Stars shine at Norwood Young Stars awards ceremony
NORWOOD – From player of the year award to the player's player of the year award, the venue was filled with jubilant spirit and ululation sounds from happy parents who came to support future stars.
Following a busy 2018/2019 season, Norwood Young Stars FC hosted an awards ceremony to honour those players who have excelled and helped the local club improve its performance in the Alexandra Northrand Local Football Association (ANLFA) Promotional League.
Players and team management converged at the Norwood Police Station’s barracks hall after a friendly match with Norwood police officers at nearby sports grounds where their supporters and family members were waiting to witness the rising stars climbing the stage to accept their accolades.
From Player of the Year award to the Players’ Player of the Year award, the venue was filled with a jubilant spirit and ululation sounds from happy parents who came to support the future stars of the beautiful game.
Addressing scores of attendants before the awards handover, club chairperson Venita Masisi appealed to parents to always give the necessary support to their children. She also thanked the local police station, LifeLine and a local church for their support and for partnering with the club to take the children out of the streets and away from mischief.
“Empowering and developing youngsters is not only my passion but an essential need that I cannot live without. I would like to thank you parents for your unwavering support of your kids and also allowing me to help shape their future. The support we have received from the SAPS’ local police station is amazing and we are very grateful to have law enforcers like the one we have.”
Masisi encouraged all players to give their best not only in the field of play but also in the communities they live in and become a testament of good stories to their peers. “Be the best in everything you do.”
She urged them to be an example at home to their siblings and to those who have fallen into the trap of substance abuse saying, “Don’t judge them, help and uplift so they can realise the errors of their ways.”
Turning to the players, she said: “We want to see you playing for big clubs in the future or even playing oversees, but that will only become possible when you apply the utmost discipline in your life,”
Station Commander at the Norwood Police Station Colonel Phetole Mahasha described sports as a weapon that can be used to curb crime in the area as it keeps people busy and away from criminal activities.
