The High Commission has enjoyed a relationship with the school which has represented Jamaica in the past four stagings (2007 – 2010) of the annual Latin American and Caribbean Championships. It was felt that in this year when so much attention is focused on football in South Africa, a coaching clinic targeting previously disadvantaged youth would be quite fitting. This initiative is in keeping with the spirit of bilateral co-operation and friendship between Jamaica and South Africa.

The clinic was conducted by Jamaican soccer coach, Mr Brian Stoddart and his colleague Mr Angola Selassie, founders of the non-profit organisation, African World Football. Mr Stoddart is also the director of coaching for the Atlanta Youth Soccer Association. Both men expressed great pleasure at having the opportunity to contribute to development in South Africa and the African continent, on this occasion through the school community in Kwaggafontein. “While we appreciate the sentiments of gratitude and appreciation expressed to us, we recognise this to be our duty and we are very much humbled by the opportunity to serve the people of the proud nation of South Africa” said Mr Stoddart.

Mr Stoddart went on to say, “the game of football is more than just about kicking a ball and we would like to convey the importance and value of teamwork and co-operation. We would also like to stress the importance of education as a tool to facilitate progress and development.”

For their part, the school was grateful for the assistance given, noting that it would serve to encourage the youth to excel not only in sports but also in their education. Principal of the school, Mr MJ Modiba, thanked the High Commission for its continued support of the school, while Chairman of the School Governing Body, Mr TJ Masina, said the input by the coaches “gives us hope for the future.” He added that the school was busy expanding its facilities to include new volleyball, netball and tennis courts.

African World Football also presented the school with a gift of technical training equipment prior to the start of the clinic during which the school’s two squads (approximately 30 pupils) were put through their paces. The African World Football representatives expressed the hope that the programme will develop into a long term partnership and the High Commission committed to continue to working with the school to support its development programme.

See photos from the day - http://www.flickr.com/photos/51667180@N03/?saved=1