Kick-off for soccer at Olympia
“Soccer was one of the first sports in South Africa to be called off and has been one of the last to return. But, we are back,” said Olympia chairperson Giovanni Di Benedetto.
With newfound enthusiasm, Olympia Football Club is eager to get players back on the field.
Covid-19 saw soccer players take over a year’s hiatus from the game.
“Soccer was one of the first sports in South Africa to be called off and has been one of the last to return. But, we are back,” said Olympia chairman Giovanni di Benedetto.
With a focus on development and fun, the club hopes to attract new players.
Di Benedetto said all practices and games are undertaken in line with strict Covid-19.
“Our focus is on the development of young players. Soccer is about teamwork but it’s also about developing life and social skills,” he said.
“We want to stimulate and motivate youngsters”.
The Italian Club’s Olympia FC was established in 1949 and boasts a rich history in the game.
In the 1960s and 1970s, the club featured in South Africa’s premier league.
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Today the club features in the South African Football Association’s (SAFA) SAB League.
The club has teamed up with Tec4Tekkers to offer technical development for players in all its ranks.
Academy technical coach at Tec4Tekker, Gwynne Berry wants to use his 30 years of experience in the game to mould young players.
He told the NEWS that the window for technical advancements of players is between the ages of five and 13.
“This is going to be our main focus while we structure and develop our teams,” Berry said.
He added that by the time the players are 12 or 13 he wants them to already be accomplished young sportsmen and women.
Berry, who himself played in the youth league for Crystal Palace FC has worked as the technical coach for Westham United FC and the premier league side Crystal Palace FC.
“The programme I use has been in development for over 20 years. It has some substance to it. We want to see young players get out of the house and back on the grass,” said Berry.
In addition to player development, Olympia has also placed focus on recruiting the right coaches.
“There should be a harmony between sports and life skills and the right coach can get find that balance. We want to give young players the skills they need to achieve their sporting goals at senior levels of the game,” said Berry.
Di Benedetto said the club wants to allow everyone to play and try to help as many young players as possible.
The club offers soccer for children aged five and over and also features a league for veterans aged 35 and over.
“The Italian Club and Olympia FC enforce strict Covid-19 protocols. We can assure parents that this is a safe environment for their children,” said Di Benedetto.
Training takes place on Mondays and Wednesdays for u-6 to u-12 players and Tuesdays and Thursdays for u-13 to u-17 players.
Olympia FC plays in the Eastern league against rivals from Edenvale, Kempton Park, Benoni and more.
For more information email info@olympiafc.co.za or contact Giovanni on 082 464 0550.
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