A few months ago myself and a couple of mates were invited to come and experience a day out in Nyanga, KTC area. Sifiso told us that they are starting a new initiative to try get the youth off the street through sport and music by running a series of events on the outdoor court they created inj the KYC Township. We arrived at the event arena only to see about 100 kids all over the place, dancing, playing with the balls, crowding around the trophy and just having a jol!
We felt a bit bad all in our kit for the 5-a-side, whilst other guys just played in what they had on. So we just played in shorts and no tops to kind of blend in to the surroundings. Although, Linzi said it was good that we wore kits, so that the kids could see that they needs kits to show they are a team etc.
At half time of the rounds of games there was an hour music session where Sifiso along with other artists did some reggae and rap songs for the kids. Then the kids were given a chance to show their talents on the microphone, where the one boy actually blew me away with his talents and more so style on the mic, at the tender age of 9!!!
After the games were done there was a prize giving ceremony where the winning team was awarded the floating trophy and we gave a few kids some of our spare soccer kits. All in all it was a great day and I really hope that now after the World Cup has passed this initiative can grow to new heights!
Sifiso Jezile has summurised the purpose of the Streetball initiative for me below:
“Our programmes have been running for years at grass roots and have developed with a bottom-up approach, building trust with the streets through various initiatives chosen by the youth and children we serve. Our young leaders are now going back into their communities to mobilise action through physical activities such as street soccer, dancing and music.”
“By combining music and sport we are reaching a wider audience and making an impact on more children than ever anticipated. We are using these platforms for prevention and diversion by bringing HIV/AIDS, crime, gangsterism and drug awareness and support to the community and prevent children from landing up on our streets.”
The Streetball Concept:
The Street ball concept is one of the latest initiative’s that combine both our current inner-city and outer-city programs. The concept is all about keeping the kids busy on the weekends, giving them something to do and a platform to exhibit their talents.
Sponsorship/Donation Opportunities:
- Soccer Balls
- Training/Coaching equipment
- Team Kits
- Officials Kits
- Shoes and socks for participants
- Nutritional food and cooldrinks
Advertising Space:
- Soccer Goals
- Boundary Boards
- Shade Structures
- Facility Developement
- Branding
- Stand Strustures
- Posters
- Transportation Vehicles
I really can’t wait for the next event and have gathered some old kits, bibs, balls, a kit bag and a whistle myself to donate toward the next tournament. If you are fortunate enough to bring anything at all to the table it would be much appreciated!
MylifE Foundation
5 Maynard Street
Gardens
Cape Town, 8000
Tel: 27 21 461 0280
www.mylife.org.za
What a great experience. Can’t wait for the next one!
Let me or Linzi know if you are keen to enter a team, or willing to contribute anything from food to clothing towards the initiative!
Be The Change!
Re: Invitation to World Aids Day Street Soccer TNT
Dear Mr. Capuka (Chairperson)
On behalf of the Ajax Cape Town Supporters KTC Branch in partnership with Phuhla KTC Youth Forum, we would like to extend a formal invitation to you to our World Aids day street soccer tournament, which will take place at KTC community Hall on the 1 December 2011 at 09:00 am. We will be having a one day Tournament that will include Wellness, Awareness, Life Skills HIV Testing and Counseling and many more. This event will be attended by 176 Youth players that will participate in the tournament, Community Members, and local schools
It will honor us greatly if you could come participate in this tournament and grace the occasion with your kind presence. This invitation also extends to all members of your association. We will forward a complete draft of the program to you in a few days so that you know what will happen. We thank you for your time and consideration are we looking forward to seeing you at the event.
Thank you
For more information you can call the Coordinators on the following numbers
Mr. Ndyebo Biyana Cell 0789442056 email biyana@webmail.co.za
Mr. Xolani Sicamba Cell 0787301233
Yours in Sport and Community development
Ndyebo Biyana
Xolani Sicamba
Good Article,
The next time there is a opportunity please invite me I would like to help out.
thanx Alon ill sure hook u up when i have the next tournament peace ..and thank u too dylan your blog is dope my man keep up the good work
Shot, no worries Fifi anytime brother.
what a great day, will def get involved in another one soon! thanks my life…
I had no idea when I was watching street ball when I was visiting that it was done by an organization to help keep the children occupied. What a wonderful thing you are doing. Keep up the great work!