BUFFALO CITY is set to become the first city in South Africa to have a Women’s Soccer Academy of Excellence.
This was announced on 22 January at the Stratfords Guesthouse during a workshop on stakeholder consultation on the City’s proposed 2010 legacy project.
Delegates from the Buffalo City council, South African Football Association (Safa), local football structures, Walter Sisulu University, Border Cycling Club, and a number of provincial government departments attended the workshop.
At the academy, young women who want to hone their football skills will be trained; however, sport will not be the only focus. They will receive tutoring in school subjects and will be helped with their homework. Teenagers will also be able to get counselling.
“The academy will be non-residential and no community will have a claim on it. Everyone will be welcome to use the facilities, with permission from the municipality.”
It would be an opportunity for young girls to show their talent and become better sports women. The municipality, together with various stakeholders, would establish a Women’s Football League and a school league focusing on sourcing talent for the academy from a tender age.
“Our first step should be looking for under-15 girls who are passionate about the game and give them the necessary skills to be professionals,” said Fran Hilton-Smith, the director of Safa Women’s High Performance Centre.
“This is a fantastic initiative that is definitely going to make women’s football stronger across the country.”
Hilton-Smith, who was asked to advise the stakeholders, said: “The municipality should also concentrate on bringing in qualified personnel, including coaches, to ensure the success of the legacy project.”
Safa national executive member, Eddie du Plooy, pledged his support, saying: “This is a futuristic development. For the City to venture into such untested grounds is unheard-of in football circles in the country.
“We wish [the City] all the success and guarantee it that Safa will give it all the support it needs to make [the academy] a success.”
It was also announced at the workshop that in four weeks’ time, upgrades worth R10-million would begin at Amalinda and Zwelitsha sport grounds. This work would be funded by the council.
According to the City’s 2010 project manager, Roy Young, grounds would be revamped and ablution areas would get showers and change rooms. “We are also proposing that each precinct should have an administration area to facilitate and run [it].”
Source: Buffalo Citywww.buffalocity.gov.za
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