School holiday jam-packed for soccer players
The latest school holiday programme, which took place from 29 June to 16 July, was a pilot project that included various life skill workshops.
Participating in sports and exercising regularly is an essential part of a child’s development.
It not only has tons of health benefits, it also increases positivity and regulates sleep, which enables children to handle physical and emotional challenges better.
The Tsogo Sun Soccer Academy, now in its sixth year, continues to use sport to engage with pupils as it is something they love and it is a way of keeping them off the streets and engaged in a positive manner.
As a school-driven programme, it runs throughout the academic year with additional training sessions and workshops during the school holidays. It currently is involved at 36 primary and high schools in the Kagiso, Munsieville and Swanieville areas, working with 40 teachers, more than 1 000 pupils and using local businesses and individuals as service providers to the programme.
“The programme not only focuses on giving children the building blocks to develop their soccer skills, but more importantly also the tools to refine their soft skills. Our aim is to give these children the foundation to learn about themselves and others in terms of respect, discipline, time management, responsibility and accountability,” said Shane Collinson, director of operations and complex general manager at Silverstar.
The latest school holiday programme, which took place from 29 June to 16 July, was a pilot project that included various life skill workshops for 80 players between the ages of 13 and 19.
The selection of workshops was based on feedback received from the players over the past few years of what skills would assist them in the future and was a combination practical skills and the softer, emotional-based skills. In addition, soccer practice was woven in-between the sessions to continue to keep them fit and healthy during the holidays.
The school holiday programme kicked off with a two-day certified first-aid training course for the older players.
In partnership with Absa, the second week involved providing financial literacy education to all the holiday programme participants. This was extremely beneficial as it provided them with an understanding of basic financial concepts such as opening a bank account and the importance of saving and not falling into the debt trap. As a result of this success and positive feedback, the parents of the players also attended a workshop on the Saturday, thereby creating a family understanding of money management.
In addition Westview Clinic hosted an informative workshop on substance abuse to educate the young players about the dangers and impact of it, and to develop an appreciation for healthy living.
The final week of the programme saw the roll-out of U-Shine workshops – a vital session that focused on empowerment and self-confidence for these young pupils.
Finally, the pupils all were treated to a movie at Silverstar to end the programme on a high note.
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• Tomorrow’s soccer stars shine at tournament
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