As all sports enthusiasts know, the benefits of football (aka soccer) extend well beyond the playing field, including, if not especially, in South African townships. The global game fueled by local passion provides safety, structure, life skills, and social and emotional support while nurturing self-confidence, the strength to resist demoralizing temptations, and camaraderie through competition.
Children raised in South African townships have little opportunity to explore their talents outside the classroom. While young people in other locales are enrolled in organized sports, art lessons, theatre productions, Model UN, and myriad other activities, rural South African children have few, if any, such chances. Without these outlets, some young people lose hope, quit school, turn to undesirable activities, and become parents way too soon.
We will fund FIFA galvanized posts, two sets of grandstand seating, team benches, security (including lighting), balls, cones, training bibs, ball bags, equipment bags, etc. to support the football/soccer program at school and in the community. This revitalized program will give athletes purpose, reduce dangerous idle time, and enhance well-being. Children who find and nurture their unique talents through sports gain confidence, especially if school is challenging and diminishes their hope.
Since this opportunity is school-based, passionate players, who are also students, will be more likely to attend school, miss fewer days due to illness, perform better academically, become more connected to their peer community, turn to others for support, pass the matric (Grade 12 exams), and enroll in university, college, or technical school. They may also find higher level leagues to continue to refine their skills. Football fans everywhere, help us bring the sport to those who need it most.
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