Holding a combined session between the two communities of Zwide and Veeplaas upped the stakes, with talk about the national finals running high. Both knew that should they win the provincial leg of the KIA Street Soccer league, they will represent the Eastern Cape at the national finals

But the soccer is only one aspect of the programme.  As we divided the players into smaller groups to talk about road safety, recycling, nutrition, and tuberculosis, we grasped the magnitude of the opportunity presented to us to make a difference in their lives.  By using this platform to educate on important lifeskills, we want them to learn, and have fun while doing so.  For every child that put their hand up to give input, and for every hand that shot up to ask something- here’s hoping that’s a step towards making a difference.

Thanks to our sponsors and partners Kia Motors, Foodzone, Supersport Let’s Play, Dawn Wing Global Express, Mille, Good Hope FM; our PSL partners Ajax Cape Town, Amazulu FC, Bloemfontein Celtic FC and Orlando Pirates FC; as well as the provincial Departments of Health for the continued support.

As was the case with Marianhill last week, players and coaches from Allanridge, Hennenman and Odendaalsrus have come out in numbers, eager to make the programme a success.  These are communities rarely exposed to programmes that aid in the development of children and the greater community, and they embraced it wholeheartedly.   The kids’ willingness to be involved at every station was inspiring, and the positive attitude they brought even after a long day in the classroom was amazing.

The Lejweleputswa District’s Health department representatives were on hand to speak about the importance of a balanced diet as well as exercise for the growing person.  Perhaps in bringing along some health professionals, this will provide motivation for the children from an educational point of view – that they too can be physiotherapists and dieticians one day!

Thanks to our sponsors and partners Kia Motors, Foodzone, Supersport Let’s Play, Dawn Wing Global Express, Mille, Good Hope FM; our PSL partners Ajax Cape Town, Amazulu, Bloemfontein Celtic and Orlando Pirates; as well as the provincial Departments of Health for the continued support.

All the elements of a great afternoon out were there- girls on par with the boys (and kitted out in their football gear), players running around to get their blood circulating as we spoke about the significance of physical activity, and kids understanding the importance of picking up litter.

Also in attendance were third-year Sports Science students from the University of Kwazulu-Natal.  The soon-to-be graduates were as eager to be a part of the programme as the players were, making considerable contributions to the afternoon with their involvement in the talks, and running around as much as (if not more than) the players.

Meanwhile the coaches and coordinators sat captivated as Amazulu FC’s Head of Development, Ronnie Moroka, spoke to them on a variety of themes focused on developing the young ones who will take part in the league.  In keeping with Usuthu’s vision to “produce talented young footballers who will showcase their football skills at professional, club level and at national team level”, Moroka addressed them on the importance of perseverance, encouragement, building relationships, and being teachable, amongst other qualities needed to maximise talent.

Thanks to our sponsors and partners Kia Motors, Foodzone, Supersport Let’s Play, Dawn Wing Global Express, Mille, Good Hope FM; our PSL partners Ajax Cape Town, Amazulu, Bloemfontein Celtic and Orlando Pirates; as well as the University of Kwazulu-Natal’s Sports Science Department and the provincial Departments of Health, for the continued support.

The chill was short-lived as 120 learners took to the astro turf to show off their skills.  Junior schools from around the Western Cape joined in this action-packed evening of hockey and festivities; schools from as far as Hermanus and Durbanville turning out for the Wynberg Boys High School-hosted event, creating a buoyant atmosphere that helped them forget about the chill.  Immense talent was witnessed- certainly a great sign for the future of hockey in our country.

As we neared the end of the evening, the final participating schools were announced with much anticipation.  However only three schools could take home the title of winners of the respective age groups:

U11 – Kenridge
U12 – Wynberg Boys Junior School
U13 – Kenridge

It was an excellent evening all round and well done to those schools who won their respective age groups!

Thank you to Sporting Chance hosts Wynberg Boys High School and prise sponsors: Mr Price Sport, Peninsula Beverages and Highbury Safika for helping to showcase the talent that is in our schools.

