An international soccer training camp could be a step in the right direction for little Neysharn Dodgen, who dreams of becoming a professional soccer player when he grows up.
The 11-year-old Athlone North Primary School pupil and Hellenic FC player has been selected to attend a training camp in Freiburg, Germany, in September.
Peter Brandt, Neysharn’s uncle, says he has been playing club soccer since age five, but developed a love for the game before that.
The midfielder and striker started out at Avendale FC, before moving to Hellenic High Performance.
Dodgen is one of 26 youngsters selected to attend the training camp.
Brandt says this was based on their abilities on field and performances at tournaments they have participated in. This is a first for the Manchester United fan, but it comes at a cost.
A total of R35 000 is needed to fund the trip, with the family doing all they can to help raise the funds.
This will need to be raised before the end of August, with the first deposit required by the end of April.
Brandt says they have started selling food items to friends, family and neighbours to help pay for the trip, promoting the initiative on Backabuddy and social media.
Only a few clubs are afforded this opportunity.
Neysharn lost his biggest supporter in 2020, his grandmother Rachel Dodgen who watched every game.
His favourite player is Brazilian-born footballer Neymar.
“He is small in size like me, but very skilful and I like that,” says Neysharn.
While he hopes to become a professional footballer when he grows up, his priority is to finish his education so that he can also have a degree one day.
“Soccer is a very short career and I want to have something to fall back onto like becoming an attorney studying law,” he says.
“Playing at Hellenic FC and entering different tournaments has boosted his skills and raked in a few trophies and medals,” say his father, Taswell Florence.
“My son lives soccer, every day. It’s soccer, that’s how much he loves this beautiful game.”
Brandt has set up the back-a-buddy account and approached local organisations for assistance.
“I truly hope to get this chance so that I can come and tell my friends, teammates and school buddies.”
- To donate, visit www.backabuddy.co.za/neysharn-dodgen5535512629316321681
