Both boys and girls from the community and surrounds made up teams that battled it out against some formal teams. Playing in what they had, mismatched T-shirts, tekkies or even barefoot, the event was about creating a fun day for the children and spreading the love of the sport.
On the streets of Tafelsig, you are likely to find children playing soccer. Be that barefoot, in school shoes, slippers and even with a makeshift ball.
But, in recognising the raw talent and passion for the sport, a group of community workers have teamed up with a top bakery to pilot an initiative to formalise street soccer in a way that gives these children something to look forward to.
Ursula Peters, from the organisation Broken Crayons Still Colour, says she was approached by the bakery to organise the event which they hope to roll out in many areas throughout Mitchell’s Plain and other communities.
“Kids and the elderly are our heartbeat,” says Peters. “There is no entertainment here for our children anymore, so we are trying to keep our children busy. We want to get Mitchell’s Plain back to what it was.”
The first event was held at Swartklip Sports Complex on Saturday 25 November. Prizes up for grabs included trophies and medals as well as a full kit sponsored for the winning teams in the u-12, u-15 and u-17 age groups.
Both boys and girls from the community and surrounds made up teams that battled it out against some formal teams.
Playing in what they had, mismatched T-shirts, tekkies or even barefoot, the event was about creating a fun day for the children and spreading the love of the sport.
Walleed Abrahams, owner of Azzurri FC based in Parkwood Estate, entered an u-12 and u-15 team for the event.
“This is a great idea. It keeps children occupied and away from gangsterism and keeps their minds focused on sport,” he says. “Formalising the game for children who play street soccer helps them get familiar with 11-a-side soccer and the discipline there is in soccer.”
Not only is soccer educational, but it improves lives, he says. “These children have a lot of talent, especially in the 14 to 16 age group. There are opportunities out there if the right people are here to see them”.
This was a true community initiative, says Peters, with marking and preparing of bare fields with poles happening on the day.
“Many children love soccer in Tafelsig. Some don’t even have the equipment they need to play, but even if it is with a soft, broken or makeshift ball, they play. For me to have organised this is special,” she says.
Peter Dean, who assisted in organising the event, says more needs to be done to invest in children from underprivileged areas.
“There is no one who bothers with our children, so it is important for me to uplift these children and give them guidance,” he says.
As a professional referee since 1995, Dean has seen firsthand the talent of grassroots sports.
“I would like to see this initiative grow. Having formalised soccer is a big morale booster, and the children will appreciate the sponsored soccer jersey. From here, they can think about a more professional approach. There is a lot of talent. Our children in these communities have a lot of talent, they just need an opportunity,” he says.
The event saw the children given breakfast of porridge as well as a sandwich lunch provided by Blue Ribbon. A Mitchell’s Plain drilling squad also provided entertainment with a grand march and exhibition pass.
