13/01/2011

Volunteer Gap Year Soccer Coaching in South Africa

Take a gap year and instruct sports volunteer projects in Africa! Local Soccer Clinics Take Shape in Knysna! Local boys Rushaad and Cheslin are pursuing a life long ambition of running their own soccer clinics for people in the Knysna area. Rushaad and Cheslin have always been soccer crazy and in 2009 had the privilege of taking part in the Homeless World Cup, an annual international soccer tournament which exposes underprivileged young people to experiences and places which they normally could only dream of. Taking part in the Homeless World Cup involved 2 months of intense training in Cape Town and took them on a journey to Italy - an extremely exciting adventure for them!

Now thanks to a generous donation of soccer equipment from Nathalie Van Erkelens (an EDGE of AFRICA volunteer from the Netherlands) and with the backing of EDGE of AFRICA, Rushaad and Cheslin after years of dreaming are finally able to begin running their own soccer clinics. Like many young people in Rushaad and Cheslin haven’t always had easy lives and this opportunity has empowered them to take control of their own lives and do something that they are very passionate about.

Over the last month they have been running daily soccer clinics for...well just about any one in the local community who wants to join in! In the future they would like to extend their clinics to involve local schools and perhaps in the long term these soccer clinics will expand into a successful business for them.

Often in schools where funding is limited sports is the last priority; however sports can be an excellent tool for social and personal development, as well as being something very enjoyable for young people. It is this which inspires Rushaad and Cheslin to run their clinics – they want to give young people in the local community something that they can be passionate about; something that makes their lives more enjoyable; and ultimately something that will help them develop as a person.

The strength and ambition of these two young men is an inspiration to all and we are confident that they will be a great success.

More Information About EDGE of AFRICA

EDGE of AFRICAs uplifting gap year projects offer you the valuable opportunity to contribute to South Africas heritage, while experiencing African culture in a way not quite possible when visiting the country as a mere tourist.

Take a gap year & volunteer with EDGE of AFRICA - www.edgeofafrica.com

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