Pool may be the answer to keeping a group of Manenberg youths off the street corners and on the path to a more productive future.
Founded in 2021 and registered this year, a local pool club has grown to cultivate youths’ skills in the game, with an amazing opportunity to play semi-professional on the cards.
Club manager Theo Ford played as a youth. Although he did not play professionally, he is imparting his skills to the youth.
“There aren’t many, or even any sports facilities that I know of here, besides soccer. The youth who join the club get what is like a second family; a place for them to feel they belong instead of standing on the corners like so many others do here in Manenberg,” says Ford.
Going Pool Club caters to players aged 12 to 23 with a senior group aged 35 to 65.
“In our area, pool is an underrated sport. The area is dominated by soccer and rugby, but in my book any sport that detours youth from gangs and gives a child that hope and aspiration is equally important,” says Ford.
Bad influences take hold of idle youths, he says.
“Drugs, gang violence, domestic violence, recruitment from bad elements, poverty, high illiteracy, and bad role models are some of the main problems facing the youth of Manenberg,” he says.
The club is in need of support.
“The youth team needs a uniform – which is a golfer T-shirt with our club name – pool cues, both second-hand or new, and really anything in kind,” says Ford.
Seven players have been selected to play in the iKapa tournament later this year.
“The annual national tournament will take place in Saldanah Bay in October and this is our first year competing professionally,” he says.
This has created an amazing opportunity for the youth.
“They really worked hard to get there,” says Ford.
It will cost them each R4 040 to attend the tournament, including travel, fees and accomodation.
“My hope for the club going forward is that we continue for many years and create a fun and a safe haven for youth in our area and even from surrounding areas,” he says.
“Most of these kids come from homes where both parents are unemployed. Some of them come from a household of up to 10 siblings with both parents unemployed, so for them to have a R4 000, it really seems impossible, but they are hopeful.”
Ford says they are in the process of fundraising, but with time against them, he fears it may not be enough.
Anyone able to assist with donations can contact Ford on WhatsApp 060 880 9956.
