The Old Parktonian Sports Club was abuzz on 24 September as parents and U8 soccer players flocked to the area for the Development Soccer League’s closing festival.
About 36 teams from around Johannesburg and Vereeniging participated in a non-competitive tournament held by Old Parks FC.
Children played four to five games without a recorded score. The festival was the final fixture for all U8 teams playing within the DSL League structure under the South African Football Association’s (Safa) Local Football and Rand Central Local Football Association.
“This tournament is a non-competitive event with 36 teams travelling across Gauteng to play over 90 games of seven-a-side football,” said Themi Kartapanis from the club.
“We let the children play a 14-minute game with all the clubs playing five games each. All players receive a medal at the end of the day,” he said.
Kartapanis explained that the league hosts four to five festival days a season which allows teams to play football and develop their skills with no pressure of results being taken.
Highland Park FC coach, Judit Sassu commented that the games allow children to integrate with others.
Details: Old Parktonian Sports Club 011 789 3274.