Soccer teams from six local schools, made up of boys and girls recently competed in a 5-a-side soccer festival sponsored by Chevrolet at the Benjamin Primary School in the heart of Mpumalanga.
In collaboration with Dreamfields Project, Chevrolet has afforded learners from Matsulu the opportunity to realise their soccer potential by playing competitively.
Dreamfields Project is a not for profit organisation that works in partnership with the Department of Education to set up soccer leagues and train teachers to be soccer coaches.
Since 2013 Chevrolet has been making a difference with football development in many young lives across South Africa and in Namibia. “We support a number of soccer initiatives around South Africa,” explained Tim Hendon, Chevrolet Brand Manager. “And with the support of organisations like Dreamfields Project, we can reach additional disadvantaged communities and thereby bring the joy of football to more children.” he added.
Each team received a Dreambag, filled with soccer kit and equipment. “At Chevrolet we believe through play children learn to explore, realise their talent and grow as individuals. They learn to be a team player and to focus on delivering an end result,”
Deputy Chief Educational Specialist of the Ehlanzeni District, Ms Snowy Gondwe, feels that it is important to develop talent at a young age. She said through this soccer programme learners are able to identify their skills and their ability to play in leagues. “Football development is especially important for girls as there is no formal programme that looks at their development.”
She added that the equipment and kit will go a long way especially in rural schools where learners cannot afford to buy their own kit.
The participating schools included Benjamin Primary, Takheleni Primary, Funindlela Primary, Sehlulile Primary, Sinqobile Primary, Sukumani Primary
