Golden Drifters Football Academy was founded eight years ago by the club’s now chairman, Proud Shoko.
He founded the academy as a way to get the children of Zandspruit off the streets and taking part in something productive that actually benefited their well-being.
The academy has since gone on to reach many a milestone and has grown further than just soccer, adding a netball team to the mix as well.
In its eight years, the club has managed to establish the first-ever promotional team in the Mogale City Local Football Association and has also won two league titles, the first in the U/15 league in 2015 and the second in the U/17 league in 2017.
The club has also trained two of its coaches in first aid, while also managing to run a successful winter tournament without any challenges last year.
However, despite the achievements, there are still several challenges. According to Proud, a lack of support from the parents has hindered growth at the academy.
“A lack of parental support during the year at games and meetings always hinders the progress and success of the academy,” Proud said.
“We also suffer from a lack of reliable transportation to games and training, because some of our members live far away from the training field.”
Despite the challenges the club has faced over the years, it has grown exponentially, and is set to keep on going, no matter what comes its way.
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