A foundation with a dream is bringing top level sports to disadvantaged children.
The South African Gaelic Sports Foundation is a non-governmental organisation that is aimed at developing sports in South Africa.
Established in 2010 by a group of Irish and United Kingdom expats, they share a love of the football game and a goal of bringing Gaelic Football and Irish culture to Johannesburg.
Committee member of South Africa Gaels, Derek McCarthy said this foundation has a dream of developing children in townships of South Africa.
“We have established three development centres in the townships of Tembisa, Alexandra and Midrand with our three full-time local development officers.
“We are looking to grow further afield in KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape.”
Gaelic football is an Irish sport which is played with a round ball which can be caught, kicked and hand passed.
As part the foundation’s long-term objectives, South African Gael returned home on 20 November with double gold after the male and female teams outshone their counterparts at the 2018 Fexco Asian Gaelic Games.
The teams also took part in the 2016 Gaelic World games and the Dubai Gaelic Games in 2014.
McCarthy added that above all of their achievements, they want to create exposure for the game and build connections.
“In 2014, we won the Intermediate cup at the Gaelic Games.
“In 2016, we were finalists in the Shield competition at the 2016 Gaelic World Games.
“Many friends have been made along the way and we are building a future of All-Africa Gaelic Football tournament with neigbouring countries.”
