Morgan Gould Praises Tsogo Sun Soccer Academy

Kaizer Chiefs defender, Morgan Gould, says academies like the Tsogo Sun Soccer Academy can play a vital role in helping children form good lives for themselves.

It has now been five years since the academy, in the Munsieville, Kagiso and Swaneville communities of the West Rand of Johannesburg, started it’s mission. Each year, the participation of the 900 youngsters is celebrated during the annual soccer tournaments, which was officially opened from 11 to 13 April at the Lusaka Sports Complex in Swaneville, Mogale City.

Their primary objective is to “provide young South Africans with opportunities to become educated, capable and skilled adults through a holistic approach to education and sport that incorporates life skills development with health and wellness education in the form of workshops within their sporting programmes. At the same time sporting talent and tertiary education opportunities are being identified and developed. The Soccer Academy strategy strongly supports the government’s School Sports Framework for learners by providing extra-curricular activities at school.”

Gould, who has won several trophies down the years and represented his country, has praised the fine work that is being done.

He said, “It is overwhelming to see the impact such a programme makes as an extra-curricular activity in schools, encouraging the boys to develop discipline and camaraderie. This programme teaches a range of skills I wish I understood from a younger age.

“They strive to excel at school in order to be part of the programme. Some of the boys may become sporting heroes and some may become lawyers, but it is the Tsogo Sun Soccer Academy that is laying the foundation of fundamental life skills through sport that will allow them to succeed and accomplish better lives.

“Being involved in a sports programme can only benefit you. You will inadvertently be opened up to learning through your passion and essentially setting yourself up to make better decisions which will ensure your success.”

Source: Soccer Laduuuma – Joe Crann