Soccer

Click to Enlarge

How we started football

In 2007 we joined the Amandla Ku Lutsha soccer league that is designed for children living in children’s homes like ours. As a result, we saw their soccer skills and life skills of those participating improve, although this did not include all of the community youth that we serve. Therefore, we started another Emasithandane Football Club that would include all community children. In 2008 we joined Nyanga Local Football Association which helps the youth with life skills and promotes their talent to the next level of soccer. Between these two soccer leagues, Emasi has five teams to accommodate all age groups including, under 11, 13, 15, 19,  and a senior team.

Impact of Soccer

Click to Enlarge

There is much evidence of the impact of joining these leagues. We see positive changes in evaluation results, test scores, health, and behavior. When we started the soccer programme in 2007 there were 15 children enrolled. Since that time, the number has grown to 83. Many of the players started out unmotivated and in poor physical shape. We have seen the kids grow in physical fitness and emotional strength.
The team has received recognition among the community due to the good results and progress. Parents want their children to take a part at Emasithandane because we also teach them about life skills such as drug awareness, HIV/ AIDS, and crime prevention. We also do volunteer work in the community whereby we clean local clinics and schools.

Future Goals

Our dream is to keep the standard of the team high and achieve more. In the near future our focus will be to uplift the team to higher levels and play with advanced teams. Over time, we would like to see our children/youth continue to improve their skills to the point where they can play at a professional level. Further, we intend for the club to continue to grow to be recognized locally and nationally. In order to achieve these future goals we need sponsorship/soccer equipment. See our Needs List.

Achievements

Click to Enlarge

Our team has won a number of awards and league cups including:

• 2008 Nyanga Football Association Champions: Under 11, Under 13 and Under 15
• 2009 Nyanga Football Association Champions: Under 15 and Under 17
• 2009 Nyanga Football Association 2nd place: Under 11 and Under 13
• 2009 Amandla Ku Lutsha League Champions: Under 15 and Under 19
• 2009 Under-17 Siyaphambili Soccer Tournament Champions
• 2009-2010 Two players enrolled in the Amandla Ku Lutsha leadership programme