Young players’ dreams kept alive through soccer programme
The boys train under a programme called Sports Science and Conditioning, which is based at Ruimsig Athletics Stadium.
A great number of unsigned soccer players have decided not to throw in the towel in their gruelling pursuit to become professional soccer players.
These passionate players, under Coach Abraham Isak’s management, have made it their mission to keep training until an opportunity arises for them to move to a better set-up.
The boys train under a programme called Sports Science and Conditioning, which is based at Ruimsig Athletics Stadium.
This programme, which was founded by Rafique Hassim, a recognised professional footballer in South Africa, seeks to empower youngsters through soccer development.
Isak, who trains with the players on a daily basis, told Northsider that the programme nurtures youngsters who are then prepared for local trials and scholarships in America.
“It’s been going well so far, we prepare boys between the ages of 14 and 24 for scholarships in America,” said Isak.
He added that they target players between the ages of 14 to 24 for educational purposes. He explained that it is difficult to get a scholarship for a player over the age of 27 unless the individual is currently studying in a university.
A senior player, Kyle Stewart, who holds the goalkeeper position, said most of the players have joined the programme because of a lack of clubs signing them. “Most of these guys are here because they don’t have clubs and they obviously want to stay fit,” he said.
He added that the programme gives them an opportunity to play and stay fit. Stewart explained that they compete in friendly matches to improve their match fitness. “There are a few friendly matches that we compete in. Those are very important for us to build match fitness. We do this because we have to be constantly sharp and fit, so we try to play as many matches as we can,” he said.
This programme also helps free players to be always ready for trials. Stewart mentioned that the programme has grown immensely through word of mouth. He also extended an invitation to other free players from the area to join the programme.
Training takes place from Mondays to Thursdays and again on Saturdays, at 4pm at the Ruimsig Athletics Stadium.
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