MyPE

Community Business Directory, Event Listings, News and Views from Gqeberha, Nelson Mandela Bay

Getting a KICK start

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Children of Volkswagen Group South Africa’s (VWSA) employees were treated to training by professional coaches at the Soccer Coaching Clinic held on the PeoplePavilion sports fields earlier this month.

In conjunction with NODEFA, VWSA’s PeoplePavilion team hosted three soccer coaching clinics – 14, 28 September and 5 October 2013.

NODEFA, which stands for Kwa-Nobuhle and Despatch Football Association, has always had strong ties with VWSA through the decade of support by the Volkswagen Community Trust.

“One of our key objectives is to develop young talent to play at a professional level. It was our link with Volkswagen Community Trust that brought the soccer coaching clinics to the PeoplePavilion,” explains NODEFA President Monde Mhletywa.

NODEFA is affiliated to the South African Football Association (SAFA) Nelson Mandela Bay Region and has 38 teams under its banner. Each of the 38 teams has at least three junior teams.

The coaching clinics were conducted by SAFA-accredited coaches who provided the equipment required for the coaching. The children who benefit from the clinics reside in the Uitenhage area.

“My 13-year old son, Avela, really enjoyed the sessions and learnt a lot about the basics of soccer,” said Luvuyo Mangi from VWSA’s Logistics Department. “These clinics are such a great initiative and should take place more often.”

VWSA Human Resources employee Nombasa Lamani also sent her 11-year old son to the clinics.

“Simbulele really enjoyed the interaction with other kids who also enjoy soccer.  It is wonderful that our company puts events like this together for our families – I really hope there are more to come,” she said.

Nomboniso Spogter from the HR Department said: “My two sons learnt the discipline of soccer, team work and the importance of training. They would love to attend more session.”

Over 300 children benefited from the valuable coaching expertise over the three coaching clinics.

“We are very grateful for having such a healthy and vibrant partnership with VWSA through Volkswagen Community Trust as it yields positive and exciting outcomes. The Kwanobuhle and Despatch community has produced a number of players in the Premier soccer league as well as the National team. All the success we have gained to date starts with coaching clinics of this nature,” comments Mhletywa.

“I am so proud to be involved with an initiative that is teaching the youth about a sport that is dear to my heart,” said Buyile Gqubule, Manager: PeoplePavilion and AutoPavilion.

“The coaching clinics were well attended and we are definitely planning similar initiatives in the future,” he said.

SAFA Coaching Clinic
The children, after the coaching clinic with their SAFA-accredited coaches.
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Alan Straton

Chief Cook, Bottle Washer and Broom Mechanic at MyPE
Passionate about Port Elizabeth and definitely NOT packing for Perth. Alan's ethos is epitomised in the words of Nelson Mandela; "I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free society. If need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." See more articles by Alan.