Promoting grassroots soccer at Bantwana College Football Academy

It has been a little more than six months since Theo Buttress realised his dream and established Bantwana College Football Academy.

This was done with a vision to strengthen women’s soccer at the grassroots level and he poured his heart and soul into making it a reality. The academy currently trains at Allen Glen High School’s sports field while awaiting their permanent home.

The club started in division two of the Easterns Local Football Association’s summer league and immediately showed their class by winning their first match 15–0 and their second match 9–0. The teams’ performance proved they were a cut above the rest and were promoted to the first division.

“We are a newly formed club,” said Buttress. “We had a few players from different clubs where they don’t participate in the summer league, joining us. It was a challenge to amalgamate the four or so players but we managed to succeed.

“It was fortunate the girls that arrived from different clubs had been players that I have coached at district level before, so they understood my philosophy. I also understand the older players who were playing for rival clubs in the recent past. I had to know their strengths and weaknesses and are now a part of our club.”

The academy has been finding the first division tough, not winning any of their six games played thus far but this has not dampened Buttress’ or the team’s spirit.

“Our expectations are to at least win one match but in all honesty, I just want my players to have fun, for them to see that there are possibilities of growing from an emerging club to an established club. The coaching techniques provided will help the players succeed in the regional and district teams.

“With the project we have in Lanseria as well, the players can work hard knowing that there is even a possibility for them to become professional players.”

Buttress added that young women who wanted to join the club should call him on 072 300 1927. The academy trains at Allen Glen High School on Wednesdays from 6pm.

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