Florida Sports Academy puts school first

Florida Sports Academy based at Cecil Payne Sports Stadium has kicked off its 2015 soccer season.

The club is currently involved in the Joe West League and is aiming to finish top of the league and go through to the Promotion League.

The academy not only focuses on soccer but also cricket and swimming

“We have top coaches involved in cricket and swimming because some children may discover they have a talent for the sport. This way our members can maximise their talents,” said academy president Kevin Hurst.

The soccer club is coached by former Liberian professional player Moses B Weah.

Weah came to South Africa in 2005 as a player for FCAK. In 2011 he began his coaching career with the academy.

“I love the sport and to develop young talent. It is more exciting for me to be a coach because it’s my way of giving back. I have a lot of experience as a player and I love to share that,” said Weah.

The experienced coach has an Introductory SAFA license, a level 1 referee license and a level 1 and 2 first aid certificate.

“At a certain age, the players need to be taught more about technique so a coach has to have a license. In the academy we are preparing the boys to be successful so we are not worried about the league. Our main objective is development of their talent,” said Weah.

The team will be sponsored by Florida’s Cash Crusaders and Kwagga Holdings because the club does not charge fees and is dependent on sponsors.

The club has an education first policy and is even planning to bring school teachers on board to help members with their school work before practice.

Some of the members of the club come from low-income families and the club also works hard to get scholarships and bursaries for their members to further their educations

The club practices from Tuesdays to Fridays at Cecil Payne Sports Stadium from 5 to 7pm.

For more information, contact Kevin Hurst on 078 016 8350 or floridasportsacademy@gmail.com or www.floridasportsacademy.com