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Young South Africans were given
a new opportunity to embrace one of the region’s
most loved sporting pastimes thanks to a new coaching
development programme launched in the Western
Cape in September. The project uses cricket as
a means of building trust with young people from
marginalised communities, combining fun activities
with essential life skills training and messages,
which will hopefully contribute to reduced drug
use, crime and gang activity in the community.
The Positive Futures Cricket Project was launched
at the Forest Heights High School, Eersteriver,
on Saturday, 15 September. The project has been
developed and funded by UK Sport and the British
Consulate General in Cape Town, in conjunction
with LifeLine/Childline Western Cape and the Western
Province Cricket Club. The initial training in
July ’07 was delivered by London Active Communities
and the London Community Cricket Association.
Speaking of the launch, UK Sport’s International
Youth Consultant, Catherine Dean said, “The Positive
Futures South Africa initiative recognises the
significant positive outcomes that sport coupled
with positive role models can bring.”
The British High Commissioner, the Rt Hon Paul
Boateng, said “This is yet another excellent example
of UK/South African co-operation in the field
of sport. I am sure that this project will make
a significant difference to lives of the youth
in Eersteriver.”
Jacques Kallis, South African and world-class
all-rounder, and very much a local hero, made
a guest appearance at the launch, much to the
excitement of all the children. He encouraged
the youngsters to nurture their talent, and to
make the most of their sporting opportunities
through this programme. He offered his support
to the Positive Futures Cricket Project, and wished
the youngsters everything of the best.
The project has been implemented by Western Province
Cricket Club (WPCC) and LifeLine/Childline Western
Cape.
Chairman of WPCC, Paul Burton said, “The energy
shown by the WPCC ETA (Exercise Teachers Academy)
coaches has been infectious – the learners have
already bonded with them and this augurs well
for the integration of the life skills part of
the project.”
Bernie Ross, the youth development manager for
LifeLine/Childline Western Cape said, “This project
offers an opportunity to focus on the child and
not just the anti-social behaviour, and to work
with the underlying issues, which is where change
can truly happen.”
The Positive Futures Project is one of a number
of bilateral sports and development projects contained
within the Protocol of Action agreement between
Sports and Recreation South Africa and UK Sport.
This project will seek to deliver age appropriate
activities for boys and girls between the ages
of 11 and 19, and will provide the opportunity
for community leaders and coaches to work with
all groups on a weekly basis. Participants over
15 years who display leadership skills and traits
will be given the opportunity to become peer mentors
– instilling important personal and community
values.
Cricket coaching began with a modified form of
the game known as ‘Tapeball Cricket’ allowing
a more introductory start to the game for learners.
Participants who show an aptitude for the game
will be able to move on to a more conventional
cricket environment with structured coaching both
within the townships and at the Western Province
Cricket Club.
The Forest Heights pilot will offer new means
to reach children living in the area and communicate
the dangers and consequences of drugs, crime,
anti-social behaviour and to educate and raise
awareness of HIV/AIDS. |
