Youth uplifted at local soccer tournament
'Tournaments like these keep youngsters off the streets,' an organiser said.
A two-day soccer tournament was hosted at Norkem Park High School over the weekend and saw at least 27 teams from across Kempton Park and Tembisa battle it out to walk away as champions of Peace Gunners Football Club’s second annual year-end tournament.
The tournament is held to honour the Olifantsfontein-based club and all its hard work during the soccer season.
This year, the best on the field in the u-12 category was team Peace Gunners. Community Football Club walked away as winners of the u-14 category and Tembisa Sport Centre was crowned champions of the u-16s.
“Tournaments like these are important to remind children that they can keep busy with good activities even after the schools have closed,” said organiser Mogafe Moloto.
“The streets are not the place to go. By participating in positive activities, they avoid negative things associated with being on the street.”
Moloto added that the tournament was also a good way for the scholars to de-stress after a busy exam period.
“We appreciate the support of the community and Norkem High who let us use their playing fields, Moloto said.
“We hope that this tournament will grow each year and that we’ll have at least 32 teams next year.”
Although everyone couldn’t be winners on the day, each player received a medal for participation. Parents that attended the prize-giving on Sunday were in high spirits as they enjoyed listening to music at the event and celebrating their young soccer stars.
