The overcast skies and steady drizzle did nothing to mask the bottled up excitement the children felt on day 6 of the soccer 4 children soccer camp. This was the day that all the children attending the soccer 4 children soccer camp would be playing in a world class stadium, on a world class playing surface!
The moment came, and the waiting bus was quickly filled with children eager to show off the skills they had been learning all week. On arrival at Soccer City, the awe felt by them was exhibited in the animated way they exclaimed at the magnificent sight of the stadium.
Enjoying a guided tour of the dressing rooms
They were led on a tour of the facility by Ephraim, our tour guide, and educated about the various processes competing teams undergo when playing at the stadium, which boasts equipment rivaling the best the world has to offer.
After the tour, they were led down the tunnel, and on to the pitch. Coach Khulu maintained a level of professionalism usually reserved for big match days, and the groups posed for pre match photos with Martin Deacon (turn the tide for children CEO), and Elvis Mvulane (turn the tide 4 children National Director).
Charging down the tunnel
The joy on their faces was a sight to behold as they took to the field, kitted out in gear generously sponsored by SAFA, and looking every inch the part. The adrenalin pumping in their veins was evidenced by a few nervous mistakes, which was easily forgiven, as their joy overshadowed their anxiety.
Once the fifteen minute games were over, the children assembled in the auditorium for a media briefing attended by Dr. Danny Jordaan (Local Organising Committee CEO of the 2010 World Cup, and current Vice President of SAFA).
Martin Deacon expanded on the vision of soccer 4 children, in partnership with Turn the tide 4 children, and the desire to answer the challenge laid down by Dr. Jordaan four years ago at the Dutch Reformed Church in Pretoria.
Martin Deacon and Elvis Mvulane answering the challenge
He thanked everyone for their efforts, from the head coach, to the assistant coaches, and especially the American representative (Patrick Howard), and the Dutch contingent who volunteered their time and effort to making the dream a success.
Living the dream
Dr. Jordaan took to the stage and stated that the soccer 4 children initiative, “ is in line with where we (SAFA), are at the moment.” He delved into the need for grassroots development in South Africa, based on the poor performances of our youth teams, and added that, “ the World Cup was focused at the elite levels of soccer..” and that, “ we need to realize…what is happening or not happening at the grassroots level.”
Dr. Danny Jordaan sharing his vision of the way forward
He stated that the children, “filling the hall today is a recognition of what is not happening.” SAFA’s mission, according to Dr. Jordaan, was to make 2011 a time to focus on development at grassroots level, which is currently being facilitated by the rollout of artificial pitches in even the remotest corners of South Africa, and by partnering with NGO’s through initiatives such as soccer 4 children.
He went on to explain that with the R600 million in profits generated by the World Cup, SAFA would be actively seeking to develop football. This will be done through the nurturing of our soccer talent from school level to provincial level, and then on to professional level.
Dr. Jordaan also recognized that about 60% of the South African population is below the age of eighteen, and that there existed a need to “invest in the present” in order that our future in soccer be secured.
In essence, 2011 will be a year during which SAFA will be looking at building a stronger foundation to improve the standard of play at national level. He explained that there was a growing need to have educated footballers in this country, and urged the youngsters to make wise lifestyle choices and to steer clear of the many negative influences our youngsters are constantly exposed to.
The issues he raised, ranged from drug and alcohol abuse to gangsterism as well as the HIV/AIDS pandemic currently ravaging our country, and the youth in particular. The boys listened intently and Martin Deacon reiterated Dr. Jordaan’s words by saying that, “If I want to see change, I have to become that change.”
Meeting the players before the match
The concept of taking a holistic approach to development, and not focusing solely on soccer highlighted the concern felt by many for our youth, and the need for life changing transformational impact to be made, was clearly felt by all in attendance.
Dr. Jordaan presented Martin Deacon with a signed World Cup soccer ball, and, along with Martin Deacon and Elvis Mvulane, was himself presented with a Soccer City replica after the proceedings adjourned.
Recognition for meeting the challenge head on
Nontokozo Mhlongo, a reporter for SABC 1 described the soccer 4 children initiative as, “…an early Christmas present for the children,” and went on to say that, “this experience focused on the children’s dreams, and will stay in their hearts for the rest of their lives.”
To know more about the soccer 4 children’s initiative, or to donate your time, equipment or funds, please click here.
