BFA and Build It Unite Eldorado Park Schools for Youth Football Showcase
Breakthrough Football Academy's Build It Cup tournament brings children together, in the name of football skills and whole person development in a crime-ridden community.
The Breakthrough Football Academy (BFA) and its partners Build It hosted a U13 school’s football tournament that brought together eight primary schools from the Eldorado Park community on May 2.
The Build It Cup competition, which was won by Nanceville Primary, was intended to provide the youngsters with an opportunity to develop their football careers while at the same time fostering a healthy and competitive spirit.
Other participating schools included Lyle, Zerowa Christian Academy, Nancefield, Eldridge, Delrado, Firethorn, Boekenout, Mcbain Charles and Eldorado Primary.
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BFA founder and coach Leroy ‘Smile’ Smith said that it was important to construct a sporting culture in the community, and added that a single event could not assist in achieving this goal.
He said that the academy would be holding several tournaments and programs to keep kids engaged and participating in sports.
“The Peters Principle, under which a footballer needs to touch the ball for 16,000 hours to reach their potential, was quoted as a guiding force for the academy’s approach,” said Smith.
The academy has also partnered with EPSU to grow school football and has reached 3 000 to 4 000 children in 32 schools.
BFA is eager to enhance children’s football skills with an eye on creating well-rounded individuals who excel in other aspects of life.
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Smith reiterated that the academy’s approach is constructed on growing children holistically, including their physical, technical, tactical, social, and mental abilities.
The focus is not limited to soccer as they also have a similar programme for Netball and they intend to expand to other sporting codes.
The academy hopes to introduce futsal, street football, and other forms of football in its programs.
This will help develop their skills and live their dream of playing football, the academy is hoping to raise talented players capable of excelling both on and off the pitch, he added.
