Tsogo Sun develops youth with skills

The Tsogo Sun Soccer Academy, recently took place for young players during the school holidays, and a few of the workshops were held at Silverstar Casino in Muldersdrift.

The programme, now in its sixth year, uses sport in the lives of young pupils to engage with them, using something they love. This is part of keeping young people off the streets and engaged in something positive.

“The programme not only focuses on giving children the building blocks to develop their soccer skills, but more importantly also the tools to refine their soft skills. Our aim is to give these children the foundation to learn about themselves and others in terms of respect, discipline, time management, responsibility and accountability,” said Shane Collinson, director of operations and complex general manager at Silverstar Casino.

The academy currently includes 36 primary and high schools in the West Rand, working with 40 teachers, about 1 000 pupils and uses local businesses and individuals as service providers to the programme.

The three-week-long programme includes various life skill workshops for 80 young players from 13 to 19 years old. The workshops are a combination of both practical and softer, emotional-based skills such as getting along with teammates. Soccer is woven in between the sessions to keep the players fit and healthy during school holidays.

In addition, Westview Clinic hosted an informative workshop on substance abuse allowing the young players to understand the dangers and impact and develop an appreciation for healthy living.

“We aim to equip our young South Africans with as much information, support and guidance for them to be able to successfully navigate through life and become responsible, contributing members to society,” Collinson concluded.