A community-driven football club in Parkmore is appealing for sponsorship and donations to sustain its operations and keep young players engaged in sport and away from negative influences.

Founded in 2024, Johannesburg Football Club has quickly established itself as a competitive team in the Sandton Super League. It finished fourth in the 2025 season, while emerging as one of the highest-scoring sides in the division, but behind the on-field success, the club is facing mounting financial challenges that threaten its future.
Founder, owner, and chairperson Armstrong McBaye said the club was created to provide structure and opportunity for young men in surrounding communities. “We want to keep young kids out of trouble, and a common way to do that, and build friendships, is through football.”

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He added that the club currently has 28 players, between the ages of 19 and 27, and aims to expand its recruitment to include younger players from the age of 16. Long-term plans include establishing a youth academy that could accept children as young as eight years old.

McBaye said the idea for the club came after noticing talented players regularly gathering at local parks without access to organised competition. “We saw this as an opportunity to take these boys away from the parks and into a fully-fledged football team where they could compete and showcase their talent.”

The club has also built a reputation in smaller-format competitions, winning three five-a-side titles during the 2025 season, a sign of the team’s depth and commitment. However, the loss of a previous sponsor has left the club struggling to cover basic operational costs, including transport, match fees, equipment, and training facilities. “Financially, we are struggling a lot right now. The sponsorship we had for two seasons has ended, and currently, we don’t have funding.”

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McBaye warned that without support, the programme may not be sustainable. “If we don’t have that sponsorship, then the programme simply cannot continue because the cost would be too high.” The club is also seeking partnerships with schools or organisations that can provide access to training facilities to reduce operational expenses.

Despite the challenges, McBaye remains optimistic about the club’s future and its role in strengthening the community. “You are joining a community, contributing to the betterment of the area, and positively impacting young men’s lives.”

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