Soccer girls honoured for playing fair in street soccer tournament
The tournament was made possible by Manchester United ladies player, Adrianna Leon who contributed percentage of her salary to Common goal.
Vukauzenzele primary school defeated Tshimollo primary school 2-1 in the finals Girls Street Soccer league tournament over the weekend.
The six-week tournament was organised by Altus Sport and Common Goal and was held at the Nellmapius multi-purpose centre sports ground on Saturday.
Altus Sport was founded in 1994 and focuses on sports development. It has been deeply involved with development community structures and is a well-known entity in its areas of operation.
Altus Sport programme manager Zee Teffo said eight Mamelodi, Nellmapius and Eersterust primary schools participated in the under 12 and 13 divisions.
He said the tournament started on August 19 and ended on September 16, with games played over the weekend.
Participants included Sediba sa Thuto, Nantes, Emasangweni, Tshimollo, Vukuazenzele, Mahlasedi Masana, Nellmapius ext. 6 and Ramahlale primary schools.
Vukuazenzele drew 1-1 with Tshimollo, but the former was awarded a 2-1 result under the fair play rules.
Teffo said a stalemate was not resolved by penalties, but fair play rules, that allow no high balls.
The team walked away with a trophy and gold medals while Tshimollo received silver medals and the remaining six schools a certificate of participation each.
Teffo said the tournament was made possible by Manchester United woman player Adriana Leon, who had contributed a percentage of her salary to Common Goal.
The tournament was a success, as almost everyone was a winner and Nantes was announced the fair play team of the tournament.
Youth sports leaders Phumzile Ntuli and Chevon Esbie were each awarded a fair play certificate for their dedication.
Keomogetse Serithi of Tshimollo was named fair play player of the tournament and Refilwe Moyakeni of Vukuazenzele received a certificate as the player who had the most fun.
Teffo said the aim of the tournament is to help youth become better people.
“We teach them most about life skills and sports to become better leaders.”
“The tournament was a success and we managed to put a smile on a girl child’s face by building their confidence, meeting new friends from neighbouring schools.”
Teffo said Altus Sport’s main goal is keeping boys and girls busy, away from the streets, drugs, crime and teenage pregnancies.
“Altus Sport works with more than 120 schools and communities under the leadership of 55 mixed gender youth sports leaders,” he concluded.
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