1 GOAL! 1 VISION! 1 MISSION!
1 ACADEMY
Soccer is one of most lucrative industries internationally and locally. In this country however, there is very little infrastructure and support at grassroots level resulting in many young potential stars unable to pursue their soccer talents. If not for local businesses and initiatives – most of which fall outside of the formal soccer management bodies – many clubs, teams and players simply cannot enjoy the beautiful game.
It is in this respect that we, FC Tygerberg, Garlandale FC and Peace Lovers FC, are approaching you for much-needed support in our attempts to not only continue playing, but making progress too.
Our currently unnamed structure was started with the merger of three local soccer clubs – Garlandale, Peace Lovers and FC Tygerberg. Each club on their own has its own set of challenges and a resolution was made to join forces in an attempt to jointly try and overcome some of these difficulties. Very little help is offered by local bodies such as the South African Football Association whether it is in the aspects such as infrastructure, financials or administration. Our clubs have merged as a direct result of the help we need in each other that we have, as yet, not received from the local bodies. It is hoped that, with this merger, we are able to help each other and share resources to try and rectify the separate clubs’ shortcomings so that all three emerge stronger, develop and grow. It is hoped that our joint struggle will reap great rewards as the clubs have pledged to support one another.
Background: Garlandale Football Club
The Garlandale Football Club was established in 1990 with the prime objective of serving the community by preventing the youth of today from roaming the streets, gathering on street corners or idling around the pool tables and the matinee disco’s. The club believes that by exposing the youth to sport at a very young age, valuable life and social skills will be instilled. The club adheres to the credo that sport should be accessible to all irrespective of social upbringing and has continued throughout its existence to provide such opportunities for its players.
Background: Peace Lovers Football Club
Hailing from Langa, an area plagued by social ills, Peace Lovers Football Club (PLFC) operates with a fundamental awareness of their local community. The club has identified the sport of soccer as an avenue for the development of the community’s youth and a means of distraction from the violence that is common to the everyday experiences of these youths. As its name suggests, the club aims to promote social interaction and a community spirit through the medium of soccer. Within its operating community, the club aims to: promote sport in general by conducting training programmes for various interest groups; to promote working relationships with institutions of learning in the area by building successful partnerships; and maintain affordable and sustainable progress within the community. In working at a community level, the club aims to instill acknowledgement of health, safety, security and happiness in all its players.
Though these are worthy aims for a community-based soccer club, they are nonetheless, challenging feats. Before merging with FCT and GFC, PLFC had little direction for meeting these objectives. It is hoped that merging with peers at the respective football clubs will make the ambitions of PLFC more of a reality in the near future.
See also:
Background: FC Tygerberg
Newly-formed FC Tygerberg (FCT) is located in the northern suburbs of Cape Town where it services a player base from historically disadvantaged areas such as Belhar, Blue Downs and Sarepta. The club’s objectives include advancing to the National First Division (NFD) and thereafter to the Premier Soccer League (PSL). We plan to forge links with international clubs with which exchange and development programmes are envisioned.
Of the three clubs involved in this merger, FCT is the only club who currently competes in the PSL second division. Though a notable achievement, the club has a very small pool to select players from and does not have junior players who are able to feed the premier team in the future. It is hoped that in merging with PLFC and GFC, this player shortage can be rectified and more players will be afforded the opportunity to play in different arenas.
facebook: Tygerberg FC
“Sport has the power to unite people in a way little else can. Sport can create hope where there was once only despair. It breaks down racial barriers. It laughs in the face of discrimination. Sport speaks to people in a language they can understand."
Nelson Mandela
Our academy looks to address many issues that can destroy the communities in which we all live. Sonke Gender Justice Network helps us to educate our players about some of the gender issues that exist in our communities. In order to be a champion in this regard we all have to work together and claim the strength of the young men that will eventually grow up to be fathers and role models in our communities. The 3 clubs (Peace Lovers, Garlandale & Tygerberg Football Clubs) and Sonke Gender Justice Network have decided to work together in order to address such issues.
Brothers for Life Manifesto There is a new man in South Africa. A man who takes responsibility for his actions. A man who chooses a single partner Over multiple chances with HIV A man who is self worth is not determined by the number of women he can have. A man who makes no excuses for unprotected sex, Even after drinking A man who supports his partner, And protects his children. A man who respects his woman And never lifts a hand to her A man who knows that the choices we make today, Will determine whether we see tomorrow I am that man And you are my brother. (Taken from Sonke Gender Justice Network) |
Coaches: Develop a Game Plan Against Abuse |
Why must a coach encourage men and boys to take a stand against domestic and sexual violence? Sport has always been at the forefront of social change. Playing sports has helped South Africa break down segregation and racism; it can bring people together and can provide inspiration. Great coaches have always taught more than a game. They teach honour, perseverance, self-respect, discipline, teamwork and respect for others. These are all traits and skills that are just as important in life as they are on the field. Your athletes listen to you; they’re used to following your instructions regarding preparation, technique and performance, and you can use their attention to teach them about life too. By teaching your athletes that young women deserve to be treated with honour and respect and that violence does not equal strength or manliness, you will help your young men draw these important distinctions between games and life. What can coaches do to encourage boys and young men to be more active in ending violence against women and children? 1. Be clear from the outset about your expectations of the players The first official day of practice is a special day. It is in that period of time prior to the opening game that you do much of your teaching. It is when you implement strategy, formulate goals, communicate expectations and lay the foundations for team chemistry. It’s also the ideal time for you to define the playing field for your players regarding violence against women. Encourage them to talk to you and let them know what services are offered in dealing with violence. 2. Make your views clear Define your views on what it means to be a man. Explain that while aggressiveness and intimidation have a place in sports, acting this way in real life toward girls crosses the line and will not be tolerated on your team 3. This season communicate that your players’ goals go beyond the field Make it clear to your players that this year they will also learn to treat women with honour and respect and understand that violence never equals strength. Explain to them that you will be supporting them to use their profile and status to encourage others to take a stand against violence and be more involved in preventing HIV infection. 4. Model discipline and integrity Foster discipline and respect through positive constructive teaching – remember discipline and respect starts with the coach and rest of management. Through your actions, teach your players the importance of respect – for oneself and others, even when things are difficult and you are not winning. 5. Encourage players to support each other to remain non-violent Remind them that teammates should speak up if they think someone is involved in a situation that is disrespectful to women or girls. Remind them that good friends support each other to stay out of trouble and to change. At practices and before games take a few minutes to remind to players that their behavior off the field affects the team as a whole. 6. Use teachable moments As a coach, you’re used to planning for potential game scenarios. Do the same and plan with your team how you’re going to deal with violence against women. Certain situations or behaviors that occur with your players will be out of your control to prevent, but they also provide you with the opportunity to talk to the rest of the team and correct the wrongs.
MAKE A DIFFERENCE: BE A COACH FOR LIFE (Taken from Sonke Gender Justice Network) |
