21 June, 2004
By Steven Harrison
Twelve up and coming Ron Barrasis took part in the first stage of Footy South Africa’s coaching accreditation course last weekend in Lichtenburg, North West Province. Ivan Boulton, Head Coach of the North West Academy of Sport (pictured right), conducted a generic coaching workshop for sixty people from several different sporting codes.
Parts two and three of the course are specifically geared towards the theory of Australian Football skills, drills and tactics. Participants will also gain an appreciation of the culture surrounding Australian Football. A practical assessment of coaching abilities will follow.
Footy South Africa received a boost earlier this year when it won a grant of R394,000 (A$80,000) from the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund, which will go towards the training and development of coaches, umpires and administrators in the North West Province.
Check the calendar of events for more course dates and venues near you.
Categories: Coaching · Development · Workshops
21 June, 2004
By Steve Harrison.
South African football has breathed new life with the arrival of a shipment of Footballs from Australia. Footy South Africa’s Head Development Officer, Mtutuzeli Hlomela, (pictured right) was on hand in Potchefstroom, North West Province, to greet the delivery truck after waiting patiently for several long weeks. He celebrated by going for a kick in the nearby park. “It was like a pub with no beer, now it feels like Christmas!” said Mtutu. Footy South Africa appeals to those in Australia who wish to donate footies – they are much needed in the development of our great game in South Africa. Please contact us!
Categories: Development · South African Volunteers · Special Thanks
21 June, 2004
By Steven Harrison
The Itsoseng Junior Footy Center was bursting at the seems yesterday with the sounds of one hundred kids participating in Itsoseng’s first Junior Footy Fun Day. Children from Itsoseng and the surrounding communities of Bodibe and Verdwaal participated in under 13 and under 16 matches. The fantastic preparation of the Bodibe and Itsoseng senior players paid off with their first junior festival, held at Itsoseng Stadium, being a big success.
The under 16 teams played for a trophy which will be retained by the winning team at each festival. The Bodibe under 16’s took out the Grand Final, defeating Itsoseng by two goals.
Benjamin Motuba, Itsoseng senior player and one of the organisers of the event, was very impressed with the way the newer kids picked up the skills of the game. “We are aiming to keep this region as the strongest footy region of South Africa over a long period. So many kids want to play, and I’m sure this will keep growing around here. Even the new kids were taking bounces and great marks. I was proud.” he said.
Included in the day’s program were the kids fun games. A few of the old favorites proved popular – the egg and spoon race and the sack race in particular.
Four Junior Footy Centers are in action in the North West Province, located at Itsoseng, Mafikeng, Vryburg and Christiana. More centers are due to open up in Gauteng later this year. The organisers of yesterday’s event are planning to do it all again next month in Bodibe.
Special thanks to the mothers of some of the junior players who worked tirelessly in the kitchen, preparing a delicious lunch of pap and mince. Thanks mums!
Categories: Development · Festivals · Junior Leagues
