New format for u.14 schools soccer league

McDonald’s South Africa, in partnership with the South African Schools Football Association (SASFA), recently launched the seventh edition of the McDonald’s u.14 Schools League at the Nike Football Centre in Soweto.
McDonald’s South Africa continues to show its committed and continuous contribution to football development in schools through its 2010 legacy programme. The McDonald’s u.14 Schools League is aimed at developing dreams to ensure that young talent is developed and nurtured at grassroots level.
The league will commence in May and culminate with the national finals.
Previously, the provincial finals took place over a nine week long period but this year, the McDonald’s u.14 Schools League will now take place in a ne w “Soccer Festivals” format where provincial teams will travel to other provinces to play finals.
The soccer festivals will take place in the following regions:
• KwaZulu-Natal, 10 July for KZN and Free State
• Mpumalanga, 13 August for Mpumalanga and Limpopo
• North West, 20 August for North West and Gauteng
• Western Cape, 10 September for Western Cape, Northern Cape and Eastern Cape
“We are proud to still be fulfilling our legacy and long-term commitment to developing football at grassroots level. We are excited about the new league format, which will not only reach children in schools but furthermore provide the opportunity for the parents and communities to be part of the festivities whilst supporting their children. The soccer festivals will also allow children to showcase football talent amongst their peers from different provinces,” says Sechaba Motsieloa, Corporate Affairs Director for McDonald’s South Africa
The league also provides the opportunity for teachers and coaches to be trained at the Soccer Festival Coaching Clinics in partnership with the Dutch Football Association (KNVB) WorldCoaches programme. This training develops coaches that have a direct contact with the McDonald’s u.14 Schools League players in schools.
SASFA President, Mandla Mazibuko said this has been a six years long-standing partnership and extended for a new three year’s cycle. “We are really proud to witness the young player’s dreams realised through the McDonald’s u.14 Schools League. We will continue to provide structures for schools and children to develop their football skills at grassroot level.”
The nine Provincial Winners will proceed to the McDonald’s u.14 Schools League national finals to be held in Gauteng from 29 September to 1 October.

Featured Photo: The coveted McDonald’s u.14 Schools League Cup that provincial teams will battle it out for on the soccer field.