POLOKWANE – Soccercise Starz hosted their annual prize-giving ceremony for the Kraaines Preschool Soccer Starz team last Wednesday, celebrating the young athletes for their hard work throughout the year.

Parents were invited to witness the ceremony and cheer on their budding soccer players: Mokatse Masalesa, Adrian Mametja, Akudzwe Murato, Leeto Sekole, Besty Lentswane, Junior Nyoffu and Ofentse Chuene, each received a certificate and medal to keep as a reminder of their achievements.

Kraaines teachers and other learners also joined the ceremony.

Before the awards were handed out, coaches and the Soccer Starz demonstrated a variety of ball and fitness exercises, giving parents a glimpse into what the children learn during their sessions at school.

Coach Lesetja Phatudi told Review that Soccercise Starz prides itself on developing young players through quality coaching programmes.

“We strive to maintain excellent standards by ensuring our coaches are trained in new techniques and enrolled in advanced gross motor skill programmes, giving us a competitive advantage,” he said.

He added that the academy aims to equip children with a range of foundational skills, including listening, balance, coordination, muscle development, confidence, concentration, teamwork, sportsmanship, health and fitness and even good manners.

The children also learn essential soccer skills such as kicking, turning, shooting, heading, throwing, balancing the ball, and movement patterns like running forward, backward, sideways and jumping.

Parents were delighted to capture memorable moments with their children, while Phatudi, accompanied by other coaches Sello Kgashane, Carol Molotja, and Manamela Sipho, congratulated all the young players.

“Well done to all the Soccer Starz. Your hard work has finally paid off,” he said.