Schools soccer tournament launches in Alex
ALEXANDRA - The revival of schools sports in Alexandra has received a major boost.
The revival of schools sports in Alexandra has received a major boost.
Several sports entities including Region E’s Youth Forum and Sports Council, Alexandra North Rand Local Football Association, Gauteng Department of Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation and Education will be reviving the township’s schools sports starting with soccer.
The entities launched a school soccer tournament on 12 March at 3 Square sports grounds. The occasion was attended by local dignitaries, local sports personalities and the MMC for Community Development, Chris Vondo.
Officiating at the launch, cchairperson of the Region E Sports Council Percy Ndaba said the tournament was affiliated to the South African Schools Football Association which was a member of Safa. Initial participants would be secondary schools, Alexandra High, KwaBhekilanga, Minerva, Realogile, Eastbank High, Pholosho, Northview and Liberty College.
“The tournament is designed to integrate sports as a key component of the school curriculum and will help to stimulate physical, mental and intellectual growth of our children,” said Ndaba. “Its aim is to keep them off the street, crime, substance abuse and other negative influences.
“Many past sports personalities in Alexandra were identified through schools sports and we hope this revival will be a platform for scouts from professional teams to identify youngsters with soccer talent.”
Vondo lauded the initiative which he said promoted the national youth policy on youth empowerment and would help instil physical fitness and discipline to the youth.
“Through discipline our youths will be able to develop leadership skills and become active citizens in national affairs,” he said. “This tournament will help some of them access various sports bursaries to further their studies through our partnerships with Wits University and the University of Johannesburg. Others will discover their talent in related fields such as sports psychology, sports commentating and fitness trainers.”
The tournament will also feature six-aside girls soccer. The knockout matches and girls’ tournament will be on 26 and 27 March at Altrek Sports Complex starting at 10am to 2pm. The finals and prize-giving ceremony will be on 28 March at 3 Square at 3pm.
