Local schools compete in the VW Train 4 Life Ivory Schools Girls U15 soccer league
Winners will walk away with trophies and medals and each participating school will get a full VW kit of jerseys, soccer balls and cones, to name a few.
As part of its commitment to ‘Move People Forward”, Volkswagen continues to invest in local youth development.
The VW Train 4 Life initiative, which was launched in partnership with the Department of Basic Education Johannesburg East and the City of Joburg Sports and Recreation Region A, aims to empower young girls through sports and education.
On March 8 and 15, the VW Train 4 Life Ivory Schools Girls’ U15 soccer league made its way to Rabie Ridge Stadium with 10 Region A-based secondary schools having to compete for the top spots.
This initiative is of key importance within the SA school’s environment, which also aims to educate and empower young girls within their community by keeping them in school, as well as building VW brand image in the community.
The department’s chairperson for schools sports soccer in Joburg East district, Nkosinathi Buthelezi, said the tournament is important for the young girls.
“Just to be part of a school and forget about the overcrowding environment helps these children. In our township schools we do not have enough space for them to play, so it is very important for our girls to forget about that environment and their different backgrounds to come here and excise and showcase their talent,” sad Buthelezi.
The local secondary schools that participate in this league include JB Matabane, Ivory Secondary, David Makhubo, Umqhele, Allanridge, Ponelopele, Kaalfontein, Maphuta, Tsosoloso, and Eqinisweni.
The teams are divided into two groups and the games will be played in a league form for about eight weeks (from March 8 to May 11). Then there will be knockouts.
Region A sports and recreation assistant director Mandla Mahlangu said VW’s choice in choosing this school was best considering the challenges faced by such disadvantaged areas.
“ This is highly essential for the young girls because this initiative is about playing soccer for enjoyment, and talent identification as there were scouts from Mamelodi Sundowns and other local teams. These life skills, especially the content which is linked with social issues and the school curriculum, are important for youth,” said Mahlangu
Winners will walk away with trophies and medals and each participating school will get a full VW kit of jerseys, soccer balls and cones, to name a few.
“We need more of these initiatives, especially sponsorship and partnerships from all walks of life.”
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