Six aside soccer tourney keeps youth busy

A group of sport enthusiasts in Westenburg held a Westies Six Aside Soccer Tournament recently to afford youth an opportunity to exercise and showcase their soccer skills.
The tourney catered for ten boys’ teams, two girls’ teams and two kiddies’ teams. One of the organisers, Prieska Southon said this was the second edition of the tournament and they wished to host it as often as possible to keep young people busy. She said the youth don’t have much to do in Westenburg on weekends hence they end up engaging in criminal activities and use drugs.
In the boys’ category Team Egoli was named the winners while Soccer Bratz took the honours in the girls’ class. Block Juniors claimed the first position in the kiddies’ tournament. The winning teams received floating trophies and cash prizes.
Southon explained that the main objective of the tournament was to take children away from the streets and encourage them to consider adopting a healthy lifestyle. She further said the money generated during the tournament will be used to sponsor two boys who were selected to join professional football academies next year and again fund those who will be going for trials this month.
Teams had to affiliate with R100 to be part of the tournament and Southon indicated that the tourney has grown and they were planning to host more teams in the next edition that is scheduled for 23 and 24 September. She said they were delighted with the turn-out and thanked all the teams and residents for supporting the initiative. Southon pleaded with businesses to fund their initiative so that it can grow to greater heights.

Story and photos: ENDY SENYATSI
>>endy@observer.co.za