EACH One Reach 1.org (EORO) is calling on the community to do some spring cleaning and donate their pre-loved sporting equipment to the Phoenix City Sporting Club, which offers free soccer coaching to over 100 children, many of whom play barefoot or in perishing soccer boots.
One of the coaches for the club, Mimi Poonsamy said the aim of the club was to uplift the community.
“A lot of the players, about 90 per cent, in our team are underprivileged. They come from such broken homes. We try to feed them a meal as well,” she said.
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There are five divisions in the club, and players range from 5 years old up to 16 years old.
EORO Founder and Glenhills resident, Eisha Govender said the Durban North-based NPO aims to find sustainable systems with the disadvantaged communities in Ethekweni’s Pink area (Phoenix, Inanda, Ntuzuma, KwaMashu).
“The majority of the 150 children that play in this team come from the Kolisha Settlement. No fees of any sort are taken from the children. Lunch and transportation is also sponsored on the days that they are playing,” said Eshia.
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The soccer players practice on the old Rustic Manor Primary School grounds in Phoenix.
“They compete but practice is hosted regularly even when playing season is over,” said Govender.
The team is in need of previously loved, soccer kits, soccer socks, soccer boots, soccer bags and shin guards.
“They also need first aid kits, water bottles, soccer balls, training cones and exercise equipment,” added Govender.
If you would like to volunteer to coach or support with transportation of players to the matches contact the EORO team.
Phone Wendy Grandmaison on 082 330 1083 to arrange for donations to be picked up or Eshia Govender on 082 503 5170 to arrange a drop off in the Glenhills area.
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