Primary Schools: register for Danone Nations Cup qualifier
Registration for the tournament is open for primary schools across the country to become part of the biggest youth football tournament in the world for children between the ages of 10 and 12 years.
POLOKWANE – The call is out for primary schools to register for the 2017 u/12 Danone Nations Cup soccer tournament.
Registration for the tournament is open for primary schools across the country to become part of the biggest youth football tournament in the world for children between the ages of 10 and 12 years.
The tournament is the brainchild of Danone, the biggest global producer of dairy products and South Africa has been participating in the tournament since its inception 17 years ago.
This year there will be 32 countries participating in the tournament which has made an impact in the lives of more than two million children each year.
“We at Danone South Africa are excited to once again be a part of this tournament,” said Chantel Ehlers, Communication Manager, Danone SAthrough a press release. “Through the Danone Nations Cup we bring healthy living through soccer to as many people around the country as possible.”
The South African leg of the tournament is organised by the South African Schools Football Association (Sasfa). Games begin at cluster level with the winners progressing to regional finals culminating in the nine provincial winners playing in the national finals.
The national winners then represent South Africa at the world finals tournament which will be held in the United States later this year. More than 200 schools have already registered, but that number will increase significantly in the coming weeks and the organisers expect the entries to exceed 2 500 schools that participated last year. Northern Cape will play host to the first provincial final in the latter part of March.
One of the schools eager to register again this year is the defenders of the South African title holders, Benny’s Care Sports Academy and Development from Louis Trichardt.
The coach of the South African champions, Mbishi Mokwena, has been involved with several community projects, such as a soccer tournament, to thank the community for their support.
“We received so much positive feedback upon our return from the world finals in France last year. Almost everyone knows about the school and we also won the award for Best Development School at the SA Sports Awards in Bloemfontein last year,” Mbishi explained.
He said their trip to France and the support they received from the community inspired him to organise a soccer tournament during the December holidays both as a way to thank the community and to give local soccer players some pointers and tips they learned in France with regard to the sport.
As only three of the original team from last year are still eligible to take part in the tournament, Mbishi decided to incorporate the trials for the new team into the soccer tournament.
“Although the three players are still young enough to play in the tournament, they will have to go through the trials process as well to earn their place in the team. I want to all the players show consistency, they must be prepared to work hard and be dedicated,” he added.
Schools interested in registering for the Danone Nations Cup can contact Themba Tshabalala of SASFA at thembatshabalala@saschoolsfa.co.za or 072 588 4957.