In visiting Mitchell’s Plain, we chose the community and the specific people because we had previously worked with them- during the Health of the Nation and the Calypso Beach Cricket festival.  In connecting with the same group of people, we hope to impact their lives, not just as a community, but as individuals too.  Change starts one person at a time, after all!

As we interacted with the children and coordinators, we heard stories about the impact that crime and drugs have on the community.  They related events that had happened mere days and weeks ago!  The amazing thing however, is that the people of Mitchell’s Plain have not allowed this to define who they are.  Instead they were hungry for knowledge and they were grateful for the attention being paid to them!

This is just the start! It’s the league, then Health of the Nation and Calypso.  Here’s to a community that will flourish one person at a time.

Thanks to our sponsors and partners Kia Motors, Foodzone, Supersport Let’s Play, Dawn Wing Global Express, Mille, Good Hope FM; our PSL partners Ajax Cape Town, Amazulu, Bloemfontein Celtic and Orlando Pirates; as well as the provincial Departments of Health for the continued support.

While a large part of the life skills road shows focus on health and hygiene and themes around that, the number of accidents on our roads cannot be ignored.  It is therefore imperative that these young ones receive teachings on it.  While they may not yet be drivers, their conduct as pedestrians is as important, if not more, in attempting to reduce the number of deaths.

It is with this in mind that 2012 saw the introduction of Road Safety as part of the life skills aspect of KIA Street Soccer.   It was a hit in Mamelodi, with many of the players attentive.   We hope that more than just liking the sessions, we have given them food for thought; that they will look right, left and then right again before crossing the road, and that this, in whatever small way, will go a long way in reducing road accidents.

Thanks to our sponsors and partners Kia Motors, Foodzone, Supersport Let’s Play, Dawn Wing Global Express, Mille, Good Hope FM; our PSL partners Ajax Cape Town, Amazulu, Bloemfontein Celtic and Orlando Pirates; as well as the provincial Departments of Health for the continued support.

We are fast learning that each community has its own reasons for welcoming us back.  For Atteridgeville it seems the need to avenge the loss at the hands of city rivals, Mamelodi, at last year’s finals might just be the reason.  That was all the talk when we arrived, during breaks, and even as they left.  They remembered what they had been taught during the health education segment, but they (and their coaches) are already looking ahead to the start of the league so they can go one better than they did last year.

Perhaps the prospect of a national final will push them even further?

Thanks to our sponsors and partners Kia Motors, Foodzone, Supersport Let’s Play, Dawn Wing Global Express, Mille, Good Hope FM; our PSL partners Ajax Cape Town, Amazulu, Bloemfontein Celtic and Orlando Pirates; as well as the provincial Departments of Health for the continued support.

There was much fanfare from all those involved, coaches and children alike, with most of them eager to take part in all the activities.  They were also grateful to be given the opportunity to not only be a part of the league, but more importantly, to be part of a positive development initiative for the children in the community.  The show rolls on to Atteridgeville on Wednesday.

Thanks to our sponsors and partners Kia Motors, Foodzone, Supersport Let’s Play, Dawn Wing Global Express, Mille, Good Hope FM; our PSL partners Ajax Cape Town, Amazulu, Bloemfontein Celtic and Orlando Pirates; as well as the provincial Departments of Health for the continued support.

The kids were involved in interactive sessions focusing on nutrition, personal hygiene, physical activity, football trivia, and more.  The inclusion of road safety and patriotism to the life skills seemed to be a great hit, giving them something very practical to think about.  This also emphasised to us the importance of what we do – using sport to convey a message of health and life skills to the community out there.

The Mamelodi community loved having us there.  They are keen to defend their title at the Gauteng provincial championships once the league starts.  On Tuesday we hit the Ivory Park community, which is making its KIA Street Soccer debut.

Thanks to our sponsors and partners Kia Motors, Foodzone, Supersport Let’s Play, Dawn Wing Global Express, Mille, Good Hope FM; our PSL partners Ajax Cape Town, Amazulu, Bloemfontein Celtic and Orlando Pirates; as well as the provincial Departments of Health for the continued support.