Entries open for 19th annual Danone Nations Cup
JOBURG – The cup, which is the biggest tournament of its kind, is open to players from 10 to 12 years old.
As the new school year begins, educators have the opportunity to provide experiences that will help children to develop.
Sport provides an ideal opportunity for children to engage with others and hone their skills.
The Danone Nations Cup, a soccer tournament for children between the ages of 10 and 12, plays a vital educational role in developing youngsters because it provides a way for schools to teach valuable life lessons in a fun way.
“Every year, through our competition, we touch the lives of over 2,3 million kids around the world and since its inception in 2000 over 35 million kids have played in our competition making it the biggest tournament of its kind in the world,” said Chantel Ehlers, the communication manager for Danone Southern Africa.
“We are proud of these statistics and locally we are pleased with the fact that South Africa has managed to win the world finals three times.”
Schools use sports such as soccer to teach children how to think laterally, to solve problems, the importance of teamwork and trust, how to handle defeat and to bounce back, and keep going with confidence.
Last year, more than 2 700 schools, ranging from rural and farm schools, to private schools, registered for the South African leg of the Danone Nations Cup. This year, the organisers are hoping to grow this to more than 3 000.
Youth development coaching is specialised as it is at this age that children want to learn. It’s vital that young players perfect their skills without picking up bad habits.
In South Africa, the majority of coaches at this level are generally teachers who don’t always have the necessary experience and qualifications. Many of these coaches rely on the Internet for advice and information. To help them, Danone has posted on YouTube every game played on the final day of the Danone Nations Cup world finals last year in New York, so that coaches can access them.
“Many of the schools that have gone on to compete in the world finals have done so against all odds,” Ehlers said.
“It’s a life-changing experience. Players come back better footballers due to watching how other countries play and learn from them. They meet and make friends from all around the world.”
Schools can register for the competition by contacting the national coordinator at the SA Schools Football Association, Themba Tshabalala on 011 403 2844, 084 290 0602 or 072 588 4957. Alternatively, they can visit the Danone Nations Cup South Africa Facebook page or go to www.facebook.com/dncsouthafrica to download the necessary documents.
