Nathan Paulse visits Growing Champions
NORTHCLIFF – Young soccer players take lessons from those who have walked the path they look to experience.
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Former Ajax Cape Town forward gives young soccer players the tips and tricks on having a successful career on and off the pitch.
Northcliff’s very own Growing Champions (GC) were honoured to host and receive vital information from former Ajax Cape Town forward Nathan Paulse as part of his Starting XI Revolution project. Paulse travelled from Cape Town at the end of last year to spend some time with Growing Champions Football Club and share his knowledge.
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Founder of GC and occupational therapist Samantha Toweel-Moore said that a successful, grounded, disciplined and respectful former player such as Paulse is the perfect person to address the boys. “I could’ve had these conversations with the team but he has the experience, both on-and-off the field. Him sharing his experiences, mistakes, challenges and successes coming from his mouth was priceless lessons.”
Toweel-Moore shared some of the things that were taught on the day. “He told us that when he got his first major paycheque there were at least 20 people telling him how to spend it.”
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Paulse told the team that they need to take a step back in that instance and ask themselves who they are and what they stand for. It’s such thinking that assisted Paulse himself in directing his money to things that represented him such as his home, family and where he grew up. Fast-forward to 2019 and he launches Starting XI Revolution where he shares his principles with young football players before it’s too late.
The programme itself lasted three months with the session they had in December acting as graduation from it. Toweel-Moore said, “Not only did he share knowledge but he participated in all activities of the day. He was part of the awards handover and even refereed the 1st half of the game we had that day and coached the second.”
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Before his 12pm flight back to Cape Town he enjoyed a meal, evening and engagement.
Described as a man of integrity and being humble, Toweel-Moore was pleased to see how he communicated and engaged with the players. “He was always open, patient and respectful when dealing with the boys. He wasn’t arrogant like many would believe a sports star to be, he made everyone feel like they are on the same level.”
She stated that you can see he has committed himself to help others, especially sports players.
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