globally Ballin is to provide information for other players and fans about what it is like to play in different countries and leagues. So, to that end, we asked Bakmaz, which one of the countries had the strongest game-day atmosphere? Bakmaz responded, "I can't go past Indonesia and Lebanon. Those two places are on a different level in regard to intimidation and strong atmospheres. Whether it was pyro, tifo, police presence, pitch innovation you can pick! In regards to beautiful occasions. I made my Europa League debut in Hungary against Ferencvaros in the Hungarian national stadium (Groupama Arena) the pitch and stadium was amazing"

Finally, after his season in Lebanon, Bakmaz had greatly enjoyed the taste of Asian/Arab soccer and wanted to return to it the following year. However, he was presented with an offer to join Madura United in Indonesia. Bakmaz described Madura United as a "fantastic club pushing for the title." Although he ended up leaving Lebanon, he did rank the food in Lebanon as the best that he got throughout all of his time traveling. When he first arrived, his first impression was that of awe when he saw the speed and technicality of the players. 

Curtesy of Ante's Instagram (@bakmz)

Since he has been there, Bakmaz has cited the highlight of his time in Indonesia so far as the first game in GBK in Jakarta against Persija. However, all the home victories in Madrua, Bangkalan, as well as, the victories against Bali United in front of the Bali fans were a close second. In addition, Bakmaz added, "For Persik was probably our 1-1 draw against Persebaya in a sold-out GBT 50,000." Playing in front of 50,000 screaming fans, you would think those players are absolutely celebrities, to that end, Bakmaz said, "From the outside yes however I try to stay away from this celebrity tag and all the ego that comes with it. I like to speak to people. Just by playing football doesn't make me more important than someone selling meatballs in the street. We are all people!" 

Fans, this last part is for you specifically. Have you ever wondered what someone from the outside thought about your country, city, team, stadium? Because the communication between the athlete and the fan can be somewhat distant at times, we wanted someone from the outside (not from Indonesia) to explain what the soccer experience has been to them; we believe that giving the players this opportunity is a powerful view for the fans. So, when asked what Bakmaz would like the fans to know about his experience and his perspective, Bakmaz, said, "Football in Indonesia is amazing. It has it all, the stadiums, players, fans and now slowly the TV coverage is fantastic. Social media and the whole ability to interact with players is extremely good. Indonesians live for football so it's only fair you show this on the field for the people that you represent every week." As the last word from Bakmaz to the fans, he added, "I can say to all the Indonesian people that I miss you all and hope everyone is keeping safe during this corona period. I hope football can return fast to the fields of Indonesia. In the meantime, I'm keeping fit, keeping ready and waiting for the return day."

Indonesia, we have not talked with many athletes who have come to play in your country yet. However, after talking with Bakmaz, it is clear that what you have to offer, your fans, your passion, your opportunities, you are a country in which players should be honored to play. You have clearly made a wonderful impression in the eyes of one import, keep up the good work.

To Know Them Now: An interview with Indonesian Medaled Gymnast, Rifda Irfanaluthfi

Breaking news, I am not a gymnast. Yet, I am, at least in an amateur fashion, familiar with the sport. Throughout the years there are only a handful of gymnastics-related names and events that stand out to me, such as, the amazing gold-medal-clenching vault of Kerri Strug, talented athletes like like Nastia Liukin, Shawn Johnson, Paul Haam, Jordyn Wieber, Simone Biles, and coach Bela Karolyi. However, I have no idea what they do or where they are now. Are they still involved with the sport? I have no idea. It's odd isn't it, the Olympics rolls around every 4 years, and during that time our top Olympians become household names. Then, just like that, the Olympics are over and the names, mostly forgotten. But, that is only looking at it from the outside. Maybe we are left with these  forgotten memories because we did not know them to begin with. So, let's attempt to remedy that today with a current example. Let us ask, what is it like to be the gymnast at the height of your career? Maybe by knowing them now, we will better understand them when it is all over. 

For this, we turn to Indonesian Gymnast, Rifda Irfanaluthfi. The 20-year-old has had success in recent regional competitions including a silver medal in the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta and a gold (vault) and three silvers (floor exercise, balance beam, and all-around) at the 2019 Southeast Asian Games. In addition, the gymnast has taken in 5 other medals spanning from the 2015-2017 Southeast Asian Games. In the end, the only thing holding her back from the upcoming Tokyo Games was an injury during the qualifying competition that took place in Germany in 2019.

The young gymnast started her athletic career in swimming, specializing in the backstroke; gymnastics started as just a beloved hobby along with ballet, diving and climbing. It was artistic gymnastics that first piqued her interest and lead to her participating in level 3 SACAC in Singapore where she brought in 3 golds and a bronze. 

