VANDERBIJLPARK.- It was a football mania when LMS  Sports Academy hosted a mini pre-season tournament for Vanderbijlpark/Vereeniging Stream teams at Sancta Maria Primary School on Saturday.

Despite the chilly weather, parents came in numbers to support this initiative with boys and girls showcasing their talent. The day’s programme started with the U11 division, followed by the U13, U15 and U17 teams. The popular United Kingdom (UK) Tournament organiser, Bongani Magagula, was among the spectators.

Magagula gave this initiative a thumbs-up saying he was overwhelmed by the football these young boys and girls displayed on the day. He told Sedibeng Ster Sport that these kinds of programmes need to be supported, especially by parents.

“I enjoyed every moment of action, especially seeing these U11 boys and girls playing. To make it interesting some teams saw mixed genders playing together. This is what we are talking about when we refer to grassroots football,” said Magagula.

When Sedibeng Ster Sport asked if the UK Tournament would consider including this division in their tournament in future, Magagula didn’t dismiss the possibility. There were also ladies’ teams that formed part of this programme with Vaal Milano Ladies FC and Italian Two Touch Ladies FC who played against each other.

Speaking to Sedibeng Ster Sport, LMS Academy Head of Development Happy Moqholosane said the main purpose of this initiative was in preparation for the coming season.

Sedibeng Ster Sport has learned that the Vanderbijlpark and Vereeniging Streams will combine for the upcoming season.

“It was a great day for football development and as LMS Academy we want to thank the teams that honoured our invitation. We also want to thank those parents who came out in numbers to watch their children, despite the weather. This is what we need in football, the parents’ support like in other sporting codes. We hope to organise the same tournament before we start with our league programme,” said Moqholosane.