Football fun for a good cause

Gift a Child held their annual Gift A Child 5-a-side charity football cup on Saturday at Fives Futbol at Hillfox Power Centre.

According to Gift A Child founder and chairperson Larnell Mann the annual soccer tournament is held to raise funds for the children in their care.

“We run a variety of programmes for troubled and at risk children,” says Larnell. “These include live-in children, as well as programmes for children that are living with their families.

“In addition to providing children with some essentials, we also provide counselling and and advice to troubled children, and those who come out of abusive or difficult circumstances.”

He adds that a large part of their work is helping to restore family relationships between children and parents who have been rehabilitated, or released from prison.

The tournament was well attended, with teams from far and wide taking part in some nail biting clashes.

Florida Boys FC emerged as the winners of the U13 division, beating Columbus FC to take the tile.

The Open division was dominated by Durban FC, with Jozi FC finishing in second place.

Gift A Child United FC finished in third place overall.

“We were very pleased with the support that the tournament, and Gift A Child has received,” says Larnell. “Without the help and support from football teams, local companies, and the local community, we would not be able to do our crucial work among the youth.”