But now, at the height of her career, what is the life of a gymnast like? Currently, the Jakarta State student is able to maintain her time at the university, train, and work as a Civil Servant at the Ministry of Youth & Sports. Additionally, as any college student can tell you, money is tight, really tight. When I was in college, I was spending a lot of time working on classwork and all the money I did make from work went to rent, so there was not a lot of extra cash. But, what about an Olympic-caliber athlete, do they bring money in? Rifda explained to me that the possibility of her making money on gymnastics is contingent on her winning or getting medals in multi-event competitions. I would also assume, that with those medals comes the opportunity to create an income from advertising. When it comes to the fame from being a multi-medal-winning gymnast in college, Rifda notes that while she does not feel like a celebrity and is treated like one only because of the interviews she participates in weekly. I can only imagine the number of interviews going up as regional and global competitions draw nearer and nearer. 

One of the aspects of competing in global sports that can be wildly attractive is the chance to travel the world. So, I asked Rifda about that exact topic. When asked about the coolest place she was able to travel, she answered: 

"menurut saya tempat paling menarik yang pernah saya kunjungi adalah Glasgow, Scotland. Dimana pada tanggal 16 oktober 2015 itu saya berulang tahun yang ke 16 tahun dan saya berangkat ke Glasgow dalam rangka mengikuti pertandingan World Championships. Pada saat itu saya sangat senang. Menurut saya itu adalah kado untuk saya, dimana itu pertama kalinya saya mengikuti world Championships dan bertemu pesenam dari seluru dunia. dan pada saat saya bertanding ternyata penonton suka dengan Musik dan koreografi saya di Alat lantai karena apa yang saya tampilkan di alat lantai itu menggunakan musik dan saya selipkan sedikit tarian yang berasal dari irish. Itu adalah pengalaman yang sangat luar biasa. tak akan terlupakan"

In case your Indonesian needs some refreshing, Rifda noted that her competitions took her to Glasgow, Scotland, which tops her list of favorite places she has visited. Several factors contributed to this being Rifda's favorite including celebrating her 16th birthday on Scottish soil while competing in the World Championships. She mentioned that one of the main reasons this was her favorite place was because she was able to meet gymnasts from all over the world. This indirectly points us to one of the values of international competition: People from all over the world sharing one common bond. 

When it comes down to it, though, one major question looming over the heads of an Olympic athlete, is how long will they compete. Often times, from the outside, we forget that these athletes don't compete much past their 30s (if they are blessed enough to go that far. In addition, the Olympics is every four years. Combining the facts that they compete too far into life and the Olympics are ever four years, and we are left with a scenario wherein the best of the best Olympians compete in, maybe, 3 sets of Olympic games. Yet when questioned about when she would hang it up, Rifda simply noted that she needs to finish what she started; the Olympics is her goal, therefore she cannot quit until it is reached. 

Eventually, though, competition will be over. No athlete can play forever. Since athletes stop at a relatively young age, if they don't make enough while competing (which is the vast majority of Olympians), we wonder what will they do after they compete. These athletes spend so much dedicated time training and competing, but what will they do when it is over? How can they translate that talent and dedication into a career? Should they incorporate their athletic past into a professional future or tuck this past-life away into the closest and set off for a new career? Many suggest that the logical direction is to be a coach in the sport. This is what Rifda is potentially considering. She noted that she was not totally sure, but does acknowledge that as long as she is still passionate for both competing in the sport and Indonesia's development within the sport, why give it up when there are ways she can stay connected after she stops competing?

But, for now, let's look at the present; the Olympics are delayed, and yet, the world keeps on spinning. This begs the question, why should we bring them back at all? What is the harm in missing the Olympics? Maybe we should take in another step and ask, why should they come back at all? Abandoned arenas, graffitied equipment, and the skeletal remains of old Olympic villages are all that seem to remain after the passing of the Olympics in a city. So, why do we do it? Why does it matter that a swimmer swam faster than four years ago? Why does it matter that a country gets its first gold medal? Why do the Olympics matter? What is the point of this international competition? To Rifda, the Olympics test her ability to contain her emotions, her ability to maintain the quality of her movements, strengthen her confidence in her skills while she competes in front the best of the best. Finally, for Rifda, the Olympics gives her a chance to show the sacrifices that she has made for the honor of being an Olympian. 

Rifda gave us a great angle to the value of the Olympics, but only on a personal level; this is what we need. As fans of sports and competition and by knowing the players as people we better understand their journey, their struggle, their sacrifice. Perhaps when we know them in this way we can more truly feel part of the joy they do when they stand on the podium in front of the world. Maybe when we can feel part of their joy or part of their sadness, the Olympics begin to reveal their true value. And maybe, just maybe, if we know and understand them now, we will better understand them when it is all over, and see the Olympics for what they are, a journey of individuals full of sacrifices for one moment, one moment to conquer their dream.