Jaqueline Stevens of Springfield USA, left, with her host sister Maninet Chesson. Picture: Luke Plummer.
By Sarah Schwager
A SOCCER mad family was more than happy when asked to host one of the Edwin Flack Games athletes.
Roger Chesson and daughter Maninet, 17, have taken American soccer player Jacqueline Stevens, 16, under their wing since she arrived two weeks ago.
The family has attended all the events and gone along for the ride on some of the tourism expeditions, including trips to Phillip Island, Puffing Billy and Sovereign Hill.
The girls’ shared love of soccer (Maninet plays for Berwick City) also kept them up most nights last week watching the World Cup.
Mr Chesson said the last two weeks had been busy but very exciting.
“It’s probably a lot more fun for my daughter,” he said.
“She is studying travel and tourism so she is getting to learn about a different culture.”
Jacqueline, who is from Casey’s sister city Springfield, Ohio, competed in most of the events in the Games, but soccer is her favourite.
She and Maninet played against each other last week.
The US athletes leave Australia tomorrow after more than two weeks in the country.
