Soccer scout wants talent
"We are all for development and nurturing talents. It's what we love to do."
Bedfordview resident and soccer scout João Braga believes the area’s soccer-loving children are ready for world class training and guidance.
Born in Portugal, Braga has worked for the Sporting Club Portugal (SCP) for over six years as a scout.
He is the technical director and scout of a new football academy set to open at Reddam House.
Braga said although the academy requires a fee, deserving children from poor communities would be given access to train without a charge.
“We are all for development and nurturing talents. It’s what we love to do,” said Braga.
The SCP mother club in Portugal contributed to shaping the futures of many world-renowned soccer players, including the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, João Moutinho and Luís Figo among others.
Braga said in the spirit of development, the club would invest in coaching coaches.
“Local coaches will be offered an opportunity to go to Portugal for training to empower them as well,” said Braga.
He said in the following months, the president of the SCP, Bruno de Carvallo, would be in Bedfordview for the launch of the academy.
Braga said coaching clinics for children in townships were also on the cards.
“There is so much talent in this country and we want to make sure the passionate boys and girls in townships are given the same opportunities as those who can afford it,” said Braga.
