Rural soccer players get opportunity of a lifetime
'This is a wonderful opportunity for the players from across our region, to be exposed to international competition and to showcase their own abilities for the talent scouts who will attend the tournament,' said Hughes
ON the back of their trip to Ireland late last year, the Mtubatuba Football Academy (MFA) players have been given an opportunity to showcase their talent at the Sedriano World Cup in Italy.
After opening up the try outs to young talented players from across Zululand, Sheldon Hughes, MFA head coach, is in the final stages of putting together the U/13 and U/15 teams that are set to compete from 18–21 April.
‘This is a wonderful opportunity for the players from across our region, to be exposed to international competition and to showcase their own abilities for the talent scouts who will attend the tournament,’ said Hughes.
‘As always, the only stumbling block is funding.
‘Mtuba Pharmacy graciously sponsored the teams’ kit and the Italian club organising the tournament has offered to cover our accommodation and food while over there.
‘That just leaves plane tickets for the 27 players and four coaches set to attend.’
Hughes has approached the local municipality, the Department of Sport and Recreation, and local companies to assist in sponsoring the tickets.
‘I am reaching out to corporates and government departments from across the region, given that the players who have been selected are not only from Mtuba.’
Hughes’ mission with MFA is to not only teach his players – all of whom hail from impoverished backgrounds – the game of football, but to also shape their character, helping to keep them off the streets and out of a life of crime.
‘We at Mtuba Football Academy strive to uplift children from rural areas. Our players cannot afford any luxuries in life, least of all a plane ticket to Italy.
‘Some of these youngsters will never get this opportunity again so I am appealing to anyone who is willing and able to assist in getting our teams to the Sedriano World Cup in Milan.
‘They will be playing in front of talent scouts from across Europe who are bound to recognise the talent we are fostering.’
Anyone willing and able to help sponsor can contact Sheldon Hughes on 076 8739927.
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