Making dreams come true: A new sports field and training programme for the Roodezandt School
What started with collectible pictures of Fritzle on SanLucar fruit packets in local supermarkets has now given pupils at the Roodezandt Secondary School in Saron a new sports field, training equipment and other exercise programmes. Their dream has come true thanks to the fundraising campaign and the donation from VfB service partner SanLucar to the VfB Foundation. The facility and educational programmes will benefit the more than 1,000 students at the secondary school and the 1,200 pupils at the primary school as well as the local community.
As part of SanLucar's DREAMS initiative, both partners have not only expanded their joint commitment, but have also financed and implemented a new school project near the SanLucar farms in South Africa. A new sports field was ceremoniously opened with great enthusiasm and participation from the entire school and community. VfB legend Cacau and former South African professional footballer David Kannemeyer were also present. Under the guidance of the VfB Football School and coaches from the Stellenbosch Academy of Sport (SAS), they played football and netball together with the children. In the days leading up to the event, there was already an exciting programme for the youngsters, which was led by the experienced coaches from the VfB Football School and the SAS.
Improving life chances through sport
The key objectives of the project are the long-term development of a sports programme for pupils and the teaching of important educational content through sport. Both sporting and personal development are promoted in order to show them new perspectives in life. Certified coaches guide them and support them in fully developing their skills and talents. Life skills are taught in workshops organised by the Stellenbosch Academy of Sport network, Global United FC, SanLucar and the VfB Football School, among others. It was particularly impressive to see the gratitude, eagerness and hospitality at the Roodezandt School. Headmaster Andrew Beerwinkel, teaching staff, parents and the pupils themselves took part with great enthusiasm, exemplary fair play and fantastic commitment, helping to make these days particularly valuable.
Football4WASH project in Cape Town: Access to water, hygiene and sport
After an eventful few days in Saron, the VfB delegation travelled on to Cape Town, where the VfB Foundation is working together with the Viva con Agua foundation to improve access to water and to impart knowledge about hygiene through enthusiasm for football. This is because more than 70 percent of the population in South Africa have no or only limited access to sanitation. Viva con Agua Capetown's projects are implemented particularly in rural regions, where almost 20 percent have no access to clean drinking water, and near the townships. The main focus here is on imparting vital knowledge and improving the prospects of children and young people who are growing up in difficult conditions. Funding for the Football4WASH projects via the VfB Foundation comes from the cup deposit scheme carried out by Viva con Agua volunteers at all home matches at the MHP Arena.
Great enthusiasm for football tournament on outskirts of townships
The VfB delegation was able to see for themselves the sometimes precarious conditions at the schools and the difficult environment in which children and young people grow up on the outskirts of the townships. At the same time, they were able to see how important the Football4WASH project is and how enthusiastically the pupils take part in it. In preparation for the annual football tournament, the coaches received guidance from the VfB Football School. This also included preparation of the pitches themselves, which in some cases were in bad condition. Without being asked, the pupils spontaneously supported the project and lent a helping hand. They cleared the pitch of rubbish, drew lines and removed stones so that the tournament could take place the next day. More than 1,000 pupils from four schools around Cape Town arrived in good spirits in the morning. Over the course of several hours, they played with great enthusiasm and cheered loudly for every goal. At the end of the tournament, there was a presentation ceremony where everyone was honoured with a medal. T-shirts from the VfB Foundation and sports equipment for the schools and coaches rounded off an unforgettable experience.
After ten days full of vivid events, special encounters and valuable experiences, it was time to say goodbye. But with the knowledge that the VfB Foundation's projects are in the right place and are doing good – above all by improving the future prospects of children and young people.
The VfB Foundation thanks all partners for their support and company in the implementation of both projects, and looks forward to our continued cooperation.