Developing Vulnerable Kids Thru Sport South Africa

Hear from Damien, a School of Excellence participant who has built his self confidence and shines on the soccer field: 

"Being a child from an area like mine growing up, soccer was just something I played with my friends to pass time. I did not know or realize that I had a passion for soccer or that it could open some doors for me. The more I played the more people started commenting on how talented I was and that gave me confidence and great satisfaction, knowing that I was good at something. 

In my area there are a lot of negative influences, like gangsterism, drinking, drugs and young people end up dead or in jail. There aren’t many positive influences or people that you see who make a success of their lives. For me, soccer became something that keeps me off the streets and my parents supported me and took me to trainings and trials. 

I attended a local primary school in my area. The classrooms were crowded and it wasn’t providing me with the opportunities that I wanted for myself and my future. 

On the field it's not only about the ball, it's about the team you are playing with and the support we give each other. We become brothers and know each other’s weaknesses and strengths. It's not about who you are or where you come from but once we are on the field, we are all one and come together to reach a final goal. Soccer is where I learnt that people’s backgrounds or circumstances don’t determine who they are or what their future will be, but that anything is possible for all of us. 

My love and talent for soccer gave me an opportunity to go overseas in 2019, something that I have never even dreamt of because of where I come from. United Through Sport sent me and my fellow teammates on a cultural exchange to the UK. I was the first person in my entire family to travel overseas and the trip brought some much joy and excitement. I was very terrified as well because it was my first time on a plane and my first time being away from my family for that long. I met so many new people and made new friends, it was so nice meeting people that love soccer as much as I do. The experience made me realize that nothing is impossible and your talent can take you places. After that, I fell more in love with soccer and realized that my talent is something that I can use to achieve great things in my life.

After the soccer tour, I joined the United Through Sport Boys Unite project. It was nice to be in a boys-only space where I learned more about myself, my strengths and how to have empathy for those around me. I learned a lot about myself and I was also able to build positive relationships with my peers. Looking back, it was an important year for me to develop and get in touch with my emotions. 

After Boys Unite I knew that some of the boys get selected for full scholarships to attend top high schools. I worked hard to get my grades up and improve my soccer to try to stand out amongst my peers. The day I heard about the opportunity that United Through Sport was offering me for the scholarship I really could not believe that once again I had achieved something great through my talent. Not only was I happy and excited but seeing the joy from my parents and how proud they were of me made me happier I was excited that it was putting me one step closer to my goals. 

I am very thankful for United Through Sport and words can never explain how grateful I am for the opportunity. Not only did it open more opportunities for sports but also I now go to one of the best high schools in Nelson Mandela Bay on a full scholarship, something that I would not have experienced without the opportunity.

After starting at my new high school, I kept working hard on getting better at soccer. Recently I was selected to represent Chip U18 in the Engen Knockout National Tournament and I was selected for the National U17 training camp. I am excited to see where soccer and education takes me, I am so thankful for the role that soccer has played to give me opportunities and chances for me to reach my goals." 

Thank you for supporting Damien to reach his full potential and follow his dreams.