By Daniel Thomae | Project Leader
Competition is one of the main things that our Futsal Academy boys missed throughout the COVID pandemic, and over the course of the last year as leagues around the Cape Town area were slow to restart the boys have been frustrated with the limited opportunities to play. It was with great joy, then, that we have been able to enter the boys into the Stellenbosch Local Football Association for the 2023 season. This is our first time taking part in the league, and it is a chance for the boys to explore the transition from futsal to 11-a-side football. So far so good for the boys as our U17 and U13 boys are off to a flying start, while the U11 boys are making exciting strides in their first foray into competitive football. Providing opportunities to play is central in our efforts to equip changemakers, because play is proven to relieve stress, improve brain function, and improve relational health.
Off the field it has been exciting to start leading our high school boys through the #NextGenMen curriculum in partnership with School of Hard Knocks. Coach Azola and Coach Lorenzo were equipped as #NextGenMen trainers in April, and we're grateful to be able to integrate such important content into our work with the boys. #NextGenMen uses the power of sport to help shift attitudes around traditional gender norms to improve relationship health and ultimately reduce harmful behaviours towards women. This is an important resource that we can use in our efforts to promote gender equity, reduce inequalities, and prevent violence as we enter this new decade of equipping changemakers.
Thank you for your support, and the crucial role you play in making all of this possible.
